Architectural or engineering services which are directly related to an IAI are considered part of the
allowable costs eligible to be included in calculating a rent increase when the work requires approval by a
Registered Architect (RA) or Professional Engineer (PE), for the issuance of a permit by the New York City
Department of Buildings (DOB). More information about permits is available on DOB’s website.
B. Items that do not qualify as an IAI:
1. Any removal or demolition work performed by the owner or an employee of the owner
during the course of assigned duties does not constitute an expenditure that can be included
in the calculation of the rent adjustment for an IAI;
2. Used equipment, furnishings or items replaced through normal maintenance or repair;
3. Installations or modifications made while a tenant is in occupancy without such tenant’s
written consent; and
4. Items that constitute ordinary repairs and maintenance unless such work was done in
connection with (and is a necessary component of) an allowable IAI. If done alone, the
following items constitute repairs and/or maintenance only, and do not qualify as IAIs
unless included above in Section V(A).
a. Installing sheetrock in less than the full apartment;
b. Plastering, painting;
c. Scraping, shellacking or coating floors with polyurethane;
d. Replacing light fixtures, outlets or switches;
e. New ceilings (see #18 above).
Revised (2/20) OB-2016-1 Page 6 of 7
Also excluded from calculating an IAI rent increase are charges connected with financing the installation,
improvements paid for out of insurance proceeds, and labor charges for work done by the owner, or an
owner’s employee(s), during the course of assigned duties.