New York Consolidated Laws, Multiple Residence Law - MRE § 2. Legislative finding

It is hereby declared that intensive occupation of multiple dwellings having three or more families, inadequate provision for light and air, insufficient protection against and defective provisions for escape from fire, as well as the amount of improper sanitation existing in multiple dwellings throughout this state are a menace to the health, safety, morals, welfare, and reasonable comfort of its citizens; and that the establishment and maintenance of proper housing standards requiring sufficient light, air, sanitation and protection from fire hazards are essential to the public welfare. Therefore the provisions hereinafter prescribed to provide more adequate protection in the event of fire, and sufficient light, ventilation and sanitation for certain multiple residence buildings are enacted and their necessity in the public interest is hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination.