Replacement of Basement Doors Not Needed to Complete Courtyard MCI

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on a courtyard/walkway installation, architect's fee, related inspections, courtyard doors, and a TV/security system. The DRA ruled for landlord.

Tenants appealed for a number of reasons and lost. DHCR inspection showed that the concrete replacement was done in a workmanlike manner. Since all metal courtyard doors were replaced, the door replacement was an eligible MCI. The basement doors were separate and failure to replace them wasn't a reason to deny the MCI increase. Since eight security cameras that monitor all entrances and exits of the building on a 24-hour basis daily were installed, the security camera installation qualified as an MCI. Emergency exit only doors weren't ingress/egress doors and therefore weren't part of the security camera MCI. As to Class "C" violations, the 2014 amendments to Rent Stabilization Code Section 2522.4(a)(13) were in effect at the time the DRA's order was issued, and therefore the application was properly processed. 

Various Tenants of 221 to 229 Seaman Avenue: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. FW430030RT (12/24/21)[4-pg. document]