March 22, 2023
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 often happen when owners focus only on price and overlook communication, service quality, and long-term experience before signing a management agreement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
A knowledgeable broker should review the buyer’s financial history before submitting the board package.
For example, boards may worry that a public figure or entertainer could attract attention that affects building privacy or security.
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.
Buyers can review financial preparation guidance through Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
March 15, 2023
March 13, 2023
Co-op board rejection rules in NYC may soon require written explanations when boards deny qualified buyers. New regulations would force co-op boards to provide written justifications for rejecting potential buyers.
Anybody who has thought of purchasing a co-op is aware that the last stage of the process includes a meeting with the board to finalize the agreement. The selection committee is not under any obligation to provide a reason if it rejects your application at any point between the offer and the interview. If approved, NYC would halt this.
The proposed legislation, one of three aimed at promoting co-op openness, would call on co-op boards to disclose this information within five business days following a board decision. Also, the statement must have sufficient details so that you may modify any subsequent applications.
If you’ve ever experienced rejection, you definitely recall how painful it was. The whole goal of these suggestions is to “discourage co-op boards from turning individuals down. Additionally, the written, solemn declaration of the board about the denial must include a three-year history of the number of applications that the co-op has denied.
Co-ops that violate the legislation would be subject to fines ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 under the proposed revisions.
Exposing Cooperatives to Legal Action
One of the other recommendations involves altering how co-op application submissions are made in order to avoid the purchasing process taking months. This plan would regulate the application process so that potential buyers would learn the outcome of their application within 45 days, with the possibility of a 14-day extension, if necessary.
This would stop a buyer from feeling pressured or, worse, from losing a cheap mortgage rate because a co-op board took too long to make a decision. Yet under the proposed changes, the co-op would also be liable for penalties for missing the new deadline and run the risk of having to pay legal fees if a co-op was finally sued for breaking these requirements.
The measure addressing co-op board rejections also includes provisions for fines and legal fees.
Crisis Created By Progressivism or an Urgent Need?
Co-op application legislation changes have previously been proposed and are not a recent development. In 2021, the New York State Senate made an attempt, but the measure was unsuccessful.
Those content with the status quo points out that anti-discrimination laws are already in place to protect New Yorkers at the federal, state, and local levels, and there are commissions and agencies in place to carry them out. So, if you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights (CCHR).
According to the most recent yearly data, 778 complaints regarding housing discrimination were submitted to the CCHR, albeit there is no evidence that these complaints are related to co-op board rejections.
The first step for any buyer hoping to avoid a co-op rejection is to satisfy the building’s financial requirements.
The financial requirements for purchasers are sometimes very severe in co-ops. The majority of co-op boards mandate that you put down at least 20–25 percent of the buying price, and some very stringent co-ops may ask for as much as 50 percent of the asking price. The issue of post-closing liquidity, or the amount of money left over to pay your maintenance expenses, is another.
Although the majority of board packages are created digitally, certain papers are still needed, such as financial data, disclosure statements, tax returns, and letters of recommendation. Updates or omissions must be explained. For instance, if you’ve just gone through a divorce, be ready to provide specific details on alimony payments, whether you provide or receive them.
Your reasons for purchasing the co-op should be your next factor to examine. Many co-ops forbid second home purchasers and demand that the unit be used as your primary residence. Choosing a co-op with accommodating pied-à-terre or sublet regulations is a good idea if you don’t intend to live in the unit full-time.
Brokers frequently claim that the interview is only a meet-and-greet and that once you get to this point, your chances of being accepted are quite good. Yet, you can encounter some unexpected questions. Remodeling may be challenging, particularly if you intend to remove the kitchen.
Be sincere, but be sure to stress how you’ll take care of your neighbors while you make progress on your apartment modifications.
March 8, 2023
Can homeowners in HOA communities consume marijuana?
Does the association have any means of limiting marijuana smoking?
Let’s look at the situation more closely below.
In HOA Communities, Can Boards Regulate Marijuana?
The use of marijuana in particular has recently gained popularity among homeowner organizations. However, many states have already made its usage for recreational or therapeutic purposes legal, despite the fact that it is still prohibited by federal law (or both). As of the time of this posting, marijuana is already legal in 21 states, including New York, California, Arizona, and Nevada. The question of whether HOA-run communities can control marijuana use has arisen as a result of the legalization of the drug in several jurisdictions.
