Landlord Proved It Obtained DOB Approval for Elevator Upgrading

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on elevator upgrading and installation of elevator shaft steel, elevator bulkhead/roof/interior, elevator wiring, and a TV/security system. Tenants appealed and lost. Tenants argued that the elevator upgrade was done without the issuance of a DOB work permit and that landlord received J-51 tax abatement benefits for the MCI.  The DHCR pointed out that landlord submitted copies of the contracts, invoices, contractors' statements, an affidavit of professional certification from a registered architect, a copy of the DOB permit issued in 2015 for elevator upgrading, and a DOB sign-off issued in 2016.  The DHCR also found no record of J-51 tax benefits granted for the MCI work but noted that, if landlord received J-51 benefits, tenants would be entitled to a temporary reduction of the MCI increases and their rents would be adjusted.

56 S 11th Street Tenants Assoc.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. KM210016RT (6/2/23)[2-pg. document]