March 29, 2023

NYC trash rules changed in 2023 to reduce rat activity by limiting how long garbage stays on sidewalks before collection.

NYC Trash Rules for Residential Buildings

As the city works to combat its expanding rat problem, New Yorkers will soon have to leave out their trash much later in the day.

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) announced the final publication of new rules to limit the number of hours trash, recycling, and organics will sit on New York City sidewalks by adjusting the time of day those materials may be placed on the curb. This is part of the Adams administration’s ongoing commitment to clean up New York City’s streets and support the city’s economic recovery. This fulfills a promise made in the middle of October and follows a 30-day public comment process and public hearing.

NYC Trash Rules and Rat Prevention

The current policy allows for trash, recycling, and organics to be put out on the curb after 4:00 PM the night before collection, which is the latest in any major American city. As a result, in many neighborhoods, these items can sit out for more than 14 hours, including during the evening rush hour for pedestrians. The city’s recovery will be aided by these new regulations, which take effect on April 1, 2023.

This will cut down on the amount of time trash is left out on the curb, lessen the blight of black bags, lessen the amount of trash that rats can get into, improve cleanliness, and reduce the amount of trash that is left out for rats.

Garbage can be removed after 6 p.m. beginning on April 1, 2023, but it must be in a secure container. Before, garbage could be left outside for collection after 4 p.m.

Only after 8 p.m. can rubbish bags be placed directly on the curb; bundled cardboard must be placed next to safe containers.

Buildings with nine or more apartments have the option to put the trash out between 4 and 7 in the morning.

NYC Trash Rules for Businesses

This announcement also includes newly defined regulations for businesses that use private waste haulers rather than the DSNY for service. Companies can select from the following choices:

If you’re placing trash bags on the curb, put them out after 8:00 PM. One hour prior to closure put trash in a closed container. Cardboard rolls could be placed next to the container.

The first offense carries a $50 fine; subsequent offenses carry a $100 fine.

March 28, 2023

Professional property management helps landlords save time, reduce stress, and improve rental performance through expert daily support.

Wondering Whether Getting A Professional Property Management Company To Help You Is The Right Answer?

Read The List Of Reasons Below To See If You Are Someone Who Can Handle Managing A Property Alone.

 

1. You’d Rather Deal With Property Management Issues Than Spend Time With Family

sad little kid boy ignored by parent

 

2. You Find Property Management More Enjoyable Than Relaxing During The Holidays

Handyman cartoon property caretaker construction man multitasking with lots of arms holding tools

 

4. You Like To Spend Hours On The Phone Trying To Coordinate With Several Contractors To Collect Bids

5. You Have Experience Writing Your Own Lease

Girl diary concept. Woman write journal. Student studying with book. Happy character writes down plan for the next day in notebook. Cartoon flat vector illustration isolated on white background

 

6. You Have No Problem Dealing With Legal Issues And Possible Lawsuits

Cartoon judge man holding gavel sitting behind wooden bench desk with flags – male supreme law authority in courtroom. Flat isolated vector illustration.

 

7. Your Rental Property Is More Important Than Spending Time With Your Spouse / Family

8. You Don’t Mind Being On-Call 24/7 For Tenants

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9. You Have No Problems When Conducting Inspections

10. You Are On Top Of Getting Tenants To Pay On Time

11. You Have Time To Show Potential Tenants Your Rental Property

 

12. You Have No Problem Dealing With Unhappy Tenants

13. Communicating With Tenants Is A Breeze

If The Reasons Above Don’t Apply To You…Contact Us Today.

Our team will be happy to help you find the right solutions for your property.

March 22, 2023

E-Bike Battery Safety and New NYC Rules

E-bike battery safety has become a major concern in New York City as lithium-ion battery fires continue affecting residential neighborhoods. Have you seen a rise in the number of e-bikes in your neighborhood?
All over the city, fires have occurred in Forest Hills, Sunset Park, Corona, Sunnyside, Brownsville, Lower East Side, Brooklyn Heights, and Bushwick due to these e-bikes.
With new lithium battery legislation, that’s about to change.

