DD510074RO
                                    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.:  
                                                  DD510074RO
                    JAMES WOODRING,
                                                  RENT ADMINISTRATOR'S
                                                  DOCKET NO.:
                                   PETITIONER     DA510107HW
          ----------------------------------x



            ORDER AND OPINION DENYING PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
                                          

          The above-named owner filed a timely petition for administrative 
          review (PAR) of an order issued concerning the housing accommoda- 
          tions known as 72 Vermilyea Avenue, Apartment 1-D, New York, 
          New York.

          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 petition.

          The tenant commenced this proceeding by filing a complaint 
          asserting that the owner had failed to maintain certain services in 
          the subject apartment.  The owner did not file an answer to the 
          tenant's complaint.

          Thereafter an inspection of the subject apartment was conducted by 
          a Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) inspector who 
          confirmed the existence of the following defective conditions:

                                   Hot water - inadequate.

          The Rent Administrator directed restoration of these services and 
          further ordered, a reduction of the stabilization rent.

          In its petition for administrative review, the owner states, in 
          substance, that he was never served with a copy of the tenant's 
          complaint.














          DD510074RO



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

          The record reveals that the owner's managing agent, John B. Swift 
          Management Co., was served with a copy of the tenant's complaint on 
          February 10, 1989.  The record does not contain an answer to the 
          complaint.

          Pursuant to Section 2523.4 of the Rent Stabilization Code, DHCR is 
          required to order a rent reduction, upon application by a tenant, 
          where it is found that an owner has failed to maintain required 
          services.  The owner's petition does not establish any basis for 
          modifying or revoking the Administrator's order which determined 
          that the owner was not maintaining required services based on a 
          physical inspection confirming the existence of defective 
          conditions in the subject apartment for which a rent reduction is 
          warranted.


          THEREFORE, in accordance with the City Rent Law and the Rent and 
          Eviction Law and Regulations, 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