N.Y. Multiple Residence Law § 2: Legislative finding

§ 2. Legislative finding. It is hereby declared that intensive

occupation of multiple dwellings having three or more families,

inadequate provision for light and air, insufficient protection against

and defective provisions for escape from fire, as well as the amount of

improper sanitation existing in multiple dwellings throughout this state

are a menace to the health, safety, morals, welfare, and reasonable

comfort of its citizens; and that the establishment and maintenance of

proper housing standards requiring sufficient light, air, sanitation and

protection from fire hazards are essential to the public welfare.

Therefore the provisions hereinafter prescribed to provide more adequate

protection in the event of fire, and sufficient light, ventilation and

sanitation for certain multiple residence buildings are enacted and

their necessity in the public interest is hereby declared as a matter of

legislative determination.