MAJOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Landlord's Wheelchair/Accessibility Ramp Wasn't a Building-Wide Improvement

November 17, 2022    

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on installation of a wheelchair/accessibility ramp. The DRA ruled against landlord, who appealed and lost. Since 2016, the DHCR had granted MCI applications for wheelchair/...

Gas Piping Service Costs for New Boiler Disallowed

November 17, 2022    

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on installation of a new boiler. The DRA ruled for landlord in part, denying any increase for costs associated with engineering, installation of bypass equipment, and...

Prior Pointing and Waterproofing Was Part of Project Whose Useful Life Hadn't Expired

November 17, 2022    

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on pointing and building facade work. The DRA ruled against landlord, who appealed and lost. The DRA found that a prior MCI rent hike was granted in 2001 for exterior...

MCI Increase Granted for CCTV Security Camera System

November 17, 2022    

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on rewiring and installation of a security camera system. The DRA ruled for landlord. Tenants appealed and lost. They claimed that the security camera system was landlord...

MCI Increase Granted for Gas Piping Installed with Unit Renovations

November 17, 2022    

The DHCR's DRA granted landlord's application for MCI rent hikes based on the installation of gas piping. Tenants appealed and lost. They claimed that the gas piping was installed in connection with apartment...

No MCI Increase for Architect Fees That Duplicated Engineering Fees

November 16, 2022    

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on installation of a parapet, as well as brick and structural steel work for an exterior restoration project. The DRA ruled for landlord in part, including the cost of...

Tenant Needn't Pay MCI Increase Under Vacancy Lease If Not Notified of Pending Application

November 16, 2022    

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on installation of a new roof, building facade, and sidewalk bridge set up during the work. The DRA ruled for landlord. Tenant appealed and lost. Tenant claimed that he...

Pointing and Waterproofing Were Done Within Useful Life of Prior MCI Increase

October 25, 2022    

(Decision submitted by Ronald S. Languedoc of the Manhattan law firm of Himmelstein McConnell Gribben & Joseph LLP, attorneys for the tenants.)

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on...

No MCI Increase for Fencing or Landscaping

October 24, 2022    

The DHCR's Rent Administrator partially granted landlord's application for MCI rent hikes. The DRA granted increases for a new front door and vestibule door, front entrance masonry work, drainage system, and...

DHCR Properly Applied 2% MCI Rent Hike Limit to Tenants' Rents

October 24, 2022    

The DHCR's Rent Administrator granted landlord's application for MCI rent hikes based on installation of an intercom, security cameras, new roof, and exterior restoration. Tenants appealed and lost. They...

DHCR Won't Consider Tenant's Room Count Objection Raised on Appeal

October 24, 2022    

The DHCR's Rent Administrator granted landlord's application for MCI rent hikes based on installation of two gas boilers. Tenant appealed and lost. Tenant claimed that her apartment had only two rooms and...

MCI Increase for Facade Work Denied Based on Prior Increase

October 24, 2022    

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on pointing and steam cleaning. The DRA ruled against landlord, who appealed and lost. The DRA found that landlord had previously obtained an MCI increase in 2008 for...