Mayor Eric Adams announced more action in response to the city’s growing fires brought on by micro-mobility devices. This is in addition to approving the lithium-ion battery safety legislative package that the City Council earlier this month authorized.

E-bikes, other devices, and batteries that don’t meet established certification standards like UL are among the items that will be illegal to sell. At the law’s 180-day passage and eventual enactment, it will take effect.

Sellers who fail to comply risk a one-time civil penalty of $0 and subsequent fines of up to $1,000.

An e-bike must be certified to UL 2849. A standard that covers the entire electrical system of an e-bike. The battery, charger, or motor must be present for a vehicle to be sold, rented, or leased in New York City.

All lithium-ion batteries sold separately must comply with UL 2271, and powered mobility devices must fulfill UL 2272. The FDNY has said it will think about issuing more safety regulations of a such nature.

Adams stated that the city will:

Organize a task force of fire marshals to look for people who are breaking the rules. Data will be used by the task force to identify potential offenders. This will be targeted for outreach and inspection for compliance with current fire standards.
Continue to push the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other federal partners to make sure that the products adhere to the relevant safety regulations. Along with local, state, and federal partners, they look into the health impacts of handling lithium-ion batteries by first responders in more detail.

Outside micro-mobility storage is also recommended by Adams’ “Charge Safe, Ride Safe” concept. Including charging options at buildings owned by the New York City Housing Authority. Working with New York State to implement a program that encourages the purchase of safe and legal electric micro-mobility devices. To help with these efforts, a grant application must be given.

The Additional Laws That Were Approved Include:

Restricting the commercial sale and assembly of lithium-ion batteries made from cells taken from old batteries.
The FDNY would have to confer with the Department of Consumer and Labor Protection in order to create a public education campaign on the dangers of e-bikes and e-scooters catching fire (DCWP).
Requiring the FDNY to provide five reports on the fire dangers posed by powered mobility devices. These reports would contain information on the device-related fires, the FDNY’s risk-reduction efforts, and suggestions for additional risk reduction.
Requiring the DCWP to create and distribute instructional materials on the dangers of e-bikes. Including how to mitigate them for the delivery personnel. It would be necessary for third-party delivery services like Seamless and UberEats to give these materials to their delivery personnel.
There were 44 lithium-ion fires in 2020; by 2022, there were 220.

Fires that occurred in 2021 and 2022, caused 226 injuries and 10 fatalities. They caused two fatalities and forty injuries in the first two months of this year.

March 21, 2023

Rat prevention NYC begins with reducing food sources, sealing entry points, and keeping buildings clean. Do you reside in a New York City area where rats are an issue?
Don’t know where to start in fixing the problem?
Read on to learn about the safety precautions you should take.

 

 

Rats can be an issue for a single home, a whole block, or an entire community, necessitating a coordinated approach. Rat prevention requires a team effort between property owners, renters, companies, and the City.

Why There Are Rats in Your Community

Rats like to reside in areas that offer them access to food, water, shelter, and secure routes for moving about.

They may eat and hide among garbage and debris. The rats tend to dig nests or burrows in the ground for additional protection. Rats tend to repeatedly go along the same pathways for safety, frequently using building foundations, walls, fences, and shrubs as landmarks.

Rats Frequently Congregate In These Areas:

  • Harlem, Manhattan
  • Upper West Side-Manhattan Valley, Manhattan
  • Upper East Side – Yorkville, Manhattan
  • Upper West Side, Manhattan
  • Bushwick, Brooklyn
  • Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn

Efforts to Reduce Rats in the Neighborhood

The Health Department and numerous other City departments are attempting to enhance neighborhood cleanliness through the Neighborhood Rat Elimination Project by removing the food, water, and shelter that rats require to exist. The effort uses conventional rat control methods in addition to addressing the root causes that promote rat colonies. Rat populations will decrease by drastically lowering the number of habitats and food sources in the targeted locations.

The campaign concentrates on rat-infested areas in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.

