This is a studio

I see one bedroom. The fact that the living room has no windows doesn't mean it's not a bedroom.

https://streeteasy.com/guides/renters-guide/renter-types-of-apartments/what-is-a-legal-bedroom-in-nyc-2/

I see a studio

https://nycadmincode.readthedocs.io/t27/c02/sch03/art01/

Section 27-2058

Needs a window.

Ok, I stand corrected!

It's not even a JR1.

Who the hell wants a living room without a window. But many, many NYC brokers lie about Manhattan apartments: I know because I dealt with a number of them before finding an honest broker who was honest about the listing and its details: he could have told me it was a junior one bedroom, but instead called it a studio. Honest.

I don't understand the value of windows in a building that's otherwise up to code (fireproof walls, multiple egress, modern wiring). But clearly the market doesn't agree with me.

Based on the way people lay out the furniture and the size of their TVs these days, it appears that most people value their TV view more than their window view, and so yes, they've probably overpaid for a view they don't value. But, we are evolved from outdoor dwellers and are somewhat hardwired to respond to nature, views, and vistas, and so developers have responded to that need and built buildings with windows.

Even the apartment in question reflects this, as its the 'bedroom' that has been put by the window ('wake up with the sun'), rather than the 'living' room (sit in a cave and watch a simulated window).

And we occasionally like some fresh air under our own control, and so the windows open.

Biggest function of window is naturally light these days. Code also focuses on ventilation but most people on nyc do not open. But having an option to open say even for 15 minutes a day is big for fresh air.

Prior to the last 6 months, I was never at home during daylight hours. Except for early AM in the summer, when I found the intrusion unwelcome. Probably why 2 of the 4 places I've lived in since moving to NYC were townhouse duplexes (garden + basement).

Richard, the bedroom window is code per the fire dept. Means of egress.

Yes I know, but living rooms don't require one. The distinction that says "if room #2 isn't a windowed living room then the unit is a studio" is a RE / marketing rule as far as I'm aware, not a legal one.

"Living room", as commonly used and identified on floor plans, has a different definition than that which is defined by the NYC Housing Maintenance Code. The former is a term of art that refers to a room that is occupied and used for residential purposes that is not a kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom.

"Living room" as defined by the HMC is any room within a dwelling unit except a dining space,
kitchenette, bathroom or water closet compartment, foyer or private hall, corridor or
passageway. This means that all rooms that are not kitchen, bathrooms, etc., or incidental, are living rooms. A bedroom is a "living room." If it doesn't have adequate light and air is not a room and should not be listed as such - it is storage.

The subject apartment has one room with adequate light and air (the bedroom) and is thus a studio. The only legal use for the space that is identified as a "living room" is as storage as it does not itself have an operable window to the outside air.

For what it's worth, the "kitchen" is only a "kitchenette" as it is too small to be called a "kitchen" (<80sqft). Without a window, there should be a mechanical vent somewhere.

@richard: "I don't understand the value of windows in a building that's otherwise up to code"

says the person who is a buying an apartment with SEVEN windows.

ali r.

I agree. Windows are pretty basic.