Having an apathetic, uncommunicative board is a big issue in many buildings and associations, but the opposite situation—a board that oversteps its authority—can be just as problematic. When a board does something it should not do, or fail…
Winter in New York is a magical time, filled with walks through dirt, grime and slush, exorbitant weather-induced dry cleaning bills, and excessive clothing accessories…often enough to shame Ralphie from A Christmas Story. Upon sprin…
Thankfully, it’s been a long time since the Lehman Brothers fiasco and nationwide real estate market crash. The recession has since faded away and Manhattan and many parts of Brooklyn are seeing a flurry of new buildings going up or breaki…
Living in a co-op or condo means living in a community where residents get to know each other, attend events together and, sometimes, even become really close friends. In most cases, the people you meet are normal, down-to-earth folks, but…
The media and political buzz surrounding so-called 'homeshare' or 'short-term rental' websites (primarily Airbnb, but also other similar services like Homeaway.com and VRBO.com, just to name two) has been on the upswing over the last year …
For those looking to move into a Manhattan condo or co-op, there are zounds of factors that come into play while searching for the best—and most efficient—place to live. Usually, location, size, and safety are always a concern. Amenities a…
The idea of cooperative living began in the 19th century in central and northern European countries, and came to America late in that century, sprouting in various forms in parts of New York City. For some residents here, it was a way that…
While the exception rather than the rule, boards can run afoul leading an association into troubled waters. In some cases, certain rules are enforced over others or community funds are simply mishandled. And in other instances, trusted adv…
Q I live in a condo community that is supposed to be represented by its board members and the board attorney but the two seemingly only serve themselves. In researching this board attorney, I am finding that he writes for several newslett…
I live in a New York City condo. There are a total of 204 apartments, 140 of which are privately owned and rented by their owners, and 64 which are occupied by their owners. My question is the following: Can 6 members of a board of 7 decide…