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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2017

Contact: Ryan Max, publicaffairs@culture.nyc.gov, 212-513-9323 (Cultural Affairs)
Alexander Schnell, aschnell@buildings.nyc.gov, 212-393-2126 (Buildings)

CITY REMINDS NEW YORKERS OF UPCOMING DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR LOFT LAW PROTECTION UNDER NY STATE LAW

The deadline is June 15 for tenants and building owners to apply to preserve safe, affordable housing and workspace in former commercial and manufacturing zones or mixed use buildings.

New York – The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl and Department of Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler today urged New Yorkers living in eligible spaces to consider applying for coverage under the New York City Loft Law by the upcoming deadline of June 15, 2017. The Loft Law, enacted by the New York State Legislature in 1982, established the NYC Loft Board to regulate the conversion of certain units and buildings in the city from commercial or manufacturing use to legal residential use. Under the Loft Law, residential tenants of former commercial and manufacturing loft spaces are allowed to remain in their spaces while the owner legalizes the building or units. More information is available at www.nyc.gov/loftboard.

“New York’s creative community has always found a way to thrive in a huge range of spaces and circumstances. The Loft Law provides an opportunity for people living in lofts across the city, including our artist community, to stay in buildings and communities where they’ve put down roots while bringing their space up to code, providing a safer space to live and work,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl.

“New York City’s diverse housing stock is integral to the unique character of our neighborhoods. Lofts have historically provided artists with a space to create and show their work. Tenants living in these spaces must apply for legal status under the New York City Loft Law by June 15th, if they have not already done so. Bringing lofts into legal compliance will ensure tenant safety and preserve this distinctive housing,” said Buildings Commissioner Rick D. Chandler, PE.

DCLA, DOB, and the NYC Loft Board will host a seminar on Friday, April 28 for residents who want to learn more about the law and the application process. The seminar will include a presentation from Loft Board Executive Director Helaine Balsam. It will take place in DCLA’s offices (31 Chambers Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10007) from 4:30-5:30pm. More information is available on the Department of Cultural Affairs’ Facebook page.

Article 7-C of the Multiple Dwelling Law (MDL), also known as the Loft Law, established a new class of buildings and units in New York City known as interim multiple dwellings ("IMD"). Generally, IMDs encompass formerly commercial and manufacturing loft spaces that were used as residences. Because these lofts failed to meet the requirements for legal residential occupancy, the Loft Law also established the Loft Board with the mission of coordinating the conversion of these spaces for legal residential use. In 2015, the New York State Legislature established a filing deadline of June 15, 2017 for registration applications from owners and Article 7-C coverage applications from tenants. Anyone seeking Loft Law coverage must file with the Loft Board on or prior to June 15, 2017.

About Affordable Real Estate for Artists (AREA)
To ensure that artists continue to thrive and work in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in the 2015 State of the City Address a commitment to create 1,500 units of affordable housing and 500 units of artist workspaces for the cultural community over the next decade.

An inter-agency taskforce, including the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), Housing Preservation and Development, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has begun work on developing affordable housing and workspace for artists. AREA will work with residents, real estate developers, cultural partners, housing agencies, and the philanthropic community to implement these goals. For more information visit www.nyc.gov/culture.

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