New York City Condominium Law Attorney

Disputes with the board, conflicts with other owners or tenants, concerns over common areas, or matters related to property damage and repairs — these are just a few of the challenges that can disrupt or put condos and co-op investments at risk. 

At Richman Law Firm PLLC, we understand the nuances of co-op and condominium law in New York. Whether you’re an owner/shareholder or a member of a board, you’re likely to come across legal issues that require experienced advice and representation. 

Led by Scott Richman, we’re committed to providing legal services tailored to your unique needs. We offer strong representation for co-op and condo owners/shareholders. We are experienced in the compliance and regulatory requirements set by the Attorney General’s Office. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Representation for Co-op and Condo Unit Owners/Shareholders

Navigating co-op and condo ownership can be complex and challenging. At Richman Law Firm PLLC, we represent owners/shareholders in many issues that may arise during ownership.

We also provide legal services tailored to regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, and litigation support.

Issues Involving The Co-op and Condo Board

As an owner/shareholder, you may be involved in disputes with your co-op board. Our firm is skilled in cooperative and condominium law to handle disagreements over bylaws, proprietary leases, or house rules.  

Issues Involving Individual Unit Owners, Shareholders, and Tenants

Conflicts with other owners, shareholders, or tenants can create a stressful environment. Whether it’s a noise complaint, a dispute over shared spaces, or other disagreements, our firm has the experience to help you in these situations.

Issues Involving Property Damage and Repairs

When property damage occurs, or repairs are needed, it’s essential to understand who is responsible for addressing these issues. Our firm may help clarify responsibilities as outlined in your building’s governing documents and ensure that necessary repairs are made correctly. We are committed to providing legal representation for co-op and condo owners/shareholders. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with a New York City Condo and Co-op Law Attorney

When it comes to co-op and condo law in New York, you need a legal partner who understands real estate challenges. At Richman Law Firm PLLC, we offer the knowledge, experience, and personalized attention you need to protect your interests.

Whether you’re an owner/shareholder dealing with disputes involving the co-op board, other owners, shareholders, tenants, property damage, repairs, or a board member seeking general counsel for daily operations or assistance with issues involving board members, management, owners/shareholders, tenants, vendors, contractors, neighboring buildings or other third parties — we are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are condo boards’ responsibilities?

Under New York condominium law, the condominium board of managers has many responsibilities. These include managing common areas, enforcing bylaws and house rules, collecting common charges, and insuring the property. Condominium boards also prepare and manage the annual budget, transfer tax provisions, hire and supervise staff and contractors, make decisions on major repairs or improvements in condominium buildings, and comply with local, state, and federal laws. They also arrange meetings, keep financial records, and provide financial statements to unit owners. In the end, the board must act in the best interest of all unit owners and uphold their fiduciary duty to the condo association.

How much power do the co-op shareholders have?

Cooperative corporation boards in the New York City area have control over the building and its shareholders. This includes approving or rejecting buyers, enforcing house rules, setting maintenance fees and special assessments, and making decisions on building improvements and repairs. But they have limits. They must operate within the scope of corporate governance as outlined in the laws and act in the best interest of shareholders.

What’s the difference between a condo and a co-op?

The main difference between condos and co-ops is ownership. In a condo, you own your unit and share ownership of the common areas. In a co-op, you own shares in a corporation that also owns the building and has a proprietary lease for your apartment. Co-ops have stricter approval processes for buyers and more restrictive subletting policies. They also have higher fees that include property taxes and mortgage payments, while condo fees only cover common charges with property taxes paid separately. Co-op boards have more control over the building and its residents than condo boards.

Can the condo or co-op board change the rules?

Yes, they can, but the process is different for condos and co-ops. In condominium associations, changes to bylaws require a vote by unit owners, often a supermajority. House rules can be changed by the board as long as they are reasonable and consistent with the bylaws. In co-ops, bylaw changes require shareholder votes, and the board can modify house rules if consistent with the proprietary lease and bylaws.

How can a NYC Condo and Co-op law attorney help me?

Condominium lawyers can help building owners in New York review and interpret governing documents, advise on their rights and responsibilities, represent them in disputes with the board or neighbors, and assist with condo or co-op purchases and sales. They can guide you through the board approval process, renovation approvals and repair issues.

What is the difference between a condominium board and a condominium association?

Condominium associations (or homeowners association, HOA) are made up of all the condominium owners in a building or development. Every condo owner automatically becomes a member of the condo association. The condo board is a smaller group of elected from the condo association.  While the condo association sets the general direction and policies, the condo board handles the implementation and management of those policies.