N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law § 37: Artificial hall lighting

§ 37. Artificial hall lighting. 1. In every multiple dwelling the

owner shall provide a light or lights, each of at least sixty watts

incandescent or twenty watts cool white fluorescent or equivalent

illumination, for every vestibule and entrance hall in every public

hall, stair, fire-stair and fire-tower on every floor. Said light or

lights shall be located as prescribed by the department, but, in every

stair, fire-stair or fire-tower, shall be so located that every part

thereof shall be lighted.

2. Except as provided in subdivision three, every such light shall be

turned on by the owner at sunset every day and shall not be turned off

by the owner until the following sunrise. Every such light shall be kept

burning daily from sunset until sunrise, but if it becomes extinguished

and remains so without the knowledge or consent of the owner he shall

not be liable. The burden shall be upon the owner to show that the light

became and remained extinguished without his knowledge or consent.

3. Every light in every fire-stair and fire-tower at every story, and

in every stair and public hall at every story where there is no window

opening to the outer air, shall be kept burning continuously except that

this provision shall not apply to public halls lighted as provided in

subdivision eleven of section two hundred seventeen.

4. When the natural light in any public hall in a multiple dwelling is

not sufficient to permit a person to read the names on a mail box or

other receptacle for mail, the owner shall install a lighting fixture

directly over such mail box or receptacle and maintain it in serviceable

condition, so that a light may be turned on at any time for the

convenience of tenants or the mail carrier.