N.Y. Penal Law § 180.57: Rent gouging in the first degree

§ 180.57 Rent gouging in the first degree.

A person is guilty of rent gouging in the first degree when, in the

course of a scheme constituting a systematic ongoing course of conduct

in connection with the leasing, rental or use of three or more apartment

units, the rental price of which is regulated pursuant to the provisions

of federal, state or local law, he solicits, accepts or agrees to accept

from one or more persons in three separate transactions some

consideration of value, knowing that such consideration is in addition

to lawful rental and other lawful charges established pursuant to the

provisions of such federal, state or local law, and upon an agreement or

understanding that the furnishing of such consideration will increase

the possibility that any person may obtain or renew the lease, rental or

use of such property, or that a failure to furnish it will decrease the

possibility that any person may obtain or renew same, and thereby

obtains such consideration from one or more persons.

Rent gouging in the first degree is a class E felony.