GA 410443 RT

                                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. GA 410443 RT

                                          :  DISTRICT RENT OFFICE
           Stephen DeGennaro,                DOCKET NO. EJ 410075 TC
                                            
                                             OWNER: Aro Management            
                

                               PETITIONER : 
      ------------------------------------X                             

           ORDER AND OPINION DENYING PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW


      On January 22, 1992, the above-named petitioner-tenant filed a Petition 
      for Administrative Review against an order issued on December 20, 1991, 
      by the Rent Administrator, 92-31 Union Hall Street, Jamaica, New York, 
      concerning the housing accommodation known as 427 East 89th Street, 
      New York, New York, Apartment No. M, wherein the Administrator 
      terminated the proceeding.

      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 administrative appeal.  

      The tenant commenced this proceeding on October 24, 1990 by a filing an 
      objection to the registration.

      Subsequently, on December 10, 1991, the owner advised the Division that 
      pursuant to a negotiated so ordered stipulation of settlement dated 
      December 9, 1991, the tenant had agreed to withdraw his complaint with 
      prejudice.

      In his appeal, the tenant requests that the Administrator's order be 
      reversed because although the owner alleged that various improvements 
      were accomplished in a legal manner by licensed personnel with issued 
      work permits, violations against these improvements had been issued by 
      the Buildings Department.  The tenant stated also that he would seek to 
      have the Court vacate the settlement or renegotiate the rent.

      In reply, the owner contends that the petition should be denied on the 
      grounds that the tenant entered into the stipulation freely and 
      voluntarily with the advice of counsel.  The owner states that it had 
      cured the alleged violations, no work permits, by filing appropriate 
      applications.  The owner notes further that the tenant failed to move to 
      vacate the stipulation of settlement.


      The Commissioner is of the opinion that this petition should be denied.








          GA 410443 RT

      Section 2520.13 of the Rent Stabilization Code provides that based upon 
      a negotiated settlement between the parties and with the approval of the 
      DHCR, or a court of competent jurisdiction where a tenant is represented 
      by counsel, a tenant may withdraw, with prejudice, any complaint pending 
      before the DHCR.  The instant stipulation of settlement meets all the 
      requirements of Section 2520.12 i.e. the tenant was represented and the 
      settlement was so ordered by the court.  Accordingly, the Commissioner 
      finds that the tenant's proper forum for vacatur of the stipulation of 
      settlement is a court of competent jurisdiction.

      THEREFORE, in accordance with the provisions of the Rent Stabilization 
      Law and Code, 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
                                      Acting Deputy Commissioner




                 





























          GA 410443 RT