Search for Fines and Fees in other postings for answers to this part of the question.

Re Improvements:

Your improvements is a rather simple one. However, if someone else is doing it for you, you should at least protect yourself and others by demanding certificates of commercial liability insurance in your name and the co-op's name. Similarly, you should ask for proof of worker's compensation insurance. If one is not available, then you should have some sort of release in case of injury.

A simple form for this type of improvement should be in order. Remember, a sink and counter requires disconnecting faucets and water. If the person breaks your shut off valve, water may end up in the unit below. This is where mysterious waters and leaks appear and the co-op may be wasting tons of time trying to find out what the problem on hand was.

This is why COMMUNICATIONS (which is something shareholders demand from board) become essential on both sides of the fence.

AdC

We do not typically require prior approval by the board for most alterations.

In all cases, without fail, only licensed contractors or vendors are permitted as evidenced by the presentation of suitable license and insurance documents.

However, if the alteration structurally affects the unit, e.g.: removal or relocation of walls, then we will require board approval after an engineer reviews and indicates there are no structural issues.

Rebuilding a kitchen, e.g.: new cabinets, counter tops, appliances, flooring, lighting, does not fall within this “alteration” category.

Likewise rebuilding a bathroom, e.g.: new shower, commode, sink, bathtub, tiling, single faucet shower control, lighting, etc. does not fall within this category.

If a unit owner wishes to add additional power receptacles in the apartment within the power supply limits, e.g.: total amperage available, of the apartment, board approval is not a requirement.

If a unit owner wishes to replace or modify the co-op owned parquet floor, then the building will require the owner to sign an agreement wherein the owner (and any subsequent owners) take responsibility for the floors should there be any damage. This means, if there is a water leak necessitating replacement of the parquet floor, the usual scenario is the co-op calls in a repair service to replace the warped parquet floors. In the case where the owner has modified the floor (e.g.; pickled finish), the owner takes the responsibility to obtain repairs to then be reimbursed by the building’s insurance carrier.

Any alterations or modifications require a building permit from the local government.

Owners are not permitted to replace the entry door to the unit.

Owners are not permitted to replace the unit’s glass sliding terrace door with a “French” door system.

Ted,

Do you have a mechanism (i.e., form or otherwise) in which the shareholder informs the board or management about the presence of a contractor and provides the policies and licenses expected? Does the contractor need to register with your superintendent to know that they are in the building, pad elevators when bringing supplies, etc.?

Although I do not necessarily call "approval" as such, I think you have some type of procedure in place to ensure that the building is protected from damages to hallways, etc.

Would you please comment a bit further?

AdC

We have a situation whereby as a small building, we have never had a formal procedure in place even for kitchen/bath improvements but your co-ops' requirements of asking for proof of licenses, insurance etc. is something we have had an informal "honor" system for. Many have passed through our building without showing proof of insurance docs to our Board and management. Now we have a new managing agent and a new board and we are trying to enact what you outline in your posting. One of the long time shareholders is balking at having to be the first "test rat" for this good practice. In fact he has refused to submit proof of insurance etc. If no one will be the first to obey these procedures, what can we do? Our management suggest sending a lawyer's letter but this shareholder can easily outspend us. Any suggestions?

I presume your board has incorporated these rules formally into your House Rules? If so, they become an extension of the proprietary lease.

It's a fairly straightforward case that a shareholder ignoring House Rules is violating the PL, and PL violations are grounds for eviction.

A strong letter from your managing agent or coop attorney could be a good second step....

but a frank discussion with the longtime shareholder should be your first. He might respond to an anecdote from our co-op: a renovation done before rules were set in place came back to haunt us, six years later, when we discovered structural changes had been made that the board hadn't authorized... and which had impacted an entire line negatively. The costs for curing the defect could have run into thousands, had we not gotten very, very lucky with building design.

Alteration rules are emplaced for a very good reason. And I'll bet that your shareholder, if approached calmly and logically, will understand that rules like these are in the co-op's best interests, and therefore in its investors' best interests.

Perhaps your managing agent could even offer to expedite this first "test case" - help with any paperwork, filings, etc., as a sign of good faith and appreciation for being the first?

How is the process of admissions dealt with in your co-op? Attorney or manager as transfer agent?

(1) What is the reason for the re-fi... more debt, lower interest, fixed interest v. variable or other exotic type of re-fi, new auto, a wedding, vacations, etc.

The problem is knowing WHY prior to denying.

Your SH may be lowering his interest rate or obtaining a fixed interest mortgage on the shares, which will have a good benefit for his finances. In any case verify his documentation.

(2) If max'ed out, you may say NO to acquiring more debt, using it to get married or vacations.

AdC



AdC

To answer your questions -

First, admissions/sale packages go thru the managing agent.

