N.Y. Abandoned Property Law § 211: Lands held under written contract

§ 211. Lands held under written contract. Where lands have been

escheated to the state and the person last seized was a citizen or

capable of taking and holding real property the commissioner shall

fulfill any contract made by such person or by any person from whom his

title is derived, in respect to the sale of such lands, so far only as

to convey the right and title of the state, pursuant to such contract,

without any covenants of warranty or otherwise, and shall allow all

payment which may have been made on such contracts. If any part of such

escheated land has been occupied under a verbal agreement for the

purchase thereof, and the occupants have made valuable improvements

thereon, such agreement shall be as valid and effectual as if it were in

writing.