BY JOHN KIRITSIS, ESQ., CPA, MBA, MS, JD, LL.M
The warranty of habitability is a legal concept that requires landlords or property owners, including those of condominiums (condos), to provide tenants or residents with premises that are safe, sanitary, and fit for living. In New York City (NYC), this warranty is particularly important due to the unique housing challenges the city faces. Here’s an overview of how the warranty of habitability is enforced in NYC condos:
- Basis of Warranty of Habitability:
The warranty of habitability is based on both common law principles and statutory regulations. In NYC, it is codified under the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, the NYC Housing Maintenance Code, and other relevant regulations.
- Rights of Condo Residents:
Residents of NYC condos are entitled to the same warranty of habitability as tenants in rental properties. This means that condo residents have the right to live in a safe and habitable environment.
- Required Conditions:
The warranty of habitability mandates that the condo unit and common areas must meet certain minimum standards of safety, sanitation, and livability. This includes providing adequate heat, hot water, plumbing, electricity, structural integrity, and protection from vermin.
- Reporting Issues to the Board:
Condo residents who encounter habitability issues should report them to the condo board or management company in writing. It’s important to keep records of all communications.
- Condo Board Responsibilities:
The condo board has a responsibility to address and rectify habitability issues in a timely manner. This includes addressing problems related to common areas and building systems.
- Legal Remedies:
If the condo board fails to address habitability issues within a reasonable time frame, residents may have legal remedies available, such as withholding rent or maintenance fees, making repairs themselves and deducting the cost from their fees, or pursuing legal action to compel the board to address the issues.
- Rent Abatement:
In some cases, if the condo unit becomes uninhabitable due to severe habitability issues, the resident may have the right to withhold a portion of the maintenance fees until the issue is resolved.
- Retaliatory Actions:
Condo boards are prohibited from retaliating against residents who assert their rights under the warranty of habitability. Taking retaliatory actions could lead to legal consequences for the board.
- Legal Assistance:
Residents facing habitability issues in their condo units are advised to seek legal assistance from attorneys specializing in real estate law. An attorney can guide them through the process of enforcing the warranty of habitability and pursuing legal remedies if necessary.
- Collaborative Approach:
Residents and condo boards should ideally work collaboratively to address habitability issues promptly and efficiently. Open communication can help prevent legal disputes and foster a positive living environment.
Understanding the warranty of habitability and its enforcement in NYC condos is essential for both residents and condo boards. Both parties should be aware of their rights and responsibilities to maintain a safe and livable living environment within the condominium community.
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
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