New-York tribune., 1920-10-09
IandlordsOpen
Fight to Test
All Rent Laws
Split i'll Ranks of Realty
Men Is Barely Averted
and They Agree to- Attack
Measures in Weak Spots
Resources Are Pooled
New Bronx Organization
Formed for Sole Purpose
of Pushing Select Cases


A distinct split in the ranks of the
realty interests of the city, caused by
the new rent laws passed at the spe-
cial session Of the state Legislature,
was apparently averted yesterday at
conference Of two legal committees.
The direct result of the meeting was
a decision to bring to immediate test
every doubtful point in the new laws.
These points will be tested in care
fully selected cases of tenants, in order
that the courts will not be congested
by large number of cases of similar
character. The decisions rendered in
each case will be applied to all others
Of similar nature.
The split occurred between the
brokers engaged in real estate opera
tions and real estate owners. Several
West Side owners have formed a ten
tative organization known as the Real
Estate Interests of New York and have
retained former Supreme Court Justice
Francis NJ Scott as counsel to COM
mence series of actions to test the
constitutionality of the new laws.
No Charter Drawn
1t is understood that these men we're
dissatisfied with the Real Estate Board,
but none of them would be quoted on
this point yesterday. The charter OF
the new organization has not been
drawn up, but it is expected to be com
pleted within few days.
julius II. Zieser, chairman Of the
legal board of the new organization,
last night said that his board had held
conference during the day with the
legal committee of the Real Estate
Board, and that the two committees
would work in harmony. They had de-
cided he said, upon the plan of test
ing certain selected cases and these
would be pressed as quickly as possi-
bic in order to clear up all doubts re-
garding the new laws.
1t was reported that former United
States Supreme Court Justice Charles
Z. Hughes had informally rendered an
opinion that the new laws we're un-
constitutional, but this could not be
confirmed. Mr. Hughes refused to
make any statement.
A few cases on contested points have
been brought in the Supreme Court
and are awaiting decision. One is be-
fore Supreme Court Justice Mullan.
new rent laws were not intended to
be retroactive in their effect upon con-
tracts and court decisions.
Levy Asks Public Aid
Judge Aaron j. Levy, president JUS
tice of the Municipal Court last night
issued statement urging everyone
who could to submit suggestions to
the rules committee of the Board Of
Municipal Court Justices that would
aid them in arriving al a standard in
determining fair rental value in dis
puted cases. judge Levy said:
'In anticipation of a volume of liti-
cation which undoubtedly Will come
into the courts as q result of the fail-
urc of landlords and tenants amieablv
to adjust their differences, the board
has charged the rules committee with
the duty of undertaking to recommend
standards which shall constitute the
items for consideration in the matter
OF determining the rental value of
given flats or apartments'
He declares this will be the most i'm
portant phase of the cases under the
new rent laws. "Sugeestions, there
fore, from lawyers and laymen are re-
spectfuiy solicited" he adds at is
hoped that in this manner the court
VIII be very materially aided in arriv-
ing at definite standards in connection
with the determination Of rental value.
so that ultimately if deemed advisable
uniform policy can be decided upon. .
Suggestions should be sent to Justice
f. Spegclberg, chairman of the com
mittec on rules, 264 Madison Street.
Justice John r. Davies, of the Seventh
District Municipal Court, yesterday ap-
pointed an arbitration committee. which
he hopes viii operate to arrest the