Management Basics
November 21, 2013
Let’s say you decide to deduct part of a security deposit or withhold the entire amount to repair apartment damage left by a departing tenant. When you return the remainder of the deposit to the tenant, or if you return nothing at all, it’s a good idea to send a letter to the tenant,...
In the News
November 21, 2013
Mayor Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Operations Cas Holloway, and the RAND Corporation recently released a study finding numerous gaps in the National Flood Insurance Program that will significantly increase flood insurance costs for New York City.
In the News
November 21, 2013
Recently, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s (DHCR’s) Office of Rent Administration (ORA) released its 2013 Annual Review. The publication gives an overview of ORA’s various bureaus that are charged with effectively administering New York State’s rent laws and...
In the News
November 21, 2013
Smart Apartments, a short-term housing operator that put up visitors in illegally converted apartment buildings, will pay a $1 million penalty to the city and be permanently banned from running its operation. “Unregulated illegal hotels are unsafe and pose a danger to the community and those...
Landlord v. Tenant
November 21, 2013
DOB Violations: Landlord Didn't Add Handicap Ramp During Alterations
DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for failing to provide building access to people with disabilities. The violation stated that there was no ramp at the front entrance of the building. Landlord claimed that no ramp was...
Feature
October 24, 2013
As an apartment building owner, you constantly face the prospect of rent-stabilized and rent-controlled tenants getting rent cuts over service complaints. The Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) has the authority to grant rent cuts for a wide variety of service problems.
Management Basics
October 24, 2013
Now that “Heat Season” has officially started on Oct. 1, it may be a good time to review the many city laws and regulations that focus on your building’s boiler room. Four city agencies can hit you with violations related to your building’s boiler and boiler room. Here...
In the News
October 24, 2013
As part of its continuing efforts to make New York City better prepared for future hurricanes, the City Council recently passed a package of legislation that’s intended to strengthen building standards and enhance building and infrastructure resiliency against the effects of future storms...
In the News
October 24, 2013
A 79-year-old rent-stabilized tenant is at the center of a bankruptcy case that may pose a risk to her and the millions of other New Yorkers who live in rent-stabilized apartments.
The tenant, unable to keep up with her bills after her husband’s death, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy two years...
Landlord v. Tenant
October 24, 2013
DOB Violations: Building Staircase Leaning Out of Plumb
DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for failing to maintain its building in a code-compliant manner. DOB's inspector reported that the staircase from the fourth floor to the roof was leaning out of plumb. The stringer, which supports...
