N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law § 355: Title of action or proceeding and parties

§ 355. Title of action or proceeding and parties. Any action or

proceeding referred to in this article shall be brought against the

premises as defendant. Such premises may be described in the title of

the action or proceeding by their street number or by any other method

sufficiently precise to secure identification and shall be described in

the complaint. The plaintiff, except as hereinafter provided, shall be

the department. In case the department shall not institute any action or

proceeding within ten days after receiving a written request to do so

from any taxpayer in the city, then such taxpayer may institute and

maintain such action or proceeding against the premises in his own name,

and the court may, in its discretion, require from him security for

costs.