Rewiring Work Didn't Qualify as MCI

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on rewiring. The DRA ruled against landlord, who appealed and lost. Landlord installed seven new meters and distribution boxes, along with six A/C lines and outlets in each apartment. Landlord claimed that this qualified as MCI electrical upgrading. But to constitute an MCI, rewiring requires the 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 accommodate the installation of air conditioner circuits and outlets, as well as the actual installation of two double outlets in the kitchen to accommodate heavy-duty appliances. Landlord's work didn't include new cooper risers or feeders from the basement box to every apartment.

Gil: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. ES210007RO (12/29/17) [1-pg. doc.]