Loft buildings in New York City that meet the criteria set forth in the Loft Law (Multiple Dwelling Law Article 7-C) are covered by the law as "Interim Multiple Dwellings" (IMDs) and are under the Loft Board's jurisdiction.

Generally speaking, a building that meets the following criteria will be subject to the Loft Law:

1. The building possesses no residential certificate of occupancy pursuant to §301 of the Multiple Dwelling Law;
2. The building was used in the past for manufacturing, commercial or warehousing purposes; and
3. There were three or more residential tenants living in separate apartments in the building in the 20-month period between April 1, 1980, and December 1, 1981 (the "statutory window period").

As of July, 2010, there are 301 IMD buildings under the jurisdiction of the Loft Board.

Download the Loft Law

The foregoing should not be considered a substitute for reading article 7-c of the Multiple Dwelling Law (the "Loft Law") or the Loft Board's rules.