Painting Fire Escapes Doesn't Qualify

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on a number of improvements. The DHCR ruled for landlord in part but disallowed any rent increase for the painting of the building's fire escapes. Landlord appealed and lost. Painting fire escapes only qualifies as an MCI if the work is done in connection with a qualifying MCI, such as complete replacement of the fire escapes. Since landlord did no other related work, painting the fire escapes in this case didn't qualify.

K.A. Cohen and Assocs., Inc.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. MD430036RO (3/10/99) [2-pg. doc.]