Steps You Can Take

Visit the Rat Information Portal from the Health Department to view the outcomes of rat inspections and subsequent measures.

Check on the history of rat inspections by neighborhood, borough, block, and lot (BBL) number, or address.

Rat infestation and rat control measures can be implemented by Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Community District Managers, block associations, neighborhood organizations, and people working together. What you and your neighbors can do is as follows:

  1. Eliminate litter; rats will be drawn to any exposed waste.
  2. Garbage should be kept in lidded, hard plastic containers to prevent rats.
  3. Ensure sure there are enough garbage cans for each resident in your building.
  4. Keep tall weeds out of the planted areas surrounding your property.
    • Shrubs that are near the ground should be pruned.
  5. In addition to the sidewalk and beneath doors, look for cracks or holes in the building’s foundation.
    • Filling and sealing cracks and holes will make them seem better
  6. New garbage cans or additional trash pickup are sponsored by several BIDS.
    • By properly disposing of trash and supporting rat-resistant cans, you can maintain parks, walkways, and green streets tidy and clutter-free.
  7. Organize a free neighborhood training session on rat control.

After taking these precautions, if rats are still an issue, think about employing a pest control specialist to service all the buildings or establishments on one block.

March 20, 2023

Property Management Company Mistakes During Research

Property management company mistakes often happen when owners focus only on price and overlook communication, service quality, and long-term experience before signing a management agreement.

Mistake #1: Failing to Do Your Research

One of the most significant mistakes property owners make is failing to do their research before hiring a property management company. It’s essential to thoroughly research potential companies, read reviews, and check references to ensure that you’re making an informed decision.

Why Price Alone Can Be Misleading

Mistake #2: Choosing the Cheapest Option

Another mistake that property owners often make is choosing the cheapest property management company. While it’s important to consider cost, choosing a company based solely on price can lead to low-quality service and poor results.

Questions Every Owner Should Ask

Mistake #3: Not Asking Enough Questions

When considering a property management company, it’s crucial to ask plenty of questions. This includes questions about their experience, qualifications, and services offered. Asking the right questions can help you determine whether a company is a right fit for your needs.

Communication Affects Daily Operations

Mistake #4: Overlooking Communication Skills

Effective communication is key when working with a Property Management Company. It’s important to choose a company that has excellent communication skills and is responsive to your needs and concerns. Otherwise, you may find yourself frustrated and out of the loop when it comes to your property.

Experience Protects Your Investment

Mistake #5: Ignoring Reputation and Experience

Finally, ignoring a company’s reputation and experience can be a costly mistake. It’s important to choose a company with a track record of success and a reputation for excellent service. An experienced company will have the knowledge and expertise necessary to manage your property effectively and efficiently.

Why Choose Landlord Management?

If you’re a landlord, Landlord Management can be the ideal partner to help you manage your properties effectively and efficiently. With our experience, expertise, and commitment to excellence, Landlord Management can provide customized solutions to meet your unique needs and goals. This way, you can reduce your workload, increase your rental income, and minimize your risks. Don’t make the mistake of trying to manage your properties on your own. Partner with Landlord Management and take advantage of the many benefits that a professional Property Management Company can offer. Avoiding property management company mistakes helps owners protect rental income and improve long-term building performance.

Learn more about our Landlord Management property management services.

Owners often review standards from National Association of Residential Property Managers before selecting a management partner.

March 20, 2023

Property Manager Responsibilities in Daily Operations

A condo, co-op, or HOA can be significantly impacted by a property manager.

Here are some things you should anticipate from your property manager.

 

A property manager is frequently the primary point of contact for problems, support needs, and routine maintenance. This is true for anything from collecting dues and paying personnel to stay on top of local compliance and legislation.

If you’re deciding if your building needs to have a property management company, there are a few fundamental duties. Their duties include managing daily triage as well as overseeing facility upgrades and long-term objectives. ‍

Oversee The Daily Operations

Basic maintenance duties include regular cleaning, putting out trash and recycling, organizing repairs, gathering HOA dues and fees, and managing and paying building personnel and contractors.

