Landlord Seeks MCI Increase for Balcony Door Installation

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on various installations, including a new boiler, asbestos/pipe insulation, new windows, and hallway renovations. Landlord later withdrew the portion of its application based on new windows. The DRA ruled for landlord but disallowed any increase for engineer fees, sidewalk bridging, balcony doors, and balcony partitions. Landlord appealed, claiming that the balcony doors installation was performed in connection with and directly related to the approved MCI window replacements. The DHCR reopened the case. Building-wide installation of balcony doors constitutes an MCI if proven. The DRA should reconsider whether the balcony doors qualify in this case.

1889 Sedgwick Avenue: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. ZC610012RO (2/27/14) [2-pg. doc.]