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 — 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 — 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
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