A property manager is frequently the primary point of contact for residents and the board when there is a problem, inquiry, or feedback, in addition to the usual planned duties. They prioritize incoming requests and problems reported by the locals, and it is reasonable to anticipate a prompt response from them. Also, they bring up any important problems or trends with the building board so that it can be informed and make decisions. ‍

Control Projects

In addition to a building’s regular requirements, bigger projects may become necessary. If a leak is discovered or the elevator needs to be replaced, the property manager must assist in directing the project from start to finish.

This first entails leveraging their expertise to help the building establish expectations. This includes how to approach the project and cost ranges. Selecting suitable vendors for the job, getting bids, and interacting with the selected vendor. The property manager also works with the board to explore possibilities and secure approval for the next step. Such as the building procuring a loan or issuing a special assessment to finance the work. If the building is unable or chooses not to cover the project cost with reserves.

Once the project has started, they can take on the role of project manager. This includes working with the vendor to secure the necessary access, planning the work, and keeping track of it. Also, they share any effects of the work with the building’s occupants and provide status reports to the board. The property manager collects proof of completion once the project is complete. They also settle payments with the vendor(s) on behalf of the building.

Limit Turnover ‍

Owners do rent out their units and eventually sell to new buyers. Even though most property managers for condos, co-ops, and HOAs are not normally responsible for filling vacancies and rents. A condo or co-op property manager is still in charge of keeping in touch and working with each person. Whether they are an owner or a renter, assisting with a smooth sale and transfer to a new owner. This includes ensuring that move-ins and move-outs adhere to the building’s rules. Keeping a current list of the building’s contacts, and supplying the appropriate paperwork to support a sale. Also, this entails gathering applications from potential new owners and residents and reviewing them with the board before approving them.

Observe Rules of Conduct and Compliance. ‍

In order to prevent any issues with the building, your property manager should be familiar with local laws and ordinances. Such as landlord-tenant rules or disclosure obligations during a sale. You can count on them to uphold these laws and ordinances. They assist boards with the necessary governance. This includes making sure the building has allocated funds for general building insurance, directors & officers insurance, and annual tax filings.

They are also in charge of making sure the building complies with local regulations and is in good condition. Which includes keeping track of building inspections and necessary posts. Different kinds of buildings must submit inspection reports for gas, boilers, fire sprinklers, and elevators on a regular basis. Otherwise, they face paying fines and running the risk of other safety risks.

Handle Finances ‍

Setting up payments in and out is only one aspect of maintaining a building’s financial stability. A property manager should help the board to set an annual operating budget. They help provide advice on healthy reserve targets and alert the board if things are not going according to plan. In addition to collecting HOA dues and handling payments to vendors and contractors. They contribute to the board’s ability to analyze the building’s profit and loss and offer their knowledge. To support financial planning for prospective projects and repairs that might cost more than the reserve can bear.

Is this a lot of responsibility? That’s correct, it is. Each of these duties is essential to a building’s smooth operations.

LLM’s software platform serves as the operating system for buildings, assisting residents, boards, and property managers in streamlining activities and improving accountability and transparency.

March 17, 2023
As a landlord in Clinton Hill, managing your properties can be a challenging and time-consuming task. Whether you own a single-family home, a multi-unit apartment building, or commercial property, there are many potential pitfalls that can impact your bottom line. Here are some of the most common problems faced by landlords in Clinton Hill and how Property Management can help:

Tenant Management

One of the biggest challenges for landlords is managing tenants. This includes finding and screening tenants, handling maintenance requests, and dealing with late payments and evictions. The Property Management in New York City can take care of all of these tasks and more, ensuring that your tenants are happy and your properties are well-maintained.

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance and repairs are an ongoing part of property ownership, and they can be a significant source of stress for landlords. Property Management can handle all aspects of maintenance and repairs, from routine tasks like cleaning and landscaping to more complex projects like HVAC repairs and roof replacements.

Financial Management

Managing finances is another significant challenge for landlords. This includes collecting rent, paying bills, and keeping accurate records. A Property Management company can deal with such tasks, providing detailed financial reports and helping you maximize your profits.

