Doc. #CF120232RO

                                  STATE OF NEW YORK
                      DIVISION OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL
                            OFFICE OF RENT ADMINISTRATION
                                     GERTZ PLAZA
                               92-31 UNION HALL STREET
                              JAMAICA, NEW YORK  11433



          ------------------------------------X
          IN THE MATTER OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE :     ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW 
          APPEAL OF                                 DOCKET NO.: CF120232RO
               
           
                  Michael Pistilli,           :     RENT ADMINISTRATOR'S
                                                    DOCKET NO.: BJ120603S

                              PETITIONER      :     
          ------------------------------------X               



            ORDER AND OPINION GRANTING PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
                         AND REVOKING ADMINISTRATOR'S ORDER


          On June 29, 1988, the above-named petitioner-owner filed a petition 
          for administrative review of an order issued on June 6, 1988 by 
          Rent Administrator, concerning the housing accommodation known as 
          22-06 38 Street, Apt. 3F, Long Island City, NY wherein the 
          Administrator determined that the owner had refused to paint the 
          apartment and ordered a restoration of the service.

          The Commissioner has reviewed all of the evidence in the record and 
          has carefully considered that portion of the record relevant to the 
          issue raised by the administrative appeal.

          The proceeding was commenced by the filing by the tenants of a 
          complaint of decrease in apartment services, stating that the owner 
          had refused to paint the apartment.  In support of the complaint, 
          the tenants included a copy of a letter to the owner dated August 
          26, 1987.  Contrary to the tenants' complaint, the letter clearly 
          requested that the tenants be allowed to paint the apartment 
          themselves.

          In the PAR, the owner contends that the tenants would not allow the 
          owner to paint, preferring to do it themselves, and that the 
          tenants received a $100 credit toward the rent.  The tenants did 
          not reply to the owner's PAR.

          The Commissioner is of the opinion that the petition should be 
          granted and the Administrator's order revoked.  



          The Administrator's finding that the owner refused to paint the 









          Doc. #CF120232RO

          apartment at a cost of $100 is not supported by the evidence.  The 
          tenants' submissions show that they requested to paint the 
          apartment themselves and take a $100 credit as provided in the 
          lease.  Furthermore, the Administrator's direction to the owner to 
          provide painting services is outside the scope of the complaint.  
          The complaint sought reimbursement for a painting job that was 
          already completed.

          The owner is cautioned that he may not require or encourage tenants 
          to paint their apartments, thereby transferring his obligation to 
          maintain services to the tenants.  Owner shall hereafter paint the 
          apartment in accordance with the provisions of the Law and Code.

          THEREFORE, in accordance with the Rent Stabilization Law and Code, 
          it is 

          ORDERED, that this petition be, and the same hereby is, granted, 
          and that the Rent Administrator's order be, and the same hereby is, 
          revoked.

          ISSUED:                                                           

                                                                           
                                                 Joseph A. D'Agosta
                                                 Deputy Commissioner