A recent New York Times Real Estate column on March 7, 2026 discussed a topic that many New York co-op shareholders face: what happens when a board fails to address building violations or structural concerns?
In the article, a Queens co-op resident expressed concern that their board was ignorning serious matters such as accessibilty requirements for people with disabilities, lack of required amenities, and structural issues with their garages. The shareholders of this particular co-op were faced with several violatoins from the city totaling over $15,000 in fines, but despite this, the board has yet to address the needed repairs.
Debra Guzov spoke with Jill Terreri Ramos at the New York Times and shared that while co-op boards generally receive protection under the business judgment rule, they still have important obligations. When structural or accessibility concerns arise, boards must engage appropriate experts and act promptly if there is a safety risk. At the same time, courts will often examine the full context, including a building’s financial constraints and whether the board is making a reasoned effort to address the issue.
Read the full article here.