N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law § 282-a: Applications for coverage of interim multiple dwellings and residential units

§ 282-a. Applications for coverage of interim multiple dwellings and

residential units. 1. Where any occupant has filed an application for

coverage pursuant to this article and has received a docket number from

the loft board, it shall be unlawful for an owner to cause or intend to

cause such occupant to vacate, surrender or waive any rights in relation

to such occupancy, due to repeated interruptions or discontinuances of

essential services, or an interruption or discontinuance of an essential

service for an extended duration or of such significance as to

substantially impair habitability of such unit, at any time before the

loft board has made a final determination, including appeals, to approve

or deny such application. This section shall not grant any rights of

continued occupancy other than those otherwise granted by law. Any

agreement that waives or limits the benefits of this section shall be

deemed void as against public policy. In addition to any other remedies

provided in this article for failure to be in compliance, in article

eight of this chapter, or in the regulations promulgated by the loft

board, an occupant who has filed an application with the loft board for

coverage under this article may commence an action or proceeding in a

court of competent jurisdiction, which notwithstanding any other

provision of law shall include the housing part of the New York city

civil court, to enforce the provisions of this section.

2. It shall be unlawful for any owner to interrupt, deny, or

discontinue essential services, or to impair the habitability of an

interim multiple dwelling unit or building. In addition to any remedies

provided under this article, regulations promulgated by the loft board,

or any other law or regulation governing the housing standards, any

occupant of an interim multiple dwelling may commence an action or

proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction which, notwithstanding

any other provision of law, shall include the housing part of the New

York city civil court, to enforce the provisions of this section. Any

agreement that waives or limits the benefits of this section shall be

deemed void as against public policy.