How One NYC Co-op Stopped Playing Whack-a-Mole with Water Leaks Artwork

Problem Solved! For Co-ops and Condos

From building repairs and maintenance, energy upgrades, insurance, lobby redesigns, accounting and financing - the challenges facing co-op and condominium board directors are endless. In this series, Habitat Magazine editors interview New York City experts to learn how problems have been solved at their client co-op and condo buildings. We take a deep dive into the issues being confronted, the possibilities for solutions, the costs, the challenges, and the outcomes. Habitat Magazine, founded in 1982, is the trusted resource for New York City co-ops and condo board directors. Visit us at www.habitatmag.com

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Problem Solved! For Co-ops and Condos

How One NYC Co-op Stopped Playing Whack-a-Mole with Water Leaks

June 24, 2025 • Habitat Magazine • Season 3 • Episode 3

Board members struggling with constant water damage need to hear this: Jerry Kestenbaum, CEO of the technology and service provider Aware Buildings, explains how one 220-unit luxury co-op in Sutton Place transformed from having staff literally walk hallways listening for leak alarms to deploying a sophisticated wireless sensor network that catches problems in real time.

Learn how this building invested $85,000 upfront to eliminate the chaos of battery-operated sensors that died at the worst moments, and discover the surprising connectivity solutions that work when cellular signals fail and running new cables isn't an option. Beyond immediate leak detection, Kestenbaum explains the critical insurance implications that could save your building from being dropped by carriers entirely. With water damage claims forcing insurers to abandon "leaky buildings," this technology isn't just about convenience anymore — it's about maintaining insurability and competitive rates in an increasingly difficult market. Habitat's Emily Myers conducts the interview.

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