Two Buildings Were One Horizontal Multiple Dwelling

Landlord sued to evict tenants, claiming that they were unregulated. Tenants claimed that they were rent stabilized. They said that their building, together with the building next door, was a horizontal multiple dwelling that had at least six apartments. The court ruled for tenants and dismissed the case.
Landlord appealed and lost. Documents submitted to the lower court showed that the buildings shared a history of financial interdependence, with common ownership and mortgages. The buildings had a common gas line, water and sewer lines, chimney, boiler, and backyard. The buildings also had a united architectural appearance and the floors in one building were designated "A" and "B," while the floors in the other building were designated "C" and "D." The separate entrances, fire escapes, and electrical and gas meters weren't enough to find that the buildings were separate.

207 E. 117th Street, LLC v. Vera: NYLJ, 7/16/08, p. 33, col. 1 (App. T. 1 Dept.; McKeon, PJ, Schoenfeld, Heitler, JJ)