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.
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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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