Legal Compliance

Landlords must comply with a wide range of local and state laws and regulations. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines, lawsuits, and other legal troubles. The property management company can ensure that your properties are always in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, reducing your legal risks and helping you avoid costly mistakes.

Marketing and Tenant Retention

Finding and retaining good tenants is critical to the success of any rental property. The property Management Company can help you attract high-quality tenants through effective marketing strategies and tenant screening. They can also work to retain your existing tenants through excellent communication, responsive service, and other retention strategies.

Why Hire Landlord Management?

Landlords can overcome these common challenges and enjoy the many benefits of hiring a Property Management Company in New York City. From tenant management to financial management and everything in between, We can provide the expertise and support you need to succeed as a landlord in one of the world’s most competitive real estate markets. If you’re ready to take your property management to the next level, contact Landlord Management today and discover how we can help you achieve your goals.

Property Manager Building Visits and What Boards Should Expect

Property manager building visits are an important part of effective co-op and condo operations. Boards should expect regular site visits, clear communication, and active support during both daily building issues and long-term planning.

A managing agent helps ensure that building operations stay organized while resident concerns, maintenance needs, and financial responsibilities are handled efficiently.

How much engagement should we anticipate from the managing agency of our building? What might we anticipate from their presence on-site and what part do they play at annual meetings?

 

How Often Property Manager Building Visits Should Happened

A property manager should visit your co-op or condo building on average once a week. Depending on the needs of the residents, this frequency may alter, and each visit may differ. It’s crucial that visits are fruitful and targeted.

The duties of the property manager are extensive. Covering anything from multi-million dollar projects to blocked toilets and all in between.

Your property manager may be responsible for gathering maintenance or common charges and reviewing alterations. As well as processing purchase and lease applications, responding to resident complaints and queries, handling building communications, and resolving emergencies.

Your property manager should actively participate in, attend, and count the votes at the annual meeting.

Responsibilities During Property Manager Building Visits

Your co-op or condo would typically have a weekly visit from the property manager. There may be instances when this frequency might increase—if there is an emergency or a significant project is happening.

A building’s visitation frequency may vary depending on a number of variables. Including the size and complexity of the building, how well the employees perform their jobs, and any current capital improvements.

Checking on changes, and exploring other areas of the building. Such as the laundry room or storage spaces, visiting the super, and evaluating curb appeal are all possible during visits.

Board Roles Compared With Management Duties

Boards should govern, and agents should manage. A competent managing agent gives the board pertinent updates, understandable communications, and strategic direction.

A management agreement created by the board should explicitly define and identify the precise responsibilities.

We outline the prerequisites for attendance at board meetings, yearly shareholder or unit owner meetings, and the frequency of mandatory site visits. The board will determine what level of service the building needs. Based on the size of the building and the number of employees.

A detailed contract between you and your agent promotes openness and transparency. When the board and property management company are working together effectively, the building operates at its best.

Annual Meeting Support From Property Managers

All yearly meetings, whether held in person or through Zoom, the property manager should unquestionably attend.

Your managing agent is responsible for helping to organize the annual meeting. Tasks such as drafting the annual meeting notice, distributing the notice and proxy to residents, setting up and organizing the meeting, recording attendance, taking minutes, and helping to count any votes.

Also, you may hire impartial election inspectors to verify the results before you announce them.

Third-party service providers handle the voting for the yearly election. This happens whenever a difficult vote is to occur. If the governing authority in charge of the structure, such as Housing Preservation & Development, requires it, then this might take place.

Why Property Manager Building Visits Improve Operations

Consistent site visits help boards identify problems early and improve communication between owners, residents, and staff.

When boards and management work together effectively, buildings usually perform better financially and operationally.

Learn more about our Landlord Management property management services.

 

March 15, 2023

March 15, 2023

Joining a Co-op Board in NYC: What New Shareholders Should Know

Joining a co-op board in NYC can be a rewarding way for shareholders to shape the future of their building. While co-op boards have traditionally been made up of older residents with more free time, younger shareholders are increasingly stepping up to participate in building management and decision-making.

