Cal. Civ. Code § 351
Lien
Operative Text
§ 351. Lien. A multiple dwelling shall be subject to a penalty of one thousand dollars if it or any part of it shall be used as a house of prostitution or assignation with the permission of the owner, and such penalty shall be a lien upon the dwelling and lot upon which it is situated.
Under N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 351, a multiple dwelling becomes subject to a one-thousand-dollar penalty if any portion of the building is used as a house of prostitution or assignation with the owner's permission. That penalty does not merely create a personal obligation — it attaches as a lien against the property and the lot on which it sits. The lien encumbers the real estate itself, meaning it can affect title and ownership interests in the building.
Plain English — not legal advice.
N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 351 places the risk of a property lien squarely on owners who permit — or fail to prevent with appropriate oversight — the use of any part of their building for prostitution or assignation. Compliant operators generally maintain awareness of how units and common areas are being used, respond to notices or complaints about unlawful activity, and take documented steps to address prohibited uses when they become known. Because the penalty under § 351 attaches as a lien on the real property itself, it can complicate refinancing, sale, or transfer of the building.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 351 is directed at owner conduct and owner permission, not at tenants generally, but tenants living in a multiple dwelling have an interest in understanding that unlawful uses permitted by an owner can create encumbrances on the property. If a tenant believes their building is being operated in a manner that implicates § 351, they may report concerns to local housing or law-enforcement authorities. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how property liens or code violations in a building may affect their housing situation.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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