Archive for the ‘Real Estate Questions’ Category
Timing a Move After a Lease Expires
March 5th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
The lease on my rent-stabilized apartment ends on March 31. I plan to move out in a couple of months and do not want to sign the lease renewal. If I don’t sign it, will I automatically become a month-to-month tenant at the new rent?
Maintenance Costs Through the Roof?
March 5th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
I am about to buy a penthouse co-op with 600 square feet of private outdoor space on the roof. I would like to build a bedroom on this space. The managing agent said that if I did, the shares would need to be reallocated, thus raising the maintenance. Since the area is considered private, why should I have to pay more in maintenance charges?
Misclassifying a Certificate
March 5th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions, Uncategorized
When I applied for a building permit from the city’s Department of Buildings, I discovered that the certificate of occupancy identifies the building incorrectly. Should the seller pay to change the certificate.
When Tenants Don’t Pay the Rent
February 26th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
What can you do when a tenant refuses to pay rent?
Board President in Arrears
February 26th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
Are there any steps the board can take to make the board president step down if he’s in arrears?
No Tiptoeing Necessary
February 26th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions, Uncategorized
Is there a law requiring 80 percent coverage of floors with carpeting in New York City co-ops?
Some Security for a Tenant
February 19th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
The lease on the house we are renting expired, and we have not received a renewal lease. We’ve discovered that the house is in foreclosure and that the bank expects a quick sale.
Short-Term Rentals in Stabilized Building
February 19th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
I am a rent-stabilized tenant in a building in Manhattan in which some of the apartments are not regulated. Recently, the owner has been using empty apartments as short-term, furnished rentals. Is there anything about this situation that could affect my rights as a stabilized tenant?
Parking Perils in a Condo
February 19th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
I am buying a condo in Brooklyn that comes with a parking spot. The spot I am getting is designated as “handicap parking” and I do not qualify for that.
Rebates for Veterans
February 19th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
Can new shareholders get old shareholders’ veteran tax rebates?
Time Limits On Condo Lawsuits
February 12th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
I have heard there are different time limitations for suing a developer of a new condominium for problems with the apartment. What is the law on this?
A Sublet Tenant Faces Eviction
February 12th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
I have heard that I can take over the lease under the “illusory sublet” provisions of the rent laws. Is this true?
Seller’s Responsibility After the Closing
February 5th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
About a month ago we bought a one-bedroom co-op in Brooklyn. During our walk-through before the closing, the seller told us that all the appliances were in good working condition. A couple of weeks after we moved in, the refrigerator stopped working. A repairman told us that it would make more sense to buy a new one than repair the old one. Would the seller be responsible for replacing the refrigerator?
Outwaiting a Picky Board
February 5th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
At what point does the board become liable for having such an overzealous policy?
When Maintenance Is Long in Arrears
February 5th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
Can a co-op refuse to entertain any application for a new shareholder to buy an apartment until the arrears and penalties are paid?
Co-op Buyer Looks for a ‘Bridge’
January 29th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
I own a co-op in Forest Hills. I am waiting to buy a bigger unit – now owned by the sponsor – when it becomes available. I don’t want to sell my place until this larger one is for sale. My mortgage broker told me that banks no longer give bridge loans. I thought of offering to pay rent for the new apartment until I sell mine. Is this possible?
When Apartments Make You Sick
January 29th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
Six months ago I bought a co-op apartment in Bayside, Queens. I am susceptible to mold, so before closing I had the apartment inspected by a specialist who didn’t find any mold. Days after the closing I felt sick in the apartment and brought this to the attention of management. I never received a response. Is the co-op responsible for correcting the problem?
What Constitutes a Board Vacancy
January 29th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
Our Brooklyn co-op has a five-member board of directors. One of them notified the board that he was “suspending” himself for an unspecified period of time, but was not resigning. There are five months before the next election. What should our board do until then?
Shareholders Suggest Minimum Sale Prices
January 22nd, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
Because of the economy, the sale prices in our New Jersey co-op building are falling. The thinking of some shareholders is to have the board decide on a minimum sale price for apartments. Is this allowed?
Surviving Partner’s Rights in a Co-op
January 22nd, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
My partner and I bought a co-op together as joint tenants with right of survivorship. He died earlier this year. What steps do I take to get his name removed from the stock certificate and proprietary lease?
When Stabilized Units Are Deregulated
January 22nd, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
I have heard that rent-stabilized apartments become “destabilized” when the rent reaches $2,000 or the renter’s income exceeds a certain amount. Is this correct and, if so, is a landlord entitled to know a renter’s income?
‘Pet Friendly’ to a Point
January 15th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
I recently submitted an application to buy into a “pet friendly” co-op and paid a $375 application fee. I clearly stated in my contract with the seller and my application to the board that I had two small dogs. I was approved, but on the condition that I could have only one of the dogs. Shouldn’t the board return my application fee?
Sending Residents the Right Signals
January 15th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
Do shareholders have the right to demand that the co-op provide a digital converter for television reception now that analog signals are no longer available?
Elderly Tenants Breaking Leases
January 15th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions
I am 77 years old and rent an apartment. If I move before the lease expires, am I liable to pay the balance of rent for the entire lease period? Is there an exception for elderly tenants?
Recouping Legal Fees After Small Claims
January 8th, 2010
Posted in Real Estate Questions, Uncategorized
“I live in a condominium and sued the board of managers in small claims court for a fine they imposed on me. I lost the case. Now, the board is billing me $2,000 for its legal fees. My understanding was that if I hired a lawyer to represent me and won, I could not get back the fees I paid to my lawyer. Why should I have to pay the fees for the board’s lawyer?”