While so many people were hopeful that mass vaccinations would be the end of Covid restrictions, the increase in cases tied to variants and the ongoing inability to vaccinate children under twelve continue to leave issues and concerns in all fields. Buildings need to...
New York Real Estate Legal Blog
What is the difference between residence and domicile?
Many co-ops require that tenant-shareholders use their apartments as their primary residence. This obligation is usually set forth in the proprietary lease, occupancy agreement, or other contracts or regulations governing the use of the Apartment, such as...
How will New York’s eviction moratorium extension impact landlords and tenants?
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every facet of life throughout the world, from a single individual to federal governments and international organizations. Among the most densely populated cities in the country, New York has been hit particularly hard. The City and...
Applicability of New York City’s “Pet Law” to condominiums
New York City’s so-called “pet law” prevents an owner from enforcing a “no-pet” provision in a lease unless, within three months of discovering the pet, the owner commences a case (usually an eviction proceeding in housing court) to enforce the provision. This...
Can a co-op shareholder or condominium unit owner access records?
The battle for access to a co-op’s or a condominium’s books and records has been going on for many years. If a shareholder has a suspicion of wrongdoing, mismanagement or other problems, does that person have carte blanche access to the organization’s books? Even if...
A late fee by any other name is still a late fee
“I’m sick to death of cleverness. Everybody is clever nowadays.” Oscar Wilde wrote for his protagonist Jack Worthing in “The Important of Being Earnest”. It’s as true today, as it was in 1895. And just as it did for the characters of Wilde’s play, this practice can...
3 facts for co-op and condo boards about discrimination laws
Discrimination is illegal on multiple levels. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in dwellings based on race, the presence of minor children, disability, sex, religion, national origin and disability. The New York State Human Rights Law has the same...
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...
Important points to know about rental security deposits
When someone rents an apartment, condo or house in NYC, the landlord will typically ask for a security deposit. The tenant will pay this money at the start of the lease. The security deposit helps protect the landlord if the tenant damages the rental unit or fails to...
Know your rights when facing New York City eviction
Landlords in New York City can evict tenants for failing to pay rent, breaking the terms of the lease, or remaining in possession after the lease expires. However, landlords must strictly follow the proper legal process and, where required, give advance notice to the...