Second, the SH says the re-fi is "to lower monthly costs." But it's the same interest rate and monthly payment would be only $50 less. He also wants a LOC "for emergencies" with a monthly payment of $600-700.

He has a lot of other debt (per the credit report) and the only financial info he gave us is his gross income amount. The board already decided to deny his re-fi and LOC. The dispute is: a) should the managing agent's letter just say his request is denied or give the reasons? and b) should BMs be allowed to discuss the reasons with him if the letter doesn't give them and he wants a verbal explanation?

I agree with AR and the fact that BM's should never discuss anything with shareholders.

My statement is always the same when we turn down a potential buyer and if the shareholder calls me directly: Discuss this issue with the co-op counsel who is our transfer agent. The counsel knows how to discuss the issues without putting the BM's in a bind.

Unfortunately, humans have feelings and memories; in some cases, if the person does not get his/her way, may become vindictive. This is WHY you want to avoid involving BM's into discussing all kinds of "bad news" or "corrective action."

I personally think that shareholders forget that BM's are residents of the building and neighbors in the same communicty. As such, BM's are entitled to ENJOY their apartments. The function they do for the co-op as BMs do not make them targets of questions from individual shareholders or ATTITUDES.

AdC

Have the managing agent, never a BM, inform the SH in writing. I would write something on the following order...

Dear XXX:

After careful review and consideration of your refinance application, and the particulars relating to your specific refinance request, the following final determination has been made:

A refinance is permitted providing that no additional debt is incurred, or reserved in the process. The loan to debt ratio shall not increase by principle, or in interest. The total debt service payment amount must be equal to, or lower than the present payment.

Kindly understand that all determinations are final.
Thank you for submitting your application.

Sincerely
XXXX
Managing Agent

the BM should never place themselves in the line of fire, at any time. that is one of the resons you pay a monthly fee to the management co.


~AR

Let professionals be the people who handle all sorts of notifications with shareholders. The board should only be able to review the application and make the determination.

AdC

A similar situation once came up in our co-op. We asked our attorney for advice. He told us that the co-op has no risk in the HELOC, only the bank(s). So there's no reason to deny it.

If the shareholder is going to go broke, he'll do it with or without your help. Perhaps that wouldn't be so bad for your co-op because a bank will foreclose, getting rid of a shareholder who probably won't be able to pay his maintenance in a few years. Which will lead to foreclosure at that time.

Except that...it seems to me that if the bank forecloses, there's a good chance that the apartment will be sold off quickly and for a below-market price, which would not be a good situation for the co-op. The only winner in a foreclosure scenario imho is a lucky buyer who gets a good deal.

It's true that the apt could be sold off quickly, such as at an auction, at a below-market price. I see your point there. It's also possible that the bank will choose to sell the apt through a broker, with open houses and all the trimmings, in hopes of making more profit. Of course, it's hard to say which direction they'll go.

The bottom line, however, is granting or denying the shareholder's HELOC. I'm no financial expert by any means, but I would expect that even if the board says no, the shareholder will find another way to borrow the money. And incur the shareholder's wrath toward the board.

You have read the problems in which many banks find themselves today for easy credit. The corporation needs to ensure that your shareholders have the means to cover, not only their maintenance but any other charges passed to shareholders as additional rent (asssessments) and eventually maintenance increases.

I think it is rather sad to see shareholders fail in a co-op. Also, is rather wearing for a board to deal with chronic late payers, letters by attorneys and half-recovered late fees and attorney fees. Our co-op had two of these chronic late payers that only paid at the doors of foreclosure. It was a "no win" situation for the co-op.

A co-op basically depends on the maintenances and additional rents (assessments) of its shareholders. If you were to spend half of your time trying to collect from 10 - 20% of your shareholder, I'm sure you will be going out of your mind and you will be rather late yourself in paying your vendors.

So... as difficult as it may be to tell people they don't have the minimum dough, DO IT for the sake of the co-op if you are sufficiently convinced that the person is not able to make it.

AdC

is this your personal dislike of the person or what are they doing that is so bad?

No personal agenda here. Some shareholders are suggesting the board to do something as this person is exhibiting frightening behaviors.

you would have to be more dpecific for anyone to answer the question.

Late night parties and noise...fights....alleged drug use and possible sales...undesirable (neighbors words...not mine) visitors at all hours....common area damage....fires....smoke...floods....locusts (that one is a joke...but all others are real).

But, on the bright side, the maintenance is always paid.

if there are supected or alleged sales, then you have no case there. the neighbor might just be pissed more than anyone else. as a coop board, you simply have to write a letter to the owner of the apt about late night noise and hallway misuse with some specific dates of the incidents - and demand they remedy the situation permanently. if they dont then you have more of a case but you must give them a chance to "cure".

Start the paper trail now. Get your co-op attorney to write the letter on behalf of the board and send to the shareholder detailing the bad conduct.

also you can call the cops re: the late night noise when it is in progress. this plus the letter should nip it in the bud.

