Dear Forum Braintrust,
I'm a tenant in a loft in Williamsburg that would certainly qualify for the loft law. I've lived here as a roommate for two years and pay half the rent via a personal check to the landlord, which he accepts and deposits. My roommate (the leaseholder) and I have talked about applying for the loft law but he is hesitant and worried about rocking the boat. I've been told that the period to apply for loft law protection is about to expire in the spring of 2014 and I'm growing impatient with roommate for fear that we'll miss the opportunity to receive protection and have our commercial space rezoned and authorized. I recently heard that occupants - not just leaseholders - can apply for the loft law. Since the lease is technically illegal, it's not about who holds the lease about who lives in the loft. Is that correct? Can anyone please shed some light on this and if the law allows occupants to apply.
Thank you,
Seeking Help