Then we went to the rent board to try to get possession.

That cynicism has been directed toward the city's rent board, as well.

According to the rent board, the increases will amount to an additional $422 million paid to landlords.

The survey, which is used by the rent board, showed that costs were overstated significantly between 1970 and 1982, the tenants said.

For two-year renewals, the rent board authorized a 1.5 percent increase.

Besides reviewing the formula itself, the rent board is dealing with actual increases in income and costs.

Studies by the rent board's staff showed that operating prices experienced virtually zero increases in 1997 and 1998, although the board raised rents anyway.

He praised them for one- and two-year leases, but said the rent board did not go far enough on vacated apartments.

After the Hempstead officials sat down, the rent board adjourned the session without any discussion of rents.

The rent board also set much lower than usual limits on the amount landlords can charge new tenants of vacated apartments.