Erick - A few things you should do:

1) If you can prove your SH is responsible for any damage to the bldg's common areas, have the repairs made, bill the SH for them, and send him a letter outlining the damage and telling him he's being billed for it.

2) Send the SH letters saying, for ex, "We have received complaints of excessive noise emanating from your apt at very late hours. Please be more considerate of your neighbors and be guided accordingly. Thank you..." Make letters more firm if you have to send them repeatedly about the same things, note that the noise/whatever constitutes a breach of the Prop Lease, etc. You may get to a point where a letter has to come from your coop attorney.

3) Tell your SHs to put their complaints to you IN WRITING. It's very important to keep a paper trail. Contact the fire dept or police when necessary so there are reports on file with them about this SH.

4) It wouldn't be out of line to do this. I know a few bldgs that have. If you strongly suspect drug use/possible sales, speak to someone at your local precinct, tell them of your SHs' suspicions, the "undesirable" visitors at all hours, etc. and ask the police if they can keep an eye on your bldg or at least have officers on your beat make more frequent checks or passes on your block.

5) Tell your super to keep a log of incidents, when he sees strange visitors go in/out of the SH's apt, when other SHs complain to him about that SH, etc. And tell him to tell SHs who complain to him verbally to put their complaint in writing to the property mgr.

It's not easy to evict a SH for objectionable conduct or anything - but you must establish a paper trail if things ever go so far that you need to take the SH to court. Without solid evidence and a paper trail, courts wouldn't even want to hear your case.

Check out this article:

Booted Out

DESCRIPTION Objectionable conduct leads to eviction
TOPIC Evictions

AUTHOR Geoffrey Mazel
MAGAZINE ISSUE February 2005 - Number 209
ARTICLE TYPE Feature
PAGE # 16-19

ABSTRACT An examination of the decision that allows cooperatives to terminate the tenancy of shareholders based on their objectionable conduct, with guidelines that every co-op must follow when terminating a proprietary lease.

ARTICLE TEXT It has been nearly two years since the New York State Court of Appeals decided the matter of 40 West 67th Street Corp. v. Pullman. Board members and professionals are still trying to determine its effects and whether it is as profound as first thought. What are the effects on cooperative boards and management today?

In Pullman, the cooperative board of directors brought an action against a shareholder seeking to eject the shareholder and recover possession based upon his “objectionable” conduct. In 1998, David Pullman bought a cooperative unit at 40 West 67th Street. Immediately after moving in, he engaged in a course of conduct that was viewed by the board and many shareholders as disruptive and intolerable.

Erick,

I'm no lawyer, so check with yours about what I say. First, read the Habitat article referred to here (you don't have to check with your lawyer for that), and check the NYT archives about co-op evictions. Look for the Pullman decision in 2003, or start with this link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/27/realestate/27home.html?fta=y

An eviction is possible. It takes a majority vote of shares (not individuals) to do so, although your Proprietary Lease may require a super-majority, so check with your lawyer. The vote typically must come at a special shareholders' meeting called for this purpose.

Naturally, you want a paper trail first, as other posters suggest. If you go the route of eviction, as a practical move you will want to have counted votes before calling the meeting lest the vote fail -- and the guy starts behaving worse as retaliation.

Bottom line, don't feel hopeless, and don't let this stuff go unnoticed. And call your lawyer!

We have a standing 80% limit, but folks rarely reach 80% as the income to debt ratios are applied.

On the other hand, we do not allow any financing or new financing within five years of admissions.

This prevents folks from “qualifying” and then immediately changing their financial picture with a new debt burden.

We had a recent occurrence wherein a buyer was approved at admissions to then appear at closing with a new loan package. The monthly costs in the new loan package were higher and our co-op attorney declined to proceed with the closing.

In the last 90 days, we also had buyers come before the admissions committee and seek a waiver. In effect, the buyers “didn’t realize” there was no financing and or refinancing within five years and wanted to obtain a “larger” loan to cover refurbishing the apartment.

We declined the waiver, e.g.: no exceptions, but approved the buyers.

Refinancing goes through the attorney and transfer agent. When a refinancing or credit line is requested, shareholders need to fulfill the same as an admissions package by way of financial information and credit report. If the financial starts looking strained, we may ask for an escrow of four months maintenance /18-months if they wish to proceed with their refinance.

AdC

Ted makes some valuable comments.

refusing a refi/etc. within a certain amount of time after the initial closing is a great option. This eliminates the people who buy all cash, look great, are approved on the basis of a cash sale, then refinance because they have to pay back the relative that they borrowed all the cash from to begin with.

