MCI Increase Granted for Elevator Upgrading

Landlord applied for MCI rent increases based on installation of hot and cold water repiping as well as elevator upgrading. The DRA ruled for landlord. Tenant appealed and lost. Among other things, the DHCR noted that elevator upgrading, including the installation of a new controller and selector in this case constituted an MCI. Tenant also incorrectly claimed that the prior elevator hadn't outlived its useful life. DHCR records showed that there had been no rent increase for an elevator upgrade within the past 25 years. And, contrary to tenant's claim, the DRA deducted costs for elevator testing from the approved MCI costs. 

Long: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. HQ630002RT (8/6/21)[3-pg. document]