Associations may desire to limit marijuana use for a number of reasons. The first is passive smoking. Most people are now aware of the dangers secondhand smoke poses to their health. Experts are concerned about the potential effects of secondhand marijuana smoke on human health, particularly lung health, despite the lack of a conclusive relationship at this time.
The smell is the second factor. The smell of marijuana smoke is really overpowering and not everyone enjoys it. Smoke can spread, so it doesn’t take much for neighbors to smell it, especially if they are close by.
The last justification is that it poses a fire risk. Whether it’s tobacco or marijuana, smoking has some risks for the environment. Property can become stained or discolored by the smoke, and a lit cigarette or blunt can start a fire. Also, it is common knowledge in HOA neighborhoods that allowing smoking results in higher fire insurance costs.
If the HOA already prohibits smoking, a separate marijuana policy is probably not necessary.
Its smoking regulations would also apply to marijuana use. It is nonetheless advisable to double-check that smoking marijuana is included in your smoking policy’s definition.
Relevant Policies for Smoking Marijuana in The HOA Area
State regulations may already prohibit the use of marijuana in public places. For instance, the Clean Indoor Air Act of Colorado forbids smoking in some indoor spaces, but not in indoor dwellings. The common areas in HOA communities may be subject to this Act. Similar regulations have been passed by other states to limit exposure to secondhand smoke.
Because an HOA owns its common areas, which are often accessible to all members, it is possible for HOAs to ban marijuana use in those places. Nonetheless, it is crucial to confirm that this power is recognized by state law or the association’s bylaws.
If the governing documents forbid the HOA from enforcing smoking restrictions, it may be time to explore revising them. Yet, many associations would need to receive consent from more than half of the membership. Yet if the majority of members support banning marijuana smoke in public spaces, getting this vote through should not be an issue.
What about private spaces, though? Can a homeowners’ association forbid a resident from using marijuana at home? The hard part comes at this point. In general, an association cannot restrict what homeowners can do privately (apart from illicit activities). Condominiums present an even greater challenge because smoke can spread between apartments and owners share walls.
Terminalizing Smoking and Taking Preventive Measures
There is a delicate line here, but an association may be able to control smoking in private areas under its laws about nuisances.
What exactly is a nuisance? And at what point does marijuana smoking bother a neighbor? Is it the smoke getting into the adjoining apartment or the thought of someone smoking pot?
The association will typically define nuisance differently. Nonetheless, it can be worthwhile to remedy the issue first before moving on to a nuisance violation, especially for condominiums.
If the complaint is about smoke leaking between units, for instance, an HOA can think about adding better screens or seals to stop the leakage. Owners can occasionally settle disagreements without the assistance of the HOA. It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that residents have sued HOAs for failing to enforce smoking restrictions.
It is advised to take these remedial measures prior to outlawing marijuana usage in private spaces since they could show that the HOA is making an effort to address the issues at hand. It may demonstrate that the organization did not establish its smoking policies at random.
An HOA should also compile all the complaints it gets regarding marijuana use. Describe the complaints in detail, including the names of the people involved, the time and date of the complaint, and the problems raised. Maintaining thorough records of these complaints can aid the association’s efforts to impose a smoking ban and even act as proof in the event that a homeowner decides to file a lawsuit.
HOA Communities’ Use of Medical Marijuana
It is no secret that cannabis has aided numerous sufferers of chronic pain. Medicinal marijuana has been used to treat particular symptoms in people with epilepsy, AIDS, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. The same fundamental idea is true when it comes to medical marijuana.
Homeowners associations have the authority to prohibit the use of medical marijuana in public places. Some would insist on being given special permission to consume medical marijuana in public spaces under the Fair Housing Act. The federal government still forbids the use of marijuana, and smoking is not a protected class.
As a result, an HOA might not be required to make this situation reasonably accessible.
Associations should exercise caution when policing the use of medical marijuana in private residences, though. After all, a lot of patients require medical marijuana in order to lead active lives. It is important to get legal counsel if a neighbor complains and calls it a nuisance in order to limit culpability on both sides.
Final Verdict
In HOA communities, associations have the authority to prohibit the use of marijuana in public or communal places, but not always in private locations. It may be covered by the HOA’s laws on smoking or nuisances, however, the latter can create some challenging circumstances. Yet it’s vital to remember that these laws might differ from one state to the next, particularly if that state has already made it legal to smoke marijuana.
