BY JOHN KIRITSIS, ESQ., CPA, MBA, MS, JD, LL.M
Condominium development laws in New York City (NYC) govern the creation, operation, and management of condominium projects within the city. Condos are a popular form of real estate ownership, and developers must adhere to specific regulations when creating and selling condominium units. Here’s an overview of key condominium development laws in NYC:
- Creation of Condominium:
Condominiums in NYC are created through the filing of a “Declaration of Condominium” with the New York City Department of Finance. This document establishes the legal framework for the condominium and includes details about the individual units, common areas, ownership percentages, and other pertinent information.
- Offering Plan:
Developers of condominiums must prepare and file an “Offering Plan” with the New York State Attorney General’s office before marketing and selling units. The Offering Plan provides detailed information about the project, units, common areas, financials, and other relevant matters for prospective buyers.
- Legal Requirements:
Offering Plans must adhere to specific legal requirements, including accurate and detailed information, disclosures, and financial projections. Developers must provide potential buyers with a cooling-off period during which they can review the Offering Plan before signing a contract.
- Regulatory Approval:
The Attorney General’s office reviews and approves the Offering Plan to ensure it meets legal requirements. Once approved, the developer can begin marketing and selling units.
- Public Offering Statement:
The Offering Plan is provided to potential buyers in the form of a “Public Offering Statement,” which includes a summary of the key points in the plan. This statement must be delivered to purchasers before they sign a contract.
- Unit Ownership and Common Areas:
Condo ownership involves owning individual units as well as a proportionate share of common areas and facilities. The Declaration of Condominium defines the ownership structure, responsibilities, and rights of unit owners and the condo association.
- Governance:
Condo associations are responsible for managing and maintaining common areas, facilities, and amenities. The condo board of managers is typically elected by unit owners and has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the association.
- Financials and Assessments:
Condo owners pay common charges to cover the costs of maintaining common areas and building operations. Developers must provide financial projections in the Offering Plan, and the board manages the association’s finances.
- Construction and Development Standards:
Developers must adhere to local building codes, zoning regulations, and quality standards during the construction and development of condominium projects.
- Resale Requirements:
Developers may establish resale requirements or restrictions on the sale of units within the first few years after construction to maintain stability in the building’s ownership.
- Legal Compliance:
Condominium development must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including land use regulations, environmental laws, and fair housing laws.
Navigating condominium development laws in NYC requires careful attention to legal requirements, documentation, and regulatory procedures. Developers should work closely with legal professionals who specialize in NYC real estate law to ensure compliance and successful completion of their projects.
Citations, References and Potentially Useful Resources for Further Information:
U.S. Constitution
New York State Constitution
Federal Securities Regulation
New York State Martin Act
New York Condominium Act
New York State Security Regulations
New York Business Corporation Law
New York Limited Liability Company Law
New York Uniform Partnership Act
Federal Internal Revenue Code
New York State Tax Laws, Rules & Regulations
New York City Tax Laws, Rules & Regulations
Winston Churchill Owners, Inc. v. Regents Real Estate Associates
Board of Managers of the Park Regis Condominium v. Park Regis Owners Corp.
Park Sutton Condominium v. 447 E. 57th St. LLC
28 E. 10th Street Corp. v. Veras
Riverside Syndicate, Inc. v. Munroe
Essex House Condominium v. Marks
The Parc Vendome Condominium v. Atkinson
54-56 Meserole Street Owners Corp. v. Rossi
The Beekman Regent Condominium v. Bottiglieri
Chelsea 19th LLC v. West 19th Street Realty LLC
ACRIS
New York Department of Finance
New York City Department of Buildings
New York City Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
Call 212 922 0005. Kiritsis Law Group.
Manhattan Office: 633 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Phone# 212 922 0005.
New Jersey Office: 7309 Ventnor Avenue, Ventnor, NJ 08406. Phone# 212 922 0005.
Brooklyn Office: 6902 11th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Phone# 212 922 0005.
Feel free to call us at 212-922-0005 for a free, brief and confidential consultation.
Whether buying real estate, having years of un-filed tax returns, have an immigration question, considering to start a business, faced with a commercial/business dispute or thinking about getting a prenuptial agreement — Our law firm is willing, able and ready to assist you. Call us at 212 922 0005.
We represent businesses and individuals throughout the 5 boroughs of New York City and most of New Jersey.
For a free, brief initial phone consultation with an attorney, call us today at 212 922 0005.
Our law firm provides a full range of legal services, within the following practice areas:
Real Estate
Business Law
Tax & Accounting Services
Immigration Law
Asset Protection
Business/Commercial Litigation & Disputes
The materials available through this website and any other websites owned by John Kiritsis (individually and collectively, the “Website”) are the property of John Kiritsis and his entities, and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not use, reproduce, download, store, post, broadcast, transmit, modify, sell, or make available to the public content from the Website without the prior written approval of John Kiritsis. Beware that any unauthorized use of John Kiritsis’ trademarks and copyrighted content for commercial purposes in violation of John Kiritsis’s intellectual property rights, will be vigorously enforced. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names referenced in this site are the property of John Kiritsis.
ANY AND ALL INFORMATION POSTED IN THIS WEBSITE SHALL NOT BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL ADVISE BY PROPERLY LICENSED COMPETENT ATTORNEYS. FOR INFORMATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. NOT SUBJECTED TO FINALIZED LEGAL EDIT WITH REGARDS TO CONTENT. SITE PRONE TO CONTAINING ERRORS OF STATEMENT OF LAWS, RULES AND/OR REGULATIONS WHERE APPLICABLE.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. PRIOR RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE A SIMILAR OUTCOME.
The views expressed by this author are not legally binding or reflective of the author, the author’s firm, the author’s employers, the author’s employees, or any individual and/or organization.