In the event that utilities are discontinued in any part of a dwelling because of the failure of the landlord or other person having control of said dwelling to pay for utilities for which he may have contracted, any proceeding to dispossess a tenant from said building or an action against any tenant of said building for rent shall be stayed until such time as the landlord or person having control of said dwelling pays the amount owing for said utilities and until such time as the utilities are restored to working order.
New York Legal Code