Worse still, the new law will help unscrupulous landlords to evict tenants where there is no written contract, by declaring them squatters and calling the police.

"In Westchester, there's already a concept of how to help lower-income landlords with a problem," he said.

This helps landlords who let without opting and later realise that opting is advisable.

In his comments, Mr. Silver said he understood the need to help landlords.

"It only helps rich landlords who own high-rent buildings where they are already making enormous profits."

Opponents countered that the law would do little to help small landlords, most of whom do not own luxury buildings where rents are close to $2,000.

They also established the Orange Emergency Committee in 1881, to oppose the Land league and to help landlords.

Lawyers who represent landlords say that while the surcharges will help landlords with recent significant rises in utility costs, the charge could increase landlord-tenant disputes.

Many people say housing is in such short supply in the area that conversions help tenants and landlords alike.

A housing policy proposed last month by the Giuliani administration is intended to help landlords like Mrs. Calhoun.