NEW YORK CITY

Denis Leary was with me when we had an authentic New York moment across from the Hayden Planetarium. I was doing a short segment with him that was part of an online campaign we did. We had a permit.

So I have this camera guy and Denis is dressed as [his movie character] Police Captain George Stacy. And I'm asking him questions and he's talking about how he needs help, how the public has to help him to find Spider-Man.

A guy comes out of the building: sneakers, shorts, all sweaty, athletically obnoxious Wall Street type. Very New York. He's saying to me, "Why are you filming in front of my building? I'm the chairman of the board of this building!" It was a co-op on the Upper West Side.

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You’re a pianist and a piano teacher. The co-op you’ve been living in for the past four years has a house rule that allows you to play – and teach – the piano until 10 p.m. Suddenly the board changes the cutoff time to 9 p.m. – and, for good measure, forbids shareholders from conducting business, including piano lessons, in their apartments after 5 p.m. Do you have to obey this new house rule?

Unfortunately, you do. When you buy into a co-op, you agree to abide by the proprietary lease and the house rules, and most boards have the power to amend house rules. All shareholders are bound by new rules, even if they’re more restrictive, real estate lawyer David L. Berkey tells The New York Times’ Ask Real Estate column. So even though it affects your livelihood, you have to obey the new rules.

It gets worse. Commercial noise – including the sweet music of a novice piano student – is regulated by the noise code 24 hours a day. A neighbor could call 311 at any time and file a noise complaint. If an inspector issues a violation, the fine for  first offense from a commercial establishment is usually a staggering $3,200. 
Berkey suggests that you try to work out an agreement with the co-op board and the neighbor. You might consider soundproofing your apartment. It’s cheaper than breaking the house rules.

As weary residents push back against rules, boards need to hold the line.

Mandating staff vaccination is permitted, but boards’ powers may be limited.