Scraping and Repainting of Fire Escapes Don't Qualify

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on scraping and repainting of building fire escapes. The DRA ruled against landlord. Landlord appealed, claiming that the scraping and repainting of the fire escapes was done in connection with a complete building facade restoration. The DHCR ruled against landlord. While the installation of new building-wide fire escapes may qualify as an MCI, scraping and painting of a fire escape is repair and maintenance work. Even if done in connection with an MCI, it doesn't qualify for any MCI rent hike.

Samson Mgmt.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. RD430028RO (9/25/03) [2-pg. doc.]