How do I deal with a noisy neighbor?

Communication is a key first step. Make sure you put your issue in writing and deliver it to the board. Once you officially make a complaint, the board has a fiduciary duty to address it. Resolution could differ based on whether the noisy neighbor is a renter or shareholder. Your documents clearly indicate that you have a right to quietly enjoy your unit (See Section 5.03 of our sample proprietary lease “Restrictions on Shareholder Use” (c) Restrictions on Obnoxious, Costly or Unlawful use). Mediation can be a good way to resolve longstanding conflict. Check out the New York Peace Institute. In extreme cases you may need to purchase a decibel meter and start recording the noise in preparation for a lawsuit.

Learn more about your rights as a shareholder

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Successful Conflict Resolution: Getting to “Yes”

The “Getting to Yes” conflict resolution method can help you solve interpersonal problems in your building.

Shareholder Rights, Responsibilities, and Advantages

Learn the rights and responsibilities of an HDFC shareholder, plus what makes living in an HDFC so special.

Sample House Rules

Sample house rules contain information about quiet hours, garbage disposal, repairs, and more.
I want to sell my apartment. How do I do that?

Start by giving your board of directors official notice of your intent to sell.

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Can I add a relative to my share?

The short answer is probably. Your HDFC board cannot unreasonably deny your request if it meets certain criteria.

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My board isn’t having meetings and refuses to allow me to view books and records. What do I do?

Your HDFC’s bylaws specify the board’s responsibility to hold meetings and release records.

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No one new wants to run for the board. What do we do?

Board turnover is essential for a healthy co-op. It prevents burnout for long-time board members, and ensures lots of people have the skills to keep the co-op running.

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What repairs am I responsible for as a shareholder?

As a general guideline, shareholders are responsible for repairs within their apartments, while the co-op as an entity is responsible for building systems like heating; common spaces like lobbies; and tenants’ apartments.

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I can’t pay my maintenance fee. What resources are available to me?

You can ask for a payment agreement, which can give you extra time to come up with your maintenance fee.

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Why does the Board keep raising the maintenance?

Regular maintenance fee increases are essential to your co-op’s financial heath. A 2% annual increase is mandatory in most HDFCs with Regulatory Agreements.

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Our HDFC is in financial trouble. What are our options?

The first step is to understand what’s causing the financial hardship. Be sure to pinpoint the issue and make a plan for long-term financial viability.

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We need to evict a shareholder. How do we do that?

Eviction is a last step after you’ve communicated with the resident, met with them, offered payment agreements, and referred them to resources.

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Why do I have to give my HDFC money back when I sell?

For HDFCs to remain physically and financially viable in the long term, they must build up a healthy reserve account.

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