MAJOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

MCI Increase Denied Due to 1983 HPD Vacate Order That Wasn't Cleared

October 23, 2023    

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes in 2018 based on installation of a boiler, a main entrance door, intercom, security system, and hallway floor replacement. The DRA ruled against landlord due to an outstanding open...

Pointing/Waterproofing Was Done Within Useful Life of Prior Work

October 23, 2023    

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on pointing and waterproofing, exterior restoration work, and a sidewalk shed installed while the work was being performed. The DRA ruled against landlord, finding that it...

MCI Increase for Pointing/Waterproofing Reduced

October 23, 2023    

Landlord applied to the DHCR for MCI rent hikes based on facade restoration that included pointing and waterproofing. The DRA ruled for landlord in part but disallowed the amount of the otherwise approved cost by a...

Useful Life Waiver Request Was Untimely

September 22, 2023    

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on exterior restoration, including pointing and waterproofing. The DRA ruled for landlord in part but reduced the amount of the approved cost by a percentage of a prior MCI...

DHCR Denies First-Floor Tenant's Appeal of MCI Increase for Elevator Upgrade

September 22, 2023    

The DHCR's Rent Administrator granted landlord's application for MCI rent hikes based on an elevator upgrade, including consultant fees. Tenant appealed and lost. Tenant claimed that she shouldn't have to...

Architect/Engineer Fees Disallowed from MCI Cost for Gas Repiping

September 22, 2023    

The DHCR's Rent Administrator granted landlord's application for an MCI rent hike based on gas repiping at its building. Tenants appealed, claiming that there was insufficient proof supporting landlord's...

Landlord Showed No Good Cause to Require DHCR's Late Acceptance of Proof of Violation Clearance

September 22, 2023    

Landlord applied to the DHCR for MCI rent hikes. The DRA ruled against landlord in 2011 due to outstanding Class C violations, one of which involved lead-based paint in a tenant's apartment. Landlord appealed,...

DHCR Must Reconsider Whether Landlord Sufficiently Proved Installation of Hot Water Heater

September 22, 2023    

The DHCR's Rent Administrator denied landlord's application for MCI rent hikes based on installation of a hot water heater. The DRA found that landlord didn't submit necessary information required to...

Resurfacing of Back Courtyard Only Didn't Qualify as MCI

September 22, 2023    

Landlord applied to the DHCR for MCI rent hikes based on installation of a newly resurfaced courtyard and steps behind the building. The DRA ruled against landlord, who appealed and lost. RSC Section 2522.4 defined...

Three-Ply Roof Qualified as MCI

August 27, 2023    

Landlord applied to the DHCR for MCI rent hikes based on installation of a new roof. The DRA ruled for landlord. Tenants appealed and lost. They claimed that the new roof work was a repair and not an MCI. They also...

Building's L-Shaped Apartments Contained Two Rooms, Not One Under DHCR Policy

August 27, 2023    

The DHCR's Rent Administrator granted landlord's application for MCI rent hikes based on installation of a new roof. Tenants appealed and lost. They challenged landlord's room count, claiming that units...

Gas Piping Was Other Work Necessary to Installation of New Boiler/Burner System

August 27, 2023    

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on installation of a gas/oil burner, chimney, and new roof. The DRA ruled for landlord in part but disallowed the claimed cost for installation of gas piping to deliver...