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. It is important to prevent the co-op from crumbling without the participation of any one person.
Brainstorm at annual meetings and at board meetings about ways to increase participation. Consider staggering elections so that a new member does not have to fear being on a completely “new” board, which can be intimidating. Consider term limits to make sure new people get involved. Amend documents to make board service mandatory. Stress “mandatory board service” to any new incoming shareholder by including a rider in closing documents outlining board service. If your co-op has a new shareholder interview questionnaire and/or procedure, ask about this during that process.
If your board has more than they can handle and nobody will step up, you may want to consider hiring a management company to take care of some of the day-to-day operations of the building.
Need help running a fair and transparent election? UHAB can help.
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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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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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.
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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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