Oltimdje Ouattara, who applied to become a permanent tenant at the hotel under New York’s Single Room Occupancy law, was initially paying $48 a night to stay at an illegal hostel called the Chelsea Highline Hotel.

However, after registering as a permanent tenant, he applied for rent stabilisation and was shocked to find the “official” rent level at $0 because of the hotel’s illegitimate status.

Though he was kicked out after telling the owners he would no longer pay, his right to live there at no cost has been reaffirmed in court.

Manhattan Housing Court Justice Sabrina Kraus agreed that Ouattara can stay at the hotel, where he will be able to renew his occupancy indefinitely.

He cannot be evicted again without a court order.