Docket Number: FE 210034-RO
                                 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.: FE 210034-RO 
                                            :  
           SARON BET CORP/ VERA GUTTMAN,       DISTRICT RENT ADMINISTRATOR'S
                                               DOCKET NO.: EK 210614-S  
                              PETITIONER    : 
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           ORDER AND OPINION DENYING PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

        On May 1, 1991, the above-named owner filed a  timely  petition  for
        administrative  review  of  an  order  issued  on  April  11,  1991,
        concerning t e  housing  accommodations  relating  to   the   above-
        described docket number.  

        This administrative appeal  is  being  determined  pursuant  to  the
        provisions of 2520.6(r) and 2523.4 of the Rent Stabilization Code.

        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.

        On November 16, 1990,  the  tenant   commenced  this  proceeding  by
        filing a complaint asserting that the owner had failed  to  maintain
        certain services in the subject apartment.

        In its answer filed on December 26, 1990, the  owner  asserted  that
        the tenant "makes up complaint just not to pay rent"  and  that  "we
        would like to request an inspection with your inspector."

        Thereafter on March 4, 1991, an inspection of the subject  apartment
        was conducted by a D.H.C.R. inspector who confirmed the existence of 
        defective conditions.

        The Rent Administrator directed on April  11,  1991  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 the tenant caused  these  defective  conditions  and
        that the tenant "did not pay rent for several months."

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

        Although the owner contends that the tenant caused the disrepair for 
        non-payment of rent, the Commissioner notes that the owner submitted 

        no  evidence  to  substantiate  the  contention  either  while   the
        proceeding was pending before the Administrator or by attachment  to
        its petition.  On the contrary, the owner answered in the proceeding 
        below that the tenant "makes up complaint just not to pay rent"  and







        Docket Number: FE 210034-RO
        that "we would like to request an inspection with your inspections." 
        Indeed, inspection held before the  order's  issuance  reported  the
        existence of defective conditions.

        Accordingly, based on a preponderance of the evidence the owner  has
        offered insufficient reason to disturb  the  Administrator's  order,
        and it should be affirmed.

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

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

        ISSUED:




                                                                      
                                        ELLIOT SANDER
                                        Deputy Commissioner