5282

COUNTY LOCAL LAWS

he may schedule and conduct, within a reasonable period
of time, a hearing on the request. Notice of the hearing
and its time and place shall be given to the person
requesting the rent increase, all tenants affected by or
subject to the rent increase request, any tenant
association or organization representing the tenants of
the dwelling units or rental facilities which are
affected by or subject to the rent increase request, and
any person who filed a comment as to the request.

(7)    If the Executive Director conducts a
hearing on a request for a rent increase as provided by
subsection 6, above, such hearing shall be in lieu of
that provided by subsection 8, below; and will be
conducted in accordance with the procedures provided by
subsection 9, below; and will be subject to appeal as
provided by subsection 10, below.

(8)    Upon the issuance of the written
findings, opinions and orders of the Executive Director,
any person aggrieved by the action may appeal such
action. The decision of the Executive Director shall
become final unless appealed. If a person aggrieved
decides to appeal such action, that person must, within
ten (10) days of receipt of the written findings,
opinions or orders, appeal such action to the Executive
Director by filing a written notice of appeal with the
Office of Landlord—Tenant Affairs. Upon the filing of
the written notice of appeal, under this subsection, the
Executive Director shall schedule and conduct, within a
reasonable period of time, a hearing on his action.
Notice of the hearing and its time and place shall be
given to the person aggrieved and all interested parties.

(9)    The hearing shall be open to the public;
except, that any party to it may request, in writing, a
private hearing, which may be granted in the discretion
of the Executive Director. In conducting hearings on
rent increase requests, the Executive Director shall have
the power to summon all witnesses deemed necessary.
Summons must be signed by the Executive Director and
shall require the attendance of named persons and the
production of relevant documents and records. Failure to
comply with a summons shall constitute a violation of
this Chapter. Any party to the hearing may request the
issuance of a summons. Any part to a hearing, at the
party's option, may appear before the Executive Director
in person or by a duly authorized representative and may
have the assistance of an attorney. The parties may
present testimony and evidence which shall be given under
oath or by affirmation. The Office of Landlord—Tenant
Affairs shall keep a full record of the hearing, which
record, if the hearing is public, shall be open to
inspection by any person, and, upon request by any party