N.Y. Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law § 1970

§ 1970. Applicability. The department or agency of a city, town or\nvillage, responsible for the enforcement of the multiple dwelling law,\nthe multiple residence law, or any other law, code or ordinance\ngoverning the occupancy and maintenance of residential property\n(hereinafter in this article referred to as "the department") may\ninstitute a proceeding in accordance with the provisions of this article\nfor a judgment vesting in the city, town or village title to a dwelling\nwhich has been abandoned by the owner. This article shall not apply to a\none-family or two-family dwelling occupied by the owner thereof.\n