Rochester Condo and Co-op Lawyers

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Condominium and Cooperative Law in New York

Cooperatives and condominium developments are examples of arrangements known as "common interest communities."

These are residential areas with one or more buildings, each housing multiple residential units. The units are part of a larger building, which contains other residential units. In turn, there are several such buildings on the property. The units are rented or owned by the residents, but the building as a whole, and the land on which it sits, is owned either by a third party, or collectively by all the residents. The residents, in addition to mortgage or rent, usually have to pay a fee to cover maintenance of the common areas.

Merely viewing one of these communities from the outside (or inside) will not let you know whether it's a cooperative or condominium community.

There are no physical features unique to either one, which can be used to distinguish them. Rather, the difference lies in the legal arrangement that governs the relationships between the residents and managers. In condominium communities, the residents own the units they live in, and collectively own the land and buildings in which they are located. In a cooperative community, the units are rented, and are owned by a single entity.

Laws and Regulations Concerning Common Interest Communities in Rochester, New York

Many Rochester, New York laws affect common-interest communities. However, almost all of these laws govern real estate more generally, and there are very few laws written specifically for common interest communities. Such generally-applicable laws include zoning regulations, contracts, and the relations between landlords and tenants.

In general, the policies of the landowner or management board will have a much greater impact on the daily lives and conduct of residents than any state or local laws governing condominiums or cooperatives.

The owner or manager of the property on which your unit sits will likely have a significant number of regulations concerning what can be done in and around the housing units. These rules will likely concern cleanliness, noise, and policies governing the presence of pets and long-term guests.

Some rules set by property owners or managers may not be enforceable, however. For example, in Rochester, New York, any rule which purports to exclude residents based on race, color, national origin, or religion will not be valid. There are likely some others, as well.

Can a Rochester, New York Attorney Help?

If you have a dispute with a neighbor, your landlord, or your homeowners' association, a good Rochester, New York real estate attorney can be instrumental in obtaining a desired outcome.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Rochester

Rochester is the second largest regional economy in the State of New York and the seat of Monroe County. They city's had a number of different names bestowed upon it such as "the World's Image Centre," "the Flour City," "and more recently, "the Flower City."

Annual Festivals like the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester-High Falls International Film Festival, ImageOut, Lesbian Gay Film Video Festival, and the Lilac Festival are all attractions bring an average of 500,000 visitors to the city. Many of them take place at the Dryden and Little Theatres. The St. Patrick's Day, Rose Festival, Irish, Greek, Gay Pride, Puerto Rican, and Cold Rush Winter Celebration parades are held in the downtown district of Rochester.

Additional tourist attractions include the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film that is the World's oldest photography museum and the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial which is the main venue for hockey and lacrosse events. The Blue Cross Arena is home to the Rochester Americans hockey team, Rochester Razorsharks basketball team, and the Knighthawks lacrosse team. The Blue Cross Arena was elected the location for the NCAA Division I Men's ice hockey league and was host to the 2007 NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey East Regional.

Residents of Rochester enjoy access to a number of bar certified local lawyers. Rochester lawyers regularly practice in local courts and many have specific areas of expertise. If you've been injured, have an immigration issue, or even just want to secure your will, Rochester lawyers can advise you on different options of which you may not be aware.

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