§ 234-a. Unauthorized legal fees. (a) An owner, lessor or agent
thereof shall be prohibited from assessing a lessee any fee, surcharge
or other charges for legal services in connection with the operation or
rental of a residential unit unless the owner, lessor or agent has the
legal authority to do so pursuant to a court order. The provisions of
this subdivision shall not apply to a shareholder of a cooperative
housing corporation, provided, however, that the provisions of this
subdivision shall apply with respect to any tenant or subtenant of such
a shareholder.

(b) Legal services include, but are not limited to, court fees, legal
representation, attorney fees, notary public charges, and administrative
fees incurred by the owner, lessor or agent in connection with
management of the building, including actions and proceedings in a court
of law.

(c) Any agreement or assessment contrary to this section shall be void
as contrary to public policy.