CE410060RT
                                               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.:              
                                                  CE410060RT
                    RONALD JACOBS,
                                                  RENT ADMINISTRATOR'S
                                                  DOCKET NO.:
                                   PETITIONER     BI430033B      
          ----------------------------------x



            ORDER AND OPINION DENYING PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
                                          

          On May 19, 1988, the above-named petitioner-tenant representative 
          filed a petition for administrative review (PAR) of an order issued 
          on April 14, 1988, by the Rent Administrator, concerning the 
          housing accommodation known as 309 West 71st Street, Various apart- 
          ments, New York, New York.

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

          This proceeding was commenced by the filing by various tenants of 
          a complaint of a decrease in services dated September 8, 1987, 
          alleging, among other things, that the fan motor on the roof does 
          not operate 24 hours a day, and therefore the kitchen ventilation 
          is inadequate.

          An inspection conducted by a Division of Housing and Community 
          Renewal (DHCR) staff inspector on February 11, 1988, found that the 
          halls and carpeting were dirty and the carpet was torn in specified 
          places and the Administrator reduced the rent for these conditions.  
          The inspection failed to confirm the tenants' complaint regarding 
          the exhaust fan motor.

          In the PAR, the tenant representative contends that the condition 
          relating to the exhaust fans still exists.

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













                    





          The report of inspection dated February 11, 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 City Law and Code and the Rent 
          and Eviction Regulations, it is

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


          ISSUED:






                                                                           
                                                JOSEPH A. D'AGOSTA
                                                Deputy Commissioner