In a development sure to be of interest to New York’s co-op housing community, State Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz (D) of New York’s 81st district announced the passage of a bill during the recently-ended legislative session that would al…
Home equity is one of the biggest contributors to household wealth. According to a Census Bureau report, two assets—home equity and retirement accounts—account for 63 percent of American households’ net worth. Yet, prior to the COVID-19 pan…
You always want to feel safe in your home, but as the past few years have proven, you never know when a major calamity or weather disaster is going to strike. While most of New York City proper wasn’t hit as hard by Superstorm Sandy as som…
Q I am a board member and shareholder in a Westchester County cooperative where there has recently been a lot of conflicts among board members. There is a board member who owns her own realty company and is now privy to all confidentia…
Q Our co-op has a board member who shared a confidential board decision with the shareholders and went so far as to initiate and circulate a petition for a meeting of shareholders to reverse the board decision. Naturally, many sharehol…
When co-op and condo owners plan their will, or a prenuptial agreement, their condo or co-op unit naturally comes into play as an important asset. Often, it’s no problem—the owner leaves the apartment to his or her spouse. It’s especiall…
Q Is it possible to obtain a co-op charge card for our super to use so he can purchase need materials and equipment without having to go through long procedures with the managing agent? If possible, is it advisable? —Taking Cred…
Q Does the sunshine law pertain to co-ops? And if so how, as far as keeping shareholders in the dark about misused finances? We recently overturned our board except for the president that still is finishing her term. The new vice pre…
Not everybody on a co-op or condo's board is an accountant (or can even balance their own checkbook, for that matter.) Handling the money for an entire building is a big responsibility, however, and residents rely upon their board to ma…
Q I live in a co-op in Manhattan and am planning to renovate my bathroom. My managing agent has informed me that I must pay a $500 fee to file my application for the renovation, which seems unusual. The renovation is simple—to replace t…