MCIs Reviewed

MCI Regulations call for the following below.  What they don't seem to take into account is whether or not a landlord is putting in MCIs  that are unnecessary for any purpose other than  raising rents in order to force tenants out.  What they don't seem to take into account is whether or not the MCIs conform to a clear pattern designed to oust tenants.  Such an obvious oversight.  

Who among our representatives is minding the store?

To qualify as an MCI, the improvement or installation must:

1. be depreciable pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, other than for ordinary repairs;
2. be for the operation, preservation and maintenance of the building;
3. directly or indirectly benefit all tenants; and,
4. meet the requirements set forth in the useful life schedule contained in the applicable Rent Regulations.

To be eligible for a rent increase, the MCI must be a new installation and not a repair to old equipment. Some procedures qualify as MCI's as well, such as "pointing" a building. DHCR Fact Sheet #33, "Useful Life Schedule" includes a partial list of installations that qualify for MCI rent adjustments. All applications for MCI rent adjustments must be filed within two years of the installation.