NYC condo bylaws and co-op house rules are enforceable through fines, access restrictions, and legal action. Co-op boards have especially broad enforcement power through the proprietary lease, including the ultimate remedy of lease termination for chronic violators.
In NYC condos, the declaration, bylaws, and house rules constitute the governing documents enforceable against all unit owners under RPL Article 9-B. Condo boards enforce rules through: written warnings, fines (as authorized in bylaws, commonly $100-$500 per occurrence), suspension of amenity privileges, and legal action for injunctive relief or damages. Co-op boards have broader enforcement tools under the proprietary lease β the lease typically grants the board authority to impose fines, deny sublet requests, and in extreme cases, commence holdover proceedings to terminate the proprietary lease. This termination power (known as the 'Pullman rule' after Pullman v. Pullman) makes co-op enforcement significantly stronger than condo enforcement. Common violations include: unauthorized subletting, noise disturbances, improper renovation work, failure to comply with move-in/move-out procedures, pet violations (weight/breed restrictions), and improper use of common areas. The board must enforce rules uniformly β selective enforcement can expose the board to claims of discrimination or bad faith.
Condo: fines per bylaws, injunctive relief in court, lien for unpaid fines. Co-op: fines, sublet denial, amenity suspension, holdover proceedings, and lease termination for chronic violators. Legal fees may be charged to the violating owner if governing documents permit.
New York, NY
New York City enforces strict noise rules under Administrative Code Title 24, Chapter 2 (the NYC Noise Code, rewritten by Local Law 113 of 2005). Sound excee...
New York, NY
NYC bans commercial vehicles on residential streets 9 PM-5 AM and caps any commercial-vehicle parking at 3 hours per block (NYC Admin Code Β§19-170). 'Commerc...
New York, NY
In NYC residence districts, Zoning Resolution Β§23-44 limits fences in front yards to 4 feet above adjoining grade and permits walls up to 8 feet (not roofed ...
New York, NY
Section 161.05 of the New York City Health Code requires every dog in any public place, or in any open or unfenced area abutting a public place, to be effect...
New York, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City, including sparkling devices that are legal in much of New York State. NYC Fire Code Section FC 5601.3.2 ...
New York, NY
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on private property. Landmark Preservation Commiss...
See how New York's cc&r enforcement rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.