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Jul 19, 2012

Board Member Liability after Fletcher v. The Dakota, Inc.

board room

A recent decision of the Appellate Division, First Department,[1] Fletcher v. The Dakota, Inc.,[2] has significantly changed the circumstances in which tort claims may be asserted against board members of cooperatives  and condominiums in their personal, rather than only corporate, capacities.  We believe this decision is not the last word on this issue.  However, board members should be aware that until or unless the apparent holding of the case is rejected by the New York Court of Appeals or narrowed by the Appellate Division itself,  board members who are successfully sued personally and are not protected by sufficient insurance or… Read more


Aug 23, 2006

Interest on Unpaid Maintenance and Common Charges

Repairman - Elevator Circuit

Most cooperative proprietary leases and condominium by-laws permit the board to charge interest on unpaid maintenance or common charges and set forth a fixed percentage or amount for the interest.   Some leases and by-laws, including the forms recommended by our firm to its clients, provide authority to the board to set and change the interest rate or late fees from time-to-time.  However, where the by-laws or lease set a fixed interest rate or formula, it is important that the interest actually charged by the board and managing agent complies with the terms of the lease and by-laws. The amount of… Read more