Neighbors often try to keep a polite overall demeanor to sustain relatively positive relationships with one another. After all, they have to see one another regularly, and the conduct of one neighbor can affect everyone in the neighborhood. Neighbors often maintain an...
Real estate litigation
How to address water damage suffered by a resident?
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...
One year later: how Local Law 18 reshaped NYC’s real estate landscape
New York City's real estate market has always been a dynamic beast, but the introduction of Local Law 18 in September 2023 sent shockwaves through the industry. This controversial legislation aimed to tackle the city's housing crisis by cracking down on short-term...
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,...
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...
Flood zone properties see lower prices and fewer sales
Unless they see it as part of their daily routine, New Yorkers tend to forget that the city is surrounded by water. If this is the case, blunt reminders often occur when extreme weather events like hurricanes or record rainfalls flood streets, subways and garden-level...
3 options for collecting arrears in condo common charges
For condo owners, common charges not only pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the building but for all of the amenities and services the building offers. Whether due to different priorities, lack of funds or forgetfulness, condo owners sometimes fail to pay common...
What should appear in co-op or condo bylaws?
The smooth operation of a New York City cooperative or condominium requires the oversight of a qualified board of directors or managers. Bylaws, in large part, provide the legal authority the board members use to make decisions that guide the future of the building,...
Can co-op/condo boards assess fees to their residents if a commercial tenant vacates?
The economy is way down in 2020 as businesses close up for good or shift to working from home. This is terrible news for all, but co-ops and condos who have commercial tenants who pay a large share of the operating expenses face substantial shortfalls of income that...
Avoiding condo and co-op discrimination claims
Co-op boards in New York City must be aware of the Federal, State and City laws about housing discrimination. Knowledge of these regulations can help the board avoid serious problems if a potential buyer files a discrimination claim or if an issue arises with building...