Bill > A05682

This bill addresses legal protections for loft tenants in New York by modifying the Multiple Dwelling Law to clarify how a unit's status as a primary residence is determined. Specifically, the bill responds to a 2022 court decision that the legislature believes misinterpreted existing loft law protections. The bill establishes that no single factor, such as tax return statements, can solely determine whether a unit is a primary residence for loft tenants. Instead, multiple pieces of evidence can be considered, including tax returns, motor vehicle registrations, and driver's licenses. The bill recognizes the unique living arrangements of loft tenants, who often use their spaces for both residential and business purposes, and seeks to preserve the intent of the original loft law to protect these tenants. The legislation restores the loft board's previous approach to evaluating primary residence, ensuring that tenants cannot be easily displaced and that their rights are protected. The bill will apply retroactively to all pending legal actions and takes effect immediately, providing broader protections for loft tenants and clarifying how their primary residence status should be evaluated.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5682