Also, to maintain 80% which is becoming more common now (as opposed to the traditional 90%) permits the cooperative a little more leverage in an unstable market. this figure should remain constant however at all times, as Ted said, not exceptions.

the paragraph below, as example, is excerpted directly from one of my purchase applications:

** Added Requirements If Apartment is Financed A copy of the commitment letter, loan application and three signed Recognition Agreements (Aztec form) which have been executed by the bank and prospective purchaser(s) are required if there is bank financing; additionally, copies of all documentation submitted to the bank in obtaining the loan must be submitted; no other form of Recognition Agreement will be accepted. The maximum financing allowed by the Board is 75% of the total purchase price. Purchases made with “all cash” will hold an 18 month refinance restriction.

I usually insert something to this effect in the second page of the purchase application, along with the other items that we want them to pre-agree to; this form gets signed and returned with he pkge, so there is no confusion later.

~AR

Well, this is an interesting question:

1. How desirable is your location: near highway, hospital, university.
2. What company is trying to place the antennas and their market penetration and additional antennaes in your area.
3. In our case, almost five years ago, it was in the order of $1,700.

thanks. was that $1700 annual or monthly? it is on riverside drive - higher than other buildings around it. no negotiations yet. prelim research. thanks

MOnthly.

how large is yoru building and what is location? thanks!

We're in Westchester and this is a 7th floor bldg. Also, the company we have, although reputable, does not have the antennae penetration others have. Thus, our location was important to them.

Interesting enough, there were some problem with neighbors and shareholders were objectively briefed and involved to vote on their preference: Yes or No for the antennae installation.

The township restricted us to one installation and, as AR, states, it is important to put your foot down when it comes to negotiating dismantling of equipment at the end of the lease and authorization from the building to add additional equipment or upgrades.

Right now we were approached to upgrade the installation, but until they inform us what they are doing, no permission.

Similarly, make sure you hire your own engineer to assess the conditions of your building where the installation is going to take place and to review their structural installation.

No sense in getting $20,000 a year unless you know what you stand to lose or need to foot at the end of the installation.

such as Subcarier Communications subcarrier.com they would be able to broker out the space to more than one tenant and guide you as to prices ( I am not connected with this company, I just saw them at Buildings NY)

check this out. this habitat forum is getting lame becauset this is the kind of info one needs:

http://curbed.com/archives/2007/09/12/ask_curbed_renting_the_condo_water_tower_for_a_cell_antenna.php

What terms are they offering? Are there other towers in sight? Any others in your neighborhood? Is the company a BIG brand or small? First time you've been approached?

Been a few weeks since i was here...

I have towers and/or sites on about 12 of my buildings.
Each has a different lease and deal, ranging from $20K per annum to almost 60K.

As another poster put it, location is important. Depending on the vendor, some sites (like sprint)have all their current towers and sites mapped right on their website. This helps when bargaining the lease.

Also take into consideration the future value of the site and the area covered. They usually put into the lease that they have the right to add/change equipment and do not need permission, other than entry to the site. Do not permit this. All and any added equipment must first be approved by management/owner and the space it occupies (if more than the original agreed upon space)is not included in the current lease agreement. This becomes an addendum and more revenue.

Can’t think of anything else off the top of my head..

~AR

You have painted a Practice Case for those who exchange ideas.

Well tell your friend to read the by-laws and specifically, the area, HOW TO GET RID OF A BOARD MEMBER and plan the battle accordingly. Go for the HEAD and forget about the rest! Once you take possession of the HEAD you can start organizing.

GET RID of one of the SPONSORS, elect a caring, individual shareholder and NOW she has a majority of individual shareholders to sponsors. BINGO!!!

Regarding your posting, I shall say the following:

The shareholders of that place may DESERVE the sponsor:

1. They are 75% individual shareholder owned and yet they still vote for sponsors and people related or friendly to a bad sponsor. GOOD DEAL!!!

2. They are subleasing in a 25% rental and 40 unit bldg. Well, not too smart either. I would like to find out how many sublets are currently present.

Finally, sell if she is so caring and go to another unit if she's not willing to put the fight for "THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM".

Thanks, AdC. I must say I don't think much of the SHs in that bldg either for voting in 3 sponsor-related people. I didn't ask my friend but I THINK the regular SHs didn't know those 3 were related to the sponsor. He sold them their apts so he didn't have to tell the former full board or anybody in the coop anything about them.

Sounds like a very big cans of worms to me. If I was faced with that (and I may tell my friend this), I'd seriously consider selling and living elsewhere. I'll pass along your comments to her. Thanks.

Realize that with the sponsors 25% of the total votes, and his relatives, collectively, he controls about 32-35% of the total voting power in the building.
This means that if as little as 30%, or 12 apartments don’t show up at the meeting, or provide a proxy at a shareholder/annual meeting, then the sponsor wins almost by default.
so, it may not be that other shareholders are actually voting for him... You (your friend) needs to acquire enough votes to overcome the sponsors percentage. this is the only way you will beat him.

