Background:

The Notice of Application by Owner for MCI Increase (form RA-79) is the first step in the life of a MCI Application.  This notice is sent to tenants by DHCR alerting the tenant that a new MCI has been applied for by the owner.  It allows the tenant to comment on the MCI and that comment is added to the review process by the DHCR Rent Administrator who ultimately rules on the validity of the MCI.   It also provides for requesting an extension to comment of up to 60 days.

MCIs are building centric.  So the figures, the docket numbers on this form are always the same for a given building.  The only thing that varies is the tenant's name and apartment number.

It is not uncommon for a tenant to discard this notice.  Below are two ways a tenant can still commment on the MCI or request an extension to comment.

What to Do:

If a tenant has discarded the form or misplaced it, he/she can contact a neighbor within their own building for a copy, then white out the neighbor's name and apartment, hand writing in their own.  

In lieu of that, if the docket number and mail date are known or can be obtained from a neighbor in the building, the tenant can  write a business letter to DHCR at MCI Unit, 92-31 Union Hall St., Jamaica, NY 11433, referencing the docket number and requesting a 60 day extension to respond.

Posted by J.Marsh