New Loft Law Passes Senate, Awaits Governor
The long embattled Loft law, this week was passed in both houses of the legislature. The next step is approval by the Governor. This legislation will extend Loft Law protections to approximately 300 buildings, or about 3600 additional units that were converted after 1987 for residential purposes. These units are primarily in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan. This legislation protects tenants who lived in a loft for at least 12 consecutive months between the dates of January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009.
The Loft Law was originally enacted in 1982 following an increase in the number of non-residential buildings that were being converted wholly or partially to residential use. These buildings all lacked compliance with laws governing zoning, housing maintenance, health, safety and fire protection standards applicable to residential occupants. Tenants were also subject to arbitrary evictions and unfair rent increases.
In 1987, the Loft Law was amended to cover additional buildings that had been occupied residentially by three or more families since passage of the 1982 law. About 900 buildings were registered upon passage of the original Loft Law. Of that group, approximately 600 buildings have been legalized for residential occupancy.
Assemblyman Lentol said, “Brooklyn’s loft tenants have helped recreate our neighborhoods—taking empty, deteriorating buildings and creating beautiful space. I am proud to sponsor this legislation which protects these important residents who have put so much of themselves into our communities.Under the legislation, building owners have to file their rented loft space with the New York City Loft Board within nine months of the effective date of this legislation.
To begin conversion from commercial to residential, they must obtain a work permit within a year of the effective date. They also have 18 months to comply with city fire and safety standards. Owners must also seek a certificate of occupancy for converted lofts within 36 months of the effective date.
The Loft Board can twice extend the compliance deadline for up to 12 months if an owner is unable to meet the requirements for reasons beyond his or her control.
—submitted by Assemblyman Joseph Lentol’s office
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