When it comes to two people buying a home together, the traditional assumption is that they’re either in a romantic relationship, married, or related. But the definition of relationships has evolved with the times. Not all people marry, and…
Co-op and condo buildings are complex social communities. At the heart of many of these communities is the superintendent. The super is the command center of the physical plant. He or she keeps it running like a well-oiled machine, and k…
The power of a co-op board to approve or reject sales, as well as co-op applicants, is pretty much unlimited -- as long as the decision is made within the limits of applicable law. Boards require extensive information and documentation -- k…
Co-op and condo owners often make assumptions about who can serve on the board of their corporation or association -- and one of those assumptions is that any owner of shares in a co-op, or a unit owner in a condominium is eligible to run f…
You’re sitting in your living room. It’s a beautiful spring Sunday. You’ve just come home from a two-hour bike ride and you’re ready for a shower and a nap. You clean up and lie down. The breeze is coming in through the window and caress…
Recently, have you noticed that your managing agent has exchanged his old Toyota for a new Mercedes? Has he installed a new addition to his house? Has he appeared erratic...and returning from jaunts to Atlantic City all the time? If so, it …
With dozens and sometimes hundreds of people living in a community governed by neighbors, acquaintances and friends, it should be no surprise that disputes can happen in co-op and condo buildings. The possibility of disagreements among res…
“Two shareholders who were on the verge of moving out undertook a repair in their home on their own, not hiring a professionally licensed mason to conduct the repairs. They are now submitting a bill for personal reimbursement. The sharehold…
Whether you live in a Midtown high-rise or in a more spread-out outer-borough HOA, security—for both property and physical safety—is an important issue in any condo community. Who can come in, at what times, how long they can stay, and how…
Of all the stages of co-op life, the initial application and approval process, especially the interview, is certainly the most harrowing. Many people are in fear that just one wrong word will mean the difference between acceptance and reje…