N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law § 191

§ 191. Wainscoting. Wainscoting in any stair or public hall shall be\nremoved unless such wainscoting is backed against a fire-retarded wall\nor the stair or hall is equipped with a sprinkler system conforming to\nthe provisions of section one hundred eighty-seven. Where wainscoting is\nremoved in order to fire-retard a public hall or stair, such wainscoting\nmay be replaced or additional wainscoting may be applied to make the\nsurfaces of any new partitions or walls conform to existing partitions\nor walls provided such additional wainscoting is similarly backed with\nfire-retarded materials.\n