~AR

AR, that's a good thought. It occurred to me this morning bec Nancy said the sponsor owns 10 of 40 apts - 25%. That's why I asked her how many shares that represents. In my reply to RLM, I said she just told me it's 20-22% of total shares. You're right. She has to get almost all the rest to support her. Seems her coop's other SHs are getting worked up about how things are going, so if she/Frank start now to rally them, they could get the support they need. She's got a lot of work ahead. After listening to her problems, it makes my coop sound like Utopia.

It's an arduous task, but worthwhile, especially if the sponsor presence is diminishing or dwarfing the value of the building.
Good luck!

~AR

HOW TO GET RID OF A BOARD MEMBER and plan the battle accordingly.

The proxy war starts by knowing your shareholders and convincing them of what is happening. Thus, such a battle can be bitter.

Thus, the exit plan is there: sell and go some place else.

AdC

That's quite a story, and I been a'thinkin' on it a spell..... so I have some questions.

1. What does her PL say about amending the PL? What % is needed?
2. What does it say about the % needed to call a special Shareholders Meeting?
3. Does it hold any recourse for recall of Board Members?
4. Is this a union building?

Depending on the answers to the above, if Nancy and her friends can call a special Sh. meeting for the purpose of amending the PL, and successfully gather votes needed to amend it, they could employ a number of tactics:
- add two members to the Board;
- require that all Board meetings be taped and transcribed;
- require the super to pass certain competency tests (if not union);
- have direct Sh. election of president, sec'y, treasurer;
- require a Managing Agent to supervise the super directly (you didn't say whether Nancy's co-op has one or not; if they do, what the heck is the MA doing? and if they don't, they should hire one as soon as they're in control of the Board.

Those are my first reactions. Hope they're helpful; I'll keep thinkin' on it.

Thanks for your thinking on this. I called my friend Nancy first thing today to get answers to your questions.

- Her PL can be amended with a 66-2/3% SH vote
- To call a special mtg: 25% of all outstanding shares
- Recalling a BM requires a 66-2/3% SH vote
- It's a non-union bldg

The bldg had a MA but the 3 sponsor-related BMs fired them last year and hired a company without looking at others - probably a friend of the sponsor, Nancy thinks.

Nancy says regular SHs complain about the useless super. They can't reach the MA - they get voice mail, and no one calls them back. The only BMs they can reach are Nancy and Frank. The 3 sponsor BMs won't take their calls or talk to them about coop biz - they're told to call the MA if they have a problem, which does no good.

RLM, I gave Nancy your good ideas this morning. I think her best bet is getting SHs to sign a petition for a special mtg to recall the 3 sponsor BMs and bring in 3 regular SHs. Luckily, Frank is board secretary. From my experience I know a request for a special mtg has to go to the secretary and if enough shares petition for it, he can schedule it and they can hold it no matter what the 3 sponsor BMs say.

RLM, I didn't know what to tell Nancy, but I'm getting more ideas and she was very "up" this morning when I told her your thoughts, and her wheels are turning now too.

BTW, I asked her how many shares the sponsor has. She can't recall the exact number, but she remembers that his 10 apts + the 3 BM apts are about 20-22% of all shares. So if they can rally enough regular SHs, they could effectively get a 66-2/3% vote on most anything.

I said in my previous post that this coop has 5-yr board terms. The 3 sponsor BMs began their 2nd yr this past May. I didn't know until this morning, but Nancy/Frank are in their 5th yr and they have to step down in May '08. If 2 SHs are elected who aren't as knowledgreable or concerned as they are, things will get much worse I'm sure.

Thanks again, RLM. You've been a great help. If you happen to think of anything else, let me know.

Totally lost here. Can you try to explain again what your question was. I lost you after the first few words typed.

FN.

Sorry, FN, if I wasn't clear.

We're redoing the service areas our residents use - trash room, laundry, storage. They're in the same general place off the lobby which is tan, dark green and burgundy. We're painting the service areas these same colors so there's some "continuity" with the lobby.

We're getting new bins (10) for our trash room. 3 BMs say they must be blue for recyclables - the blue you often see on bins with a white "recycle" symbol. Rubbermaid makes a lot of them. Our SHs are very picky about having everything coordinated. Since the trash room walls/floors/doors will be the same colors as the lobby (and other bldg areas) some of us think bold, blue bins will look ugly/loud in an area that's tan, dark green and burgundy.

3 BMs say the law requires blue bins for recyclables. The rest of us say it doesn't require blue. They'll concede if someone else will agree with us on this.

So, my question was - do bins (containers) have to be blue for recyclables or not?

BP. As long as the containers are not going out on to the street they can be any color you want them to be, As long as the correct color sticker is displayed on the can and that you use clear bags in the cans (both cans) for the disposal of contents.

