Our partner, Jonathan H. Newman, was quoted in the Real Estate Section of Sunday's New York Times responding to a reader's question.
Here's the piece in its entirety:
Q I rent an unregulated apartment in a co-op building. Along with my rent bill, I received a $400 invoice for "building maintenance." Although I haven't had work done in my apartment, I believe this has something to do with the recent lobby upgrade. Am I required to pay that supplemental charge?
A "Shareholders of cooperative apartments are typically required to contribute to the building's general upkeep, and must pay a proportionate share of operational costs, together with any special assessments, based on the number of shares allocated to each particular unit," said Jonathan H. Newman, a Manhattan real estate lawyer. Although the unit's owner is usually responsible for these charges, he said the lease may have shifted the responsibility to the tenant. "If the lease does not address the issue, there would be no legal obligation for the tenant to pay that invoice."