MCI Increase Granted for Full Staircase Replacement

Landlord applied to the DHCR for MCI rent hikes based on staircase replacement and installation of a backflow valve. The DRA ruled for landlord. Tenant appealed and lost. Tenant claimed that the staircase was only repaired and wasn't a building-wide installation. She also claimed that DOB didn't sign off properly on the backflow valve. The DHCR, after inspection, found that landlord proved that complete replacement of the staircase from the ground floor to the top floor, including landings and risers, had been done and qualified as an MCI. And DOB had signed off on the backflow valve replacement.

Gago: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. FR430001RT (9/17/21)[2-pg. document]