If the cans are going out to the street then they need to be either one blue and one green with the proper stickers or both blue with the proper stickers.
Also not that recycled areas much have a sticker either on the door or above each recycle area. Directions must also be placed above the cans, along with pick up times.

Pgrech
VP, Superintendents Technical Assoc.

You gave me the answer I was looking for - also some info I didn't know. Our super handles the trash pretty well so we assumed he knows what he's doing. You said you're supposed to use clear bags for recyclables. He uses blue bags for glass, paper, cardboard, magazines, all of it, and he uses clear bags for regular trash. Surprised we haven't gotten any Sanitation Dept. violations for that. We'll have to set him straight on this. Thanks again.

What I did in my building was we have two square rubbermaid containers on each floor. I called 311 and asked for the sticker labels for the recycing. They said all I have to do is place one blue sticker label on the container and use a clear bag. and the other container I placed the green sticker label and use a clear bag. On each sticker label it explains what is suppose to be placed in that container.

Thanks, Mike Mac. We have the blue + green NYC labels that you put on trash containers that tell you what to recycle. Our board "dispute" is whether the containers (trash cans) for recyclables (glass, paper, etc.) MUST be blue or if they can be any color - black, brown, grey or whatever - as long as we put the blue + green NYC labels on them.

No, he is not in violation of any union rules because, there is no such "union rules" saying where a super should live.
Pg

The Housing Maintenance Code of Union 32B/J, the union that covers building workers such as superintendents, clearly states that in residential buildings of ten or more units, the super must live either on-site or within 200 feet of the building and he should be able to effectively manage the handymen, the porters and all other building staff members.

If the super is not responding in a manner that is effective to service requests or emergencies, or if you can prove that his apartment with the coop is merely a second apartment, you can require him to make the adjustment or fire him for insubordination.

In both non-union and union situations, when a superintendent commits a criminal act or poses a demonstrable danger by his presence, OR ABSENCE, he can be fired immediately.

And in any disciplinary situation, it is imperative that both the board and management maintain accurate and ongoing documentation of the disciplinary actions taken for their own purposes and also for their protection in the event the super brings suit against them or initiates an arbitration proceeding.

~AR

The question asked was is the super in voilation of UNION RULES. The answer is NO.
AR, The housing Maintenance Code is a New York City Code and not a union code.
Secondly the code states 9 units or more and not 10.
I try to answer the question asked, and I did.


Pgrech

While you may have answered the question exactly as it was written, you failed to address the concern.

Consequently, I will spell it out even clearer since you seem to have an unwarranted inhospitable attitude:

Under NYC rules, buildings with nine (correct, not 10) or more apartments must have 24-hour janitorial services. The owner or super must live in the building or at least the same block, or live within 200 feet of it.

Management makes the rules; the union follows them, within the guidelines of the RAB / Union agreement. (which may be downloaded in PDF and entirety here: http://www.seiu32bj.org/cd/pdf/RAB_res_2006.pdf ) Article IV p1&2 , and others, of the union/employee handbook and RAB agreement show that if the super is insubordinate to the rules and systems set in place by management, he can be fired for such insubordination.

The reason so many supers get away with so much is because owners/boards and others are not fully understanding the duties, tasks and relationships between the owner/employer, the union, the city and the employee.

More can be found on these subjects here:

http://www.cooperator.com/articles/600/1/In-a-Class-of-Thier-Own/Page1.html

http://www.cooperator.com/articles/61/1/Your-Buildings-Superintendent/Page1.html


Pgrech: There is no need for animosity and attitudes on this board, we are all here to ask questions and provide opinions based on our experiences.

~AR

All i did was answer the question asked and corrected your mis-information.

Pgrech

AR

I just wanted to know what "Supers get away with so much" mean? Can you explain that alittle more, I like to know just what they are geting away with.

Thanks

Mike

I agree with PGrech on this one. I have not come across anything in the union contract that states you must reside in the building. You may want to review what is the protocol in the event of an emergency.

Many superintendents that are away from their building have a very good back up plan until they return back to the property, such as, the super across the street is familiar with the property, the staff on duty are aware of the protocol when there is an emergency, where the shut off valves are etc. I am aware of buildings where the super has an apartment in the building he manages and has a house elsewhere where he commutes from.

FN

Might be something in the PL, though. And if you still have a sponsor involved in your co-op, I'm sure it's part of their agreement that service levels (including a resident super) must be maintained.

If your super is legally domiciled in other place, when why not ask him to surrender the apartment and why not transform the space into another facility or living quarters for another employee?

AdC

Adc, not sure what you mean by letting another employee use the living quarters. This may be interpretated many different ways?

FN

You read it right! Obviously, if your superintendent is legally domiciled in another location and insists to be 20 minutes away from the building, i.e., he is not willing to live in the apartment at the building, then why not have the co-op use the apartment premises for other purposes including providing living quarters to another employee?

