In the 1970s New York City landlords were allowing tenants to move into buildings that were zoned for commercial and manufacturing use in neighborhoods such as Tribeca, SoHo, and Chelsea.
[6] These defenses limited the reasons they could be evicted and absolved them from paying rent because the spaces lacked a certificate of occupancy that was required for residential use.
The law established the Loft Board with enforcing the statute's provisions and deadlines and adjudicating disputes between landlords and tenants.
[8] The goal of the Loft Board was to limit illegal conversion and provide a balance between the rights of landlords and tenants.
The Loft Board during its monthly meetings will vote to accept or reject the proposed order or remand back to OATH.