N.Y. Multiple Residence Law § 2

§ 2. Legislative finding. It is hereby declared that intensive\noccupation of multiple dwellings having three or more families,\ninadequate provision for light and air, insufficient protection against\nand defective provisions for escape from fire, as well as the amount of\nimproper sanitation existing in multiple dwellings throughout this state\nare a menace to the health, safety, morals, welfare, and reasonable\ncomfort of its citizens; and that the establishment and maintenance of\nproper housing standards requiring sufficient light, air, sanitation and\nprotection from fire hazards are essential to the public welfare.\nTherefore the provisions hereinafter prescribed to provide more adequate\nprotection in the event of fire, and sufficient light, ventilation and\nsanitation for certain multiple residence buildings are enacted and\ntheir necessity in the public interest is hereby declared as a matter of\nlegislative determination.\n