Cymbrowitz, Lentol, Nolan, Davila, Rosenthal L, De La Rosa, Epstein, Seawright, Weprin, Gottfried,
Mosley
MLTSPNSR
Amd §§281, 282, 282-a, 284 & 286, Mult Dwell L; amd §27, Chap 4 of 2013
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; makes certain provisions relating to such permanent.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A5841A
SPONSOR: Glick TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the multiple dwelling law, in relation
to interim multiple dwellings; and to amend chapter 4 of the laws of
2013 amending the real property tax law and other laws relating to
interim multiple dwellings in a city with a population of one million or
more, in relation to making certain provisions permanent
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:
Section one of the bill updates the application requirements for units
eligible under the 2008-2009 eligible under the 200E2009 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 two 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 three of the bill increases penalties, and provides for enforce-
ment by corporation counsel.
Section four of the bill removes a deadline associated with the filing
of an application.
Section five 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 six of the bill establishes the process for owners of interim
multiple dwellings to attain a certificate of occupancy for units made
subject to the law pursuant to section two of the bill.
Sections seven and eight make technical changes necessary to implement
the bill.
Section nine of the bill establishes a nine month application period for
eligible units located in the North Brooklyn industrial business zones
commencing once the loft board adopts all necessary rules and regu-
lations.
Section ten of the bill clarifies that applicants shall not be prevented
from applying for registration as an interim multiple dwelling, includ-
ing applicants who had been previously denied registration an interim
multiple dwelling by the loft board based on requirements that are
subject to this act.
Section eleven 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 to
achieve legalization and leaves tenants faced with the possibility of
either being forced out of their homes or continuing to live in unpro-
tected, unregulated conditions. By extending the application window,
this bill would aid in improving living conditions for loft tenants
while preserving much-needed affordable housing units.
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 as pressing today as it did then. Continuing a process
whereby housing conditions improve and people can continue to earn a
livelihood is critical.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Similar to A.8409-B.
2018: A-8409-B - Passed Assembly.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
