CE110159RT
                                  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.:           
                                                       CE110159RT
                     LEONARD FREED,
                                                       RENT ADMINISTRATOR'S
                                                       DOCKET NO.:
                                   PETITIONER          BI110029B  
          ----------------------------------x     



            ORDER AND OPINION DENYING PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
                                          

          On May 6, 1988, the above-named petitioner-tenant filed a Petition 
          for Administrative Review (PAR) of an order issued on April 12, 
          1988, by the Rent Administrator, concerning the housing accommoda- 
          tion known as 261-34 Langston Avenue, Apartment 2, Glen Oaks, 
          New York, wherein the Rent Administrator denied the tenant's 
          complaint of a decrease in services.

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

          This proceeding was commenced by the filing by the tenant of a 
          complaint of a decrease in services dated September 15, 1987, 
          alleging a leaking roof gutter, and a defective concrete stoop.

          An inspection conducted by a Division of Housing and Community 
          Renewal (DHCR) staff inspector on February 25, 1988, revealed that 
          the gutter was not defective and the new concrete stoop was 
          completed in a workmanlike manner.  The Administrator's order, 
          herein appealed, was based on the inspector's report.  In the PAR, 
          the tenant states that the new stoop does not conform to the 
          standards of the Housing Maintenance Code, in that it has a short 
          step which is a trip hazard.   

          After careful consideration, the Commissioner is of the opinion 
          that the petition should be denied.














          CE110159RT





          The report of inspection dated February 25, 1988, by an employee of 
          the Division who is not a party to the proceeding, was properly 
          placed in the record for consideration by the Administrator.  The 
          Commissioner notes that the report of the Agency's inspector has 
          greater probative value than the assertions of a party to the 
          proceeding.  The Commissioner finds that it was proper for the 
          Administrator to rely on the report of inspection in determining 
          the outcome in this case. 


          THEREFORE, in accordance with the provisions of the Rent Stabiliza- 
          tion Law and Code, and the Emergency Tenant Protection Act of 1974, 
          it is 

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


          ISSUED:





                                                                                                                         
                                                       JOSEPH A. D'AGOSTA
                                                       Deputy Commissioner