CB110382RO                                 
                                  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






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          IN THE MATTER OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE     ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
          APPEAL OF                               DOCKET NO.:              
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                     JACOB RIEGER,     
                                                  RENT ADMINISTRATOR'S
                                                  DOCKET NO.:
                                   PETITIONER     BE130661S 
          ----------------------------------x



            ORDER AND OPINION GRANTING PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW


          On February 4, 1988, the above-named petitioner-owner timely 
          refiled a petition for administrative review (PAR) of an order 
          issued on January 27, 1988, by the Rent Administrator, concerning 
          the housing accommodation known as 111-45 76th Drive, Forest Hills, 
          New York, Apartment E-3, wherein the Administrator determined that 
          a reduction in rent was warranted based upon a reduction in ser- 
          vices.

          The Rent Administrator also directed full restoration of services.

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

          The issue herein is whether the Rent Administrator properly reduced 
          the rent of the subject apartment.  

          On March 11, 1987, the tenant filed a complaint alleging that the 
          owner failed to maintain services.  More specifically, the tenant 
          alleged that the owner failed to paint the apartment.

          The owner filed an answer to the complaint on September 9, 1987, 
          alleging that the apartment was painted in a workmanlike manner, 
          and in support thereof, he submitted a paid bill from the painting 
          contractor, dated April 23, 1987.  Also included was a signed 
          statement from the tenant advising that the apartment has been 
          competently painted and requesting that his complaint be withdrawn.












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          On appeal, the petitioner-owner asserted, in pertinent part, that 
          the apartment was competently painted to the tenant's satisfaction 
          and that the tenant signed a statement dated September 9, 1987, 
          attesting to this fact.

          The petition was served on the tenant on April 11, 1988 and on 
          April 13, 1988, the tenant filed an answer to the petition con- 
          firming the owner's allegations.

          After careful consideration of the entire evidence of record, the 
          Commissioner is of the opinion that the administrative appeal 
          should be granted.

          The record clearly shows that the tenant signed a statement 
          withdrawing the instant complaint prior to the issuance of the 
          appealed order.

          This evidence supports the owner's contention below and on appeal.

          Additionally, a Notice Of Opportunity to Present Further Informa- 
          tion and Evidence was mailed to the tenant on May 24, 1993, and in 
          response thereto, the tenant submitted another signed statement 
          affirming the fact that the subject apartment was competently 
          painted to his satisfaction.

          Upon the facts found herein, the Commissioner finds that the Rent 
          Administrator's order dated January 27, 1988, should be revoked.

          If there are arrears due to the owner as a result of this determi- 
          nation, the tenant may pay off the arrears in twelve (12) equal 
          monthly installments.


          THEREFORE, in accordance with the provisions of the Rent Stabiliza- 
          tion Law and Code, it is

          ORDERED, that this petition be, and the same hereby is, granted, 
          and  the Administrator's order be, and the same hereby, is revoked 
          in accordance with this Order and Opinion.  


          ISSUED:



                                                                           
                                                JOSEPH A. D'AGOSTA
                                                Deputy Commissioner          
                           
                                     






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