Obviously, this is an issue that requires frank discussion with the union. After all, you are allowing the freedom to the super to be legally domiciled somewhere else!

AdC

AdC, you and I do not even know if llPrime had a frank discussion with the super about the apt. It is worth bearing in mind, if you use the apt for another purpose how will you attract a super later if there will be no apt available.(I see your point)

FN

FN,

I know you did not post the question. My answer was another spin for ILPRIME, i.e., it differed from the other two respondents. Again, I see this forum as a way of thinking "out the box." If an idea triggers some other thoughts, then take it and run with it. No need to argue.

In regards to your question, my answer was use the space to the best of your discretion. If it is convenient to leave it empty, then leave it empty. If you can use it as a board meeting place, then use it. If it can be rented out, do it. If it is to have an employee use it as living quarters.

AdC

No, I did not post the original question. When answering I try to view it from all angles. My fear? is that if you were to turn that apt into lets say a gym, how would you attract a good superintendent down the road without an apt to offer him/her.

FN.

What makes you think the super is not living in the union building. Before you make accusations of any TYPE, make sure your facts are correct!

Because people have been watching him come into the building
with his wife before the start of his work day. I do not
make comments or accusations without proof it is on tape.

Is it on tape that he comes in every single day to start his work with his wife from his home?

two/three days a week, he is not available for emergency
since he is 30-40 minutes away, etc.

he is being paid to be a live in super, we give him
an apt, pay utilites, etc. and he is not around when
needed.

Occupancy is a sticky subject. Children can live with parents regardless of age. I'm sure everyone thinks that the parents were not forthcoming during the interview, but c'la vie! Such actions may say something about people -- not too transparent for one.

Since this was announced after the fact, your admissions committee (1 or 2 members) should run a "meet and greet" session to go over rules and amenities. From thereon, everyone should then smile!

AdC

Shouldn't penalties be levied for non-disclosure, not so much for the children, but for sneaking roommates in without prior knowledge.

What you talking about V,"Sneaking roommates?"

New shareholders not being honest about the people going to live with them and REFUSAL to disclose who they are. In one case I heard the roommates moved in before the shareholder did. She told the board it was just her and her mother. Now there may be one or two additional people living there who are not relatives. We are fighting about it on the board. Half say it's an invasion of privacy, the other half speak of liability. Who's right?

Dear V
ONE of the most important documents in a co-op is the proprietary lease. That is because the lease is the document that gives shareholders the right to occupy their apartments and sets forth the rules and regulations governing shareholders' rights.
I will answer your question.
In this case it's mother and daughter and some roommates.
How do you know who else LIVES in the apartment. How did you determine the age and number of residents in the apartment? Did you secretly WATCH them? You seem to have a PERSONAL issue or a hidden agenda,for which you have gone as far as INVADING PERSONAL PRIVACY of residents.

Agree with MaryN
The difference between the sidewalk and apartment is that shareholder has the right to exclusive possession of the apartment against the entire world, even the board.

H.

But paragraph 14 our PL says that no guest can stay in a shareholder's apartment past thirty days without written consent of the Board and management. Few shareholders are doing this.

Hello V, GUEST not roommate. Big difference.
Concentrate.
H.

How is a Co-op supposed to control the number of people living in the apt? If the proprietary lease has 2 persons and one sees six persons coming in and out of the apt. Shouldn't the coop be concerned that the occupants are illegal subletters? I am all for privacy, but how can a co-op prevent the additional "roommates". Most co-ops provide water, hot water usage that is included in the maintenance, and if many co-operators go this route, wouldn't that be a financial problem? How can a co-op regulate the tenancy without the issue of invading one's privacy? I live in a co-op and I wondered many times how to deal with this. Anyone has an answer?

Dear Elena
Most proprietary leases specify who can reside in a co-op apartment — typically, the shareholder, a spouse, their children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and domestic employees. Although most leases do not specify the number of occupants, some leases impose limits on the number of occupants based on the apartment’s size. So you would have to check the proprietary lease to determine if there are any limits on the number of occupants. New York State’s Multiple Dwelling Law provides that every room must have at least 400 cubic feet of airspace for each adult and 200 cubic feet of airspace for each child occupying that room. Basically it’s 3 adults for 1 bedroom apartment, 5 adults for 2 bedroom apartment, 7 adults for 3 bedroom apartment. My dear Elena, boards are the "keepers of the gate" in their buildings, the ultimate decision-makers about who can live in the community it's a decision and process that carries great weight and responsibility, also boards can open up the co-op to potentially costly lawsuits over discrimination, harassment, invasion of privacy, etc. And if you are a board member please always keep that in mind to avoid REAL
FINANCIAL problems.
M.

