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When a Lower East Side condo board ran out of patience with a rule-breaking pet owner, they needed a solution that didn't involve a lengthy and expensive lawsuit. What their attorney found buried in their own governing documents surprised everyone — and ultimately stopped the problem in its tracks. In this episode, attorney Lloyd Reisman, partner at Belkin Burden Goldman, pulls back the curtain on why so many building rules are essentially unenforceable — and what happens when boards find that out the hard way. He explains what residents can expect when buildings haven't updated their documents in years, and the practical steps that separate buildings that can act from those stuck waiting on a judge. Habitat's Emily Myers conducts the interview.

The business of running a building is demanding work that requires making endless decisions — some that can quickly lead your board into a quagmire of legal difficulties. Legal Talk interviews New York's leading co-op/condo attorneys to find solutions, and get some guidance, on these challenges. For more co-op and condo insights, sign up to receive Habitat's free newsletters or become a Habitat subscriber today!

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If your co-op has holders of unsold shares — or you're not even sure what that means — listen up. David Fitzhenry, partner at Moritt Hock & Hamroff, breaks down everything boards need to know about these often-misunderstood shareholders and the special rights they carry. You'll learn why holders of unsold shares can bypass the standard alteration approval process, how they can claim a board seat, and why their presence could affect your building's financing options. Fitzhenry also shares practical advice on maintaining a productive relationship with them, which can ultimately benefit the entire building. Whether you're dealing with one right now or just want to be prepared, this conversation gives you the legal grounding and real-world perspective to handle the situation confidently. Habitat's Carol Ott conducts the interview.

The business of running a building is demanding work that requires making endless decisions — some that can quickly lead your board into a quagmire of legal difficulties. Legal Talk interviews New York's leading co-op/condo attorneys to find solutions, and get some guidance, on these challenges. For more co-op and condo insights, sign up to receive Habitat's free newsletters or become a Habitat subscriber today!

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If your board has an attorney serving as a director — or if you're that attorney — this episode is essential. Stewart Wurtzel, member at Tane, Waterman & Wurtzel, walks through the real conflicts that arise when legal expertise meets board duty. He explains why letting your board's attorney review contracts instead of hiring outside counsel can leave everyone dangerously uninsured, how to voice a legal opinion without it becoming legal advice, and why diplomacy is everything. His practical framework for drawing boundaries without drawing battle lines is something every board member needs to hear. Habitat's Carol Ott conducts the interview.

The business of running a building is demanding work that requires making endless decisions — some that can quickly lead your board into a quagmire of legal difficulties. Legal Talk interviews New York's leading co-op/condo attorneys to find solutions, and get some guidance, on these challenges. For more co-op and condo insights, sign up to receive Habitat's free newsletters or become a Habitat subscriber today!