What does an apartment have to have to make it legal in Manhattan?

jaroussie: What does an apartment have to have to make it legal in Manhattan?
Does anyone have an official resource of what an apartment needs to be legal in Manhattan? I’m concerned because I don’t have a stove fixture or a bathroom sink, and I’m charged a fixed rate for utilities (probably not metered separately). What is an apartment required to have to be legal, and what actions should I take (within reason) if it isn’t? I really like this place, but I’d like them to add some amenities in.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Kokopelli
You question would be better directed to a City buildling inspector or the Dept of Buildings. I do know from my mortgage an real estate experience in New Jersey that some of the considerations are a separate entrance, and separate cooking and toilet facilities. If a dwelling unit has these it can be considered a separate residential unit, as opposed to a mother/daughter arrangement. A qualified apartment or the building which has passed inspection would also have the appropriate certificate of occupancy, which would spell out, among other things, the legal number of occupants in a dwelling unit.

If your apartment has no stove and no connections for a gas or electric stove, this may be an issue.

The best source for your answer really would be the New York City agency with the proper jurisdiction, and the dept of Buildings is a good place to start. You might also find information from the NYC Rent Guidelines Board.