But new legislation in the 1970's protected residential loft tenants, and the two artists were joined by others on the block.

In the other, a loft tenant was charging three times the $551 rent.

"Like a lot of loft tenants, we had an annual tug of war over heat," she said.

Mr. Duane said he had received hundreds of phone calls and letters from concerned loft tenants in his district.

During the legislative session in Albany, he turned over part of his office to loft tenants who were lobbying other lawmakers.

Others argue that many loft tenants are self-employed artists, consultants and other professionals, industries of another sort.

"It's an early Christmas present instead of a lump of coal for loft tenants."

Until recently, loft tenants could receive market value for fixtures when they moved.

If a loft tenant indeed rented a three-bedroom apartment for $685 a month, that would be quite a real-estate deal.

No loft tenant has ever been evicted with or without cause.