N.Y. Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law § 775

§ 775. Defenses. It shall be a sufficient defense to the proceeding,\nif the owner or any mortgagee or lienor of record establish that:\n a. The condition or conditions alleged in the petition did not in fact\nexist or that such condition or conditions have been removed or\nremedied; or\n b. Such condition or conditions has been caused by a petitioning\ntenant or tenants or members of the family or families of such\npetitioner or petitioners or of their guests or by other residents of\nthe dwelling or their families or guests; or\n c. Any tenant or resident of the dwelling has refused entry to the\nowner or his agent to a portion of the premises for the purpose of\ncorrecting such condition or conditions.\n