Rewiring Sufficient for MCI Rent Hike

Landlord sought MCI rent hikes for a rewiring and electrical upgrade, along with the installation of an intercom system and hardwired smoke detectors. The DRA ruled for landlord. Tenant appealed, claiming the work was incomplete because landlord didn't install new electrical outlets in each room of her apartment. The DHCR ruled against tenant. Adequate rewiring of a building is an MCI if there is installation of new electric service to the building, new copper risers and feeders that extend from the property box in the basement to every apartment, with sufficient capacity at the apartment panel to support installation of air conditioner circuits and outlets, as well as two double outlets in the kitchen for heavy-duty appliances. Landlord wasn't required to install new outlets throughout tenant's apartment.

1415 Green Avenue: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. VB210054RT (5/22/08) [3-pg. doc.]