 

The co-op board members in New York City are often older than the other shareholders in a co-op building.

One argument is that operating a building is impractical for most people who are just starting their professions or families. Especially since serving on a board may be an onerous and time-consuming task that pays nothing.

Younger shareholders, however, are rising up and taking charge of the upkeep for their co-op buildings.

Young people might desire the building’s amenities and design to mirror their lifestyle.

They might have tighter budgets. If they are first-time parents, they might want the communal areas of the building to be more family-friendly. However, they might prefer a virtual doorman or be more concerned with the ability to bring packages and food.

People frequently join their boards to discuss maintenance fees. Particularly when they are either increasing too quickly or artificially remaining low. Whatever the reason, new owners should wait a few months or even years to join the board. This ensures you get to know the building and its occupants.

Without being aware of the proprietary lease, a board could easily decide incorrectly, potentially with costly and negative results.

Even yet, occasionally it is possible to obtain the necessary training while working. A more recent resident would have expertise that would be useful in co-op talks in fields like engineering, finance, or law.

Despite the fact that longer residents may have a deeper awareness of the culture of the building, they do not necessarily have a monopoly on good ideas.

The Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums offers workshops for incoming board members. Useful for those who are scared by the sophisticated skill set necessary for building monitoring.

These courses emphasize the governing documents, the duties of the board, legal issues, and fundamentals of finance and insurance.

Curious about what else there is to know about joining your co-op board? Visit our blog today.

Co-op Board Rejection NYC: Why Buyers Get Denied

Co-op rejection NYC is a common issue for buyers in New York City cooperative buildings, where board members carefully review finances, credit, employment, and lifestyle before approving a purchase.

Read below to see some of the common reasons a person may be rejected.

  1. Poor Credit Can Cause Co-op Rejection NYC

    • Even with strong income and assets, buyers with poor credit often face immediate concern from board members. A history of missed rent payments, unpaid maintenance charges, or large debt balances may signal financial risk.

      A knowledgeable broker should review the buyer’s financial history before submitting the board package.

  2. Lifestyle Concerns Matter to Co-op Boards

    • Some co-op boards prefer residents who maintain a quiet and private lifestyle. Buyers with a highly public lifestyle or history of disruptive behavior may raise concerns.

      For example, boards may worry that a public figure or entertainer could attract attention that affects building privacy or security.

  3. Noise Complaints Influence Board Decisions

    • Noise is another major reason boards deny applicants. If a buyer’s profession or lifestyle suggests possible disturbance to neighbors, the board may hesitate.

      Musicians, dancers, actors, and performers may face additional review if daily activity could create repeated noise complaints.

  4. Credit Problems Behind Co-op Rejection NYC

    • After closing, prospective purchasers require sufficient assets. The liquid asset requirement for many luxury buildings is two to four times the amount of the acquired apartment after closing. Building boards have different requirements for mortgage payments and even deadlines. Once all closing expenses are complete, it should represent the total amount. A knowledgeable broker will be familiar with the requirements of each building and stay current on factors that change every year when new boards of directors join.
    • Borrowers with insufficient income aren’t going to qualify. The general norm for co-op boards is that they typically anticipate buyers to dedicate 25% of their income to mortgage and maintenance expenses. One may be disqualified if such payments for one or more residences exceed 25% of one’s gross annual income.
  5. Pet Rules and Co-op Rejection NYC

    • Brokers must find out what kind and how many dogs are permissible even if the building allows them. For instance, some apartment complexes permit two dogs per apartment but forbid Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, and Rottweilers. Some places don’t allow dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds.
  6. Employment History Matters for Co-op Rejection NYC

    • Most co-op boards want to review a person’s work history in addition to their employment earnings. People prefer a long-term employer compared to someone who changes jobs frequently. Board members rejected career changers who were wealthy because they regularly changed jobs.

Buyers can review financial preparation guidance through Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

March 15, 2023