N.Y. Penal Law § 180.55

§ 180.55 Rent gouging in the third degree.\n A person is guilty of rent gouging in the third degree when, in\nconnection with the leasing, rental or use of real property, he\nsolicits, accepts or agrees to accept from a person some consideration\nof value, less than two hundred fifty dollars, in addition to lawful\nrental and other lawful charges, upon an agreement or understanding that\nthe furnishing of such consideration will increase the possibility that\nany person may obtain or renew the lease, rental or use of such\nproperty, or that a failure to furnish it will decrease the possibility\nthat any person may obtain or renew the same.\n Rent gouging in the third degree is a class B misdemeanor.\n