N.Y. Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law § 801

§ 801. Who liable to action for waste. An action for waste lies\nagainst a tenant by the curtesy, in dower, for life, or for years, or\nthe assignee of such a tenant, who, during his estate or term, commits\nwaste upon the real property held by him, without a special and lawful\nwritten license so to do; or against such a tenant who lets or grants\nhis estate and still retaining possession thereof commits waste without\na like license.\n