I completely agree and thank you both, MaryN and Harry, VERY WELL PUT!
Some Board members are very possessive; they want a recognition and obedience by every shareholder (newcomer). And if and when they are ignored – they start creating stories, spying and making everybody’s life miserable. How about becoming friendly and getting shareholders’ VOTES when they run for the board next time?

It’s a shame that some vindictive and unhappy Board members are given a power to twist RESIDENTS’ life. They are becoming ENTITIES with MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES. They should concentrate on their own life and leave others alone, because, as MaryN wrote: “boards can open up the co-op to potentially costly lawsuits over discrimination, harassment, invasion of privacy, etc. And if you are a board member please always keep that in mind to avoid REAL FINANCIAL problems”.

Thank you all for your input and support.

Tom

Dear Friends

As a board director in New York City, can you throw a neighbor out of the building? Can you be held personally liable and bankrupted for your actions as a board director? As board power has grown with board responsibility – the answer has increasingly become “yes.”
If you – or your board – are having difficulties understanding your roles and the scope and limits of your authority, be warned: lack of the necessary skills and confusion over board roles, responsibilities, and powers often lead to bad governance, which, in turn can lead to poor decisions and, possibly, future financial problems. Like every other commodity or person, buildings have reputations. Lawyers, accountants, managing agents, and brokers who work in this industry all know the reputation of a building. If the board is not conducting itself properly, then the building is not being run properly. This information is passed on to prospective buyers. Bad rumors or the bad standing of a building affects the price of its apartments.
Very few actions you may initiate on the board are as consequential but also as necessary as knowing when and how to inform on your fellow board members. Learn how to spot the signs of trouble, avoid common mistakes.
For keeping up to date with key issues, and for accessing important data on your building you can always contact:

Council of New York Cooperatives & Condominiums (CNYC)
250 West 57th Street, Suite 730
New York, N.Y. 10107-0730
212-496-7400

Federation of New York Housing Cooperatives & Condominiums (FNYHC)
61-20 Grand Central Parkway Suite C110 Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375
718-760-7540.

New York Association of Real Estate Managers (NYARM)
500 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1212
New York, N.Y. 10018
212-216-0654


Thank you
Good Luck
M.

Several apartments were burglarized several years ago, one of the culprits claimed to be a roommate of a shareholder. So yes my agenda is preventing that from happening again. Or something worse.

Dear V.
The co-op building in which I live has a digital camera security system. The system films and records all common areas of the building, including the elevator, garages, hallways and laundry room. Why don't you offer the board to purchase the security system to prevent burglary or "something worse".
P.S. Yes you are right V, paragraph 14 our PL says that no guest can stay in a shareholder's apartment past thirty days without written consent of the Board and management, GUESTS, but not the roommates. You really seem to have a PERSONAL issue other then "burglary". I no longer have a desire to continue this discussion. You obviously lack the knowledge and expertise that pertains to this topic.
Thank you
M.

All I did was ask a question and I got my answer. Thank you very much. No further comment is needed on my part either!

The proprietary lease usually provides that the shareholder and members of the shareholder’s family may occupy an apartment, and Section 235-f of the Real Property Law (the so-called “roommate law”) provides that every residential lease entered into by one tenant “shall be construed to permit occupancy by the tenant, immediate family of the tenant, one additional occupant, and dependent children of the occupant…” This law has been held to be applicable to co-op proprietary leases. Therefore the co-op board may not prohibit questioner No. 39 from having a roommate.
So if the grown up child moved into the unit occupied by the parents and lives there with the parents, that would typically fall within the list of permitted occupants and would not require board consent or provide justification for a surcharge.

Thank you

Why would someone buy a three bedroom apartment and live there by themselves? Didn't the board see this coming?

Why didn't the managing agent inform the board that the grown adult children will be living with the shareholder? Don't they work FOR you?

something sounds wrong here.
only because when the designer was first approved by the DOB and whatever engineers first did this install/build, the heat requirements had to have been figured and met.

Did something happen between then and now?
was the boiler neglected?
is it something outside your plumbers expertise?
are you leaking heat from somewhere else?
these things can cost you allot more later if not answered correctly now. more/heavier heating elements are not always the answer.
You may have better spend money by hiring a heating engineer for 1500 dollars or so to review and advise. This will/should end up in a more efficient solution in the long term.

~AR

Twenty years have passed since the building was gutted/renovated and lots has probably happened. Most likely suspect is windows deteriorating (heat escaping) but that would be $10,000 to replace due to size (there is a huge three-pane sliding glass door). Since only two units are still below legal heat requirements on cold days, the Board is loathe to make that investment though that is what even the plumber and building engineers have suggested to do first. The Board fears this will not solve the problem and we don't really lots of money so they are looking at quick fixes. Anyone know a good plumber?

We use Wynne plumbing and Temperini Mechanical
you can call Joe temperini 347-582-5934 the owner