N.Y. Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law § 781

§ 781. "Owner" defined. As used in this article, the term "owner"\nshall mean and include the owner or owners of the freehold of the\npremises or lesser estate therein, mortgagee or vendee in possession,\nassignee of rents, receiver, executor, trustee, lessee, agent, or any\nother person, firm or corporation, directly or indirectly in control of\na dwelling, but shall not include a receiver appointed pursuant to\nsection three hundred nine of the multiple dwelling law.\n