a package
1. What is an MCI?
or steel boiler can only be eligible for an MCI rent
increase if the owner replaces it after 25 years, the
A Major Capital Improvement (MCI) is an
typical estimated life span found in the Useful Life
improvement or installation that improves the
Schedule, and not every 5 years.
overall condition of a building that is subject to the
rent stabilization or rent control laws. Examples of
3. How will I know if my building owner applied
MCIs include new roofs, boiler, windows, plumbing
for an MCI increase?
or electrical rewiring. A comprehensive list of other
examples of MCIs can be found under DHCR Fact
If the building owner applied for an MCI rent
Sheet #33 available at www.hcr.ny.gov/fact-sheets
increase, all rent regulated tenants in the building
will be mailed a notice by DHCR that summarizes
The verified costs of MCIs can be passed onto rent
the application in detail. This notice will contain
regulated tenants through a rent increase to your
information about the improvement, including the
monthly rent. The building owner can only charge
work dates and the claimed costs. In addition, this
the MCI rent increase to tenants after they receive
notice will include the number of rooms in your
approval from the NYS Division of Housing and
apartment. Note that at this stage, DHCR has not
Community Renewal (DHCR) by meeting various
yet determined if the MCI will be granted, partially
required criteria.
granted, or denied.
2. What type of work qualifies for an MCI rent
4. Do I get to respond to and challenge my
increase?
building owner’s MCI application?
MCIs must satisfy several requirements. The work
Yes. Tenants may individually and/or as part of a
must benefit the entire building, not just a few