Rent Control Takes Slow Hold In Cambridge

Cambridge's rent control law is moving slowly towards the implementation that was supposed to occur on Oct, 17.

As of yesterday only 244 landlords had filed a rent control registration form as directed by Philip M. Cronin '53, interim rent control administrator, last week.

Landlords who fail to complete the forms by Nov. 23 will automatically be considered subject to rent control and their rents rolled back to March levels as of Dec. 1.

Cronin said last week that all Cambridge rents will remain at their current levels pending process of the forms and any necessary hearings that result.

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The city has allotted $25,000 and an office in the city hall annex on Inman St. for a staff to begin administration of the law.

Cronin said yesterday that so far one administrative assistant and one secretary have been hired.

Selection of a permanent rent administrator for the city is also incomplete. Last week the citizens' committee that has been considering applicants for the post recommended Eugene Underwood, director of New York City's Housing and Rental Maintenance Division, to city manager John H. Corcoran for consideration.

Corcoran, who has final say in the appointment, will interview Underwood later this week.

George Fantini, chairman of the committee, said yesterday that his group will be meeting again this week and expects to recommend two more candidates to the city manager this week.