Lentol, Davila, Cymbrowitz, Nolan, Ortiz, Rosenthal L, Niou, Mosley, Sepulveda, Gottfried, Cook,
Simon, Barron, Carroll, Dilan, Colton, Arroyo, Hevesi, De La Rosa
MLTSPNSR
Epstein, Pichardo, Titone
Amd §§281, 282, 282-a & 284, Mult Dwell L
Amends the definition of interim multiple dwelling units; authorizes claims originating in the loft board to be brought in civil court; amends how rents in interim dwelling units are controlled; subjects cooperative and condominium units to certain rent regulations.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8409B
SPONSOR: Glick TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the multiple dwelling law, in relation to interim multi-
ple dwellings
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to continue to provide an opportunity to
file an application under the loft laws, as well as to update existing
provisions. In addition, this bill would establish a new application
window to further encourage the filing of applications for coverage
under the loft laws.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Sections one and two of the bill updates the application requirements
for units eligible under the 2008-2009 eligibility period. It also
authorizes units to be located in basements and changes the timing as to
when a unit must be in compliance with the window requirements. This
section also removes restrictions relating to use groups fifteen,
sixteen, and seventeen.
Section three of the bill establishes a new eligibility period for units
having residential occupants for at least twelve consecutive months
beginning January 1, 2015 until December 31, 2016, and provides for the
process of attaining loft status.
Section four of the bill removes the requirement of a Loft Board member
to reflect loft manufacturing interests, it increases penalties, and
provides for enforcement by the corporation counsel.
Section five of the bill removes a deadline associated with the filing
of an application.
Sections six and seven of the bill provides for the process for owners
of interim multiple dwellings to attain a certificate of occupancy
applicable to newly added units per this legislation.
Section eight of the bill establishes the process for owners of interim
multiple dwellings to attain a certificate of occupancy for the units
made subject to the law pursuant to section three of the bill.
Section nine of the bill clarifies that applicants shall not be
prevented from applying for registration as an interim multiple dwell-
ing, including applicants who had been previously denied registration as
an interim multiple dwelling by the loft board based on requirements
that are subject to this act.
Section ten of the bill sets the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Many loft tenants currently live in the shadows in unregulated condi-
tions due to an inability to obtain legalized status. The limited window
period of applying for eligibility for loft law coverage has restricted
loft tenants who seek coverage and want to stay in their homes. Current-
ly, a June 15, 2017 deadline exists for submitting applications that
would prohibit many loft tenants from achieving legalization and leaves
them with the possibility of being either forced out of their homes or
to continue to live in unregulated conditions. By extending the applica-
tion window, this bill would aid in improving the living conditions for
loft tenants and increase affordable housing.
The City of New York and the State of New York must take every opportu-
nity to preserve housing units and make those as safe as possible. Three
decades ago there was a policy decision made to offer owners and tenants
of loft spaces a pathway to legalization for their spaces. Such need
remains true today as it did then. Continuing a process where housing
conditions may improve; and people continue to carry out with their
livelihoods is critical.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
