As members of co-op corporations and condominium associations, we often hear the term fiduciary duty bandied about. But what does it really mean to be a fiduciary? Stated simply, the term ‘fiduciary’ means trust. When a person managing the…
A community’s governing documents, including its bylaws and house rules, are like a country’s constitution and laws. They are—or at least they should be—‘living’ documents that like our state and national laws and constitution, occasionally…
In a recent decision, a New York City co-op was ordered to pay $165,000 to a shareholder over the board’s refusal to allow her to keep her ‘emotional support parrots’ - a judgment the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York …
The presence of commercial space in a shared interest building can be a blessing for the community - and it can also be a burden. It can bring in much needed additional income to help defray the cost of running the building - but at the sam…
According to recent reports, the board of the Galleria — a luxury condo on East 57th Street - is suing noted illusionist David Copperfield for over $2.5 million to repair damage to a unit he owns in the building. Copperfield purchased…
Enacted in March of 2021, New York’s Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA), contemplated allowing home cultivation of cannabis as part of its purview. However, the practice was not to take effect until 18 months after the first recreat…
Benjamin Franklin famously said, “Nothing in this world is certain except death and taxes.” In the world of co-ops and condos, this truth is amplified. Along with the obvious impact on the deceased’s family and associates, the passing can a…
After the devastating gas explosion in Harlem in 2014 that leveled a building, leaving eight people dead, and a second explosion in the East Village in 2015 that killed two and injured twenty, New York City passed Local Law 157. While LL 15…
As evidenced by the recent - and likely ongoing - flap over congestion pricing, car usage, ownership, and the financial implications of both are major issues for New Yorkers. Owning a car in the city is an undertaking in itself, and for mos…