Rent Hike for Mailboxes, But Not for Ceiling Insulation

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on a number of improvements. The work included insulation to the basement ceiling, as well as installation of six new mailboxes, circuit breakers, a hot water heater, and an automatic door closer. The DRA ruled for landlord in part but disallowed any increase for the basement ceiling insulation and circuit breakers. Tenant appealed and lost. He claimed that landlord installed the new mailboxes without a contractor and that this work didn't qualify. But mailbox replacement qualifies as an MCI if the boxes are relocated from an outer vestibule to an inner vestibule. Tenant didn't dispute that the mailboxes were relocated. It didn't matter whether a contractor performed the work. Landlord proved its costs for the installation.

121 Webster Avenue: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. YI210073RT (10/18/12) [3-pg. doc.]