Bikman v. New York City Loft Board

OPINION OF THE COURT

Jones, J.

The question before this Court is whether the estate of a deceased loft tenant is entitled to recoup the value of improvements made by the tenant pursuant to Multiple Dwelling Law § 286 (6). We answer in the affirmative.

Decedent Minda Bikman became a resident of the subject Manhattan loft in 1974 and was the protected tenant under article 7-C of the Multiple Dwelling Law. 1 Minda died in 1997 and petitioner Charla Bikman, Minda’s sister, represents the estate. During her tenancy, Minda improved the raw loft space by installing a kitchen and bathroom and making…