One of New Yorkers' biggest challenges is living harmoniously in multi-unit buildings. While any issue with a neighbor can be stressful and complex, the nature of the shared walls, floors, ceilings, and common spaces means that what happens in one residence can...
Co-ops and condominiums
How often should condominium boards update their bylaws?
Condominium bylaws serve as the governing rules that dictate how a condo community operates. These regulations cover everything from board elections and maintenance responsibilities to pet policies and noise restrictions. However, as legal frameworks evolve and...
Key real estate law changes for 2025
As of January 1, 2025, several significant real estate laws have been enacted in New York, aiming to address housing affordability and availability, streamline development processes and change the economic dynamic of the rental market. These changes reflect the...
Beneficial ownership information reporting delayed but coming
On December 3, 2024, a federal court in East Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), halting its January 1, 2025, enforcement and reporting requirements. While the Department of Justice appealed this decision on...
How to handle disputes when a building occupant is renovating
Renovating a condo or co-op unit in New York City can be complex, often governed by clearly defined guidelines set by the building's board. The board drafts these guidelines to ensure that renovations are carried out by licensed and insured contractors safely,...
How to host an orderly and efficient annual meeting
An annual meeting is a crucial event for condo associations and co-op boards. It serves as a platform for members to discuss important issues, review the past year’s activities, and plan for the future. Typically, these meetings include the election of board members,...
Facing the challenges of special assessments
When living in a cooperative or condominium, residents inevitably face special assessments. The boards levy these special fees on shareholders or unit owners to cover unexpected expenses or significant repairs. It's common for owners to react with frustration to these...
Holiday tipping guide for coops and condo residents
Any New Yorker who lives in a coop or condo knows that their building's support staff plays several crucial roles. Some become the heart and soul of their building – a doorman providing warm greetings at the beginning or end of the day, a super who jokes around with...
Local Law 18 is already having an impact
The rise of short-term rentals using Airbnb changed the real estate market in countless ways. A few downsides included a steady stream of strangers passing through the building. Often on vacation with little need to build relationships with neighbors, they could be...
Can a building eject or evict a condo owner?
It’s the law of averages that putting large numbers of people in a condominium building can lead to situations where the rules are not being followed and and the board needs to do something to enforce the by-laws or house rules. Many times these disputes end up in...