Property Laws and Regulations: Key Compliance Rules for NYC Condo Boards

What Every Board Member Needs to Know

Navigating NYC condo association laws can be overwhelming for even the most experienced board members. From property taxes and façade inspections to Fair Housing compliance and liability protection, it’s easy to miss a property law and regulations, and expensive if you do.

Before we dive in, explore these helpful resources from HPM Property Management:

• 10 key questions to ask when hiring a property management company

• How your condo board can avoid costly fines

• Condo vs. co-op property management differences

Now, let’s look at the critical laws your board must follow.

🏛️ Federal Fair Housing Laws and Condo Boards

Federal Fair Housing laws apply to all condominium buildings. These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, disability, gender, or familial status. Boards must comply when screening residents or creating building rules.

One frequently misunderstood regulation involves emotional support animals (ESAs). Unlike pets, ESAs are protected under federal law, and buildings that prohibit pets must make reasonable accommodations for them.

🔗 HUD Fair Housing Overview

🧱 NYC Local Law 11 / FISP Compliance

Among the most important NYC condo association laws is Local Law 11, also known as the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP). This law requires buildings over six stories to undergo façade inspections every five years.

Failing to file your inspection report on time—or ignoring unsafe conditions—can result in fines of up to $1,000 per month.

🔗 NYC Department of Buildings: Facade Requirements

💰 New York Property Tax Law – RPT § 1184

Your board should also be familiar with Real Property Tax Law – RPT § 1184, which governs late penalties and tax compliance. Failure to pay property taxes or manage assessments properly can lead to foreclosure.

Consider working with a qualified CPA or property manager familiar with New York State tax compliance for condo buildings.

🔗 NYS Senate: RPT § 1184

🤝 Why Property Management Reduces Your Legal Risk

Most boards don’t have time to stay on top of every statute, filing deadline, or new legal precedent. That’s why working with a third-party manager like Harlem Property Management is a smart investment.

We help:

• Track local law updates

• Ensure timely inspections and reports

• Guide boards through legal changes and gray areas

• Provide risk mitigation strategies

When in doubt, don’t guess—consult professionals.

✅ Final Thoughts: NYC Condo Association Laws Require Expert Oversight

Understanding and complying with NYC condo association laws is critical for protecting your building and its board members. A proactive and informed approach can save your community thousands in fines—and preserve your building’s value long-term.

📞 Contact Harlem Property Management to schedule a compliance check or to request legal guidance tailored to your building.

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NYC Condo Association Laws: What Every Board Member Needs to Know

Navigating NYC condo association laws can be overwhelming, even for seasoned board members. From fair housing regulations and tax law to façade inspections and maintenance compliance, the stakes are high—and violations can be costly.

Before diving in, explore key resources from Harlem Property Management, your expert partner in condo and co-op building management:

• 10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Property Management Company

• How Your Condo Board Can Avoid Costly Fines

• The Differences Between Condo and Co-op Management

Let’s explore the essential laws your board must comply with to avoid risk and protect your property.

🏛️ Federal Fair Housing Laws for Condo Boards

All condominium associations must comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability. This law applies not only to tenant screening but also to house rules and resident interactions.

A growing issue involves emotional support animals (ESAs). Even if your building has a no-pet policy, you may be legally required to make accommodations for residents who request an ESA.

🔗 Learn more from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

🧱 NYC Local Law 11 / FISP: Facade Safety Requirements

The NYC Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), formerly known as Local Law 11, is one of the most important local laws impacting condo boards. It mandates that buildings taller than six stories undergo façade inspections every five years by a licensed architect or engineer.

Buildings must file a detailed report with the Department of Buildings classifying the façade as:

• Safe

• Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP)

• Unsafe (which requires immediate corrective action)

🔗 Full guidance is available from NYC Buildings

💰 New York State Property Tax Law – RPT § 1184

Your board is also responsible for adhering to New York Real Property Tax Law – RPT § 1184, which governs property tax payments and outlines consequences for late or missed payments. These can result in liens, penalties, and foreclosure.

For accurate reporting and compliance, many boards hire a tax professional or property management firm familiar with real estate law in NYC.

🔗 Read the full legal text on the NY State Senate site

🤝 Reduce Legal Risk with Professional Property Management

Keeping up with NYC condo association laws is a full-time job. That’s why smart boards turn to Harlem Property Management for compliance, vendor coordination, legal oversight, and board support.

Our services include:

• Tracking legal changes

• Managing inspections and compliance filings

• Offering preventative legal risk management

• Guiding boards through enforcement and communication

✅ Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant and Protected

Complying with NYC condo association laws helps you avoid fines, lawsuits, and disputes while preserving your building’s value and reputation. From fair housing compliance to façade inspections and tax obligations, knowledge is protection.

📞 Contact Harlem Property Management today to schedule a consultation and keep your building legally compliant and professionally managed.