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Highlights

Why Are Your Property Taxes Higher Than Your Neighbor’s?
Property taxes for condominiums in New York City are calculated differently from taxes in other dwellings.
By Jill Terreri Ramos
CreditNadia Pillon
Who Is Responsible for Fixing Condo Defects?
Condo boards have a duty to act in the interest of all unit owners. But if the board is controlled by the building’s sponsor, that could be tricky.
By Jill Terreri Ramos
CreditNadia Pillon
1. When Your Neighbor Renovates, How Do You Protect Your Home?
  A law exists to balance the interests of people who renovate their properties with the interests of their neighbors.
  By Jill Terreri Ramos
  CreditNadia Pillon
2. Co-op Assessments: Do You Have to Pay What They Say?
  Courts allow co-op boards significant power over building finances, including assessments — if the fees are in ‘good faith.’
  By Jill Terreri Ramos
  CreditNadia Pillon

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Can I Sue My HOA for Something My Neighbor Does?
Disputes between neighbors can be settled in court, but that can be expensive, time-consuming and bad for relationships.
By Jill Terreri Ramos
What Happens to My Rent When the Building’s Tax Benefit Expires?
Once your apartment is no longer rent stabilized, there are laws that can protect you from eviction and unreasonable increases.
By Jill Terreri Ramos
Do I Have to Tell My Landlord About the Guest Staying With Me?
Generally, guests cannot stay for longer than 30 days at a time, and landlords are often on the lookout for violations.
By Jill Terreri Ramos
What Happens When Condo Owners Don’t Pay Their Dues to the Building?
A condo board can sue a delinquent owner for money owed.
By Jill Terreri Ramos
My Building Is Doing Unexplained Work. Can I Stop Paying Dues Until They Explain?
Most condo associations must provide a record of all receipts and expenses. But they also need residents’ maintenance fees to operate.
By Jill Terreri Ramos
My Co-op Is Overcharging Me, Possibly on Purpose. What Can I Do?
Proving that a co-op board is acting in bad faith can be difficult.
By Jill Terreri Ramos
My Neighbor’s Apartment Is Leaking Into My Space. Who Has to Fix This?
A friendly conversation is often the way to start. Legal action may follow, but it can be expensive and difficult.
By Jill Terreri Ramos
My Condo Sponsor Owes the Building $30,000. How Do We Make Him Pay?
The office of the New York State attorney general calls the failure of building sponsors to pay dues on unsold units a “serious” problem.
By Jill Terreri Ramos
The Gym in My Apartment Building Is SO LOUD! What Can I Do?
It’s possible that a gym isn’t even allowed in your building. If it is, it cannot violate the noise code, the warranty of habitability or the lease.
By Jill Terreri Ramos
My Apartment Is Way Too Cold! How Do I Make the Landlord Fix It?
If your rental is not properly heated, gather your neighbors and complain together.
By Jill Terreri Ramos