Keeping a Close Eye on Close-Minded Neighbors

Nov. 17, 2015 — Most shareholders would like to assume that their neighbors are kind, compassionate people – or at least, not scary bigots who might go off without a moment's notice. Unfortunately, that's not always the case, and Ronda Kaysen's most recent Ask Real Estate column has one such story. A reader writes, "My partner was subjected to a lengthy homophobic tirade by another resident in the lobby of our co-op, observed by one of the building’s doormen. ...The doorman did nothing. In response to our formal complaint, the board said it has nothing to do with disputes between residents, unless a physical assault or other criminal action occurs." Kaysen's advice veers towards the practical, telling the shareholders to start a paper trail and to be prepared to escalate to the New York City Commission on Human Rights if the board continues not to act.