Why Your Alteration Rules Might Land You in Court Artwork

Legal Talk for Co-ops and Condos

Co-op and condo board directors face a myriad of challenges they are not equipped to solve, and taking action can be a fraught experience. In this series, Habitat Magazine editors interview New York's leading co-op/condo attorneys for guidance on these challenges. Habitat, a New York City publication founded in 1982, is edited for co-op and condo board directors, property managers, and other professionals.

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Legal Talk for Co-ops and Condos

Why Your Alteration Rules Might Land You in Court

September 24, 2025 • Legal Talk by Habitat Magazine • Season 2 • Episode 31

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When board members think they have unlimited power, they run the risk of going too far when handling unit owner alterations. Carol Sigmond, partner at GreenspoonMarder, shares eye-opening stories from her legal practice, including one particularly puzzling case involving dangerously hot walls and a board's baffling response that turned a straightforward renovation into months of conflict.

Sigmond discusses the fine line between reasonable oversight and overreach, plus reveals her three key takeaways for boards navigating alterations in today's changing regulatory landscape. Whether you're dealing with construction defects, climate law requirements, or just trying to set fair policies, this conversation offers insights that could help your board avoid serious legal trouble down the road. Habitat's Paula Chin conducts the interview.

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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!