Co-Op (Public) repairs - who is responsible? (apartment, insurance)

[kimark]

Hi,

In a public co-op (like Mitchell Lama), who is responsible for repairs, building management or tenants? Specifically, for damage such as bathroom walls rotting behind tiles and ceiling damage from a leak from apartment above.

Would that be within confines of general/normal wear and tear?

Thanks so much!

[SeventhFloor]

you should have insurance to cover that.

bldg mgmt is only responsible for common areas.

[Kefir King]

That is a dicey area kimark. Co-ops try to get out from under as much responsibility as possible. (Insurance companies do the same.)


I would think that water damage from pipes INSIDE the walls would pretty clearly be the responsibility of the co-op.


A guy in our building has been squabbling with management for years over his double paned windows that fogged inside.

[Cida]

Both of those sound like things that would be the responsibility of the building because the problem is within the walls. You can start by mentioning it to the super, as if you expect him to take care of it. However, I've encountered supers who are either lazy or ignorant and claim it's the owner's problem. You can check your paperwork, ask your neighbors, or look around for an organization that will answer an easy legal question for free.

[kimark]

Thanks so much, will definitely look into it more!

We're also wondering if not for such repairs, what is paying for maintenance actually for?

[pureistheword]

The leak from above might be the responsibility of the shareholder above just the same, the super should help look into it/narrow it down.

As far as what you are paying for, the annual financials breaks that down. Some assume they are paying maintenance that is what they get, it a portion of the coop budget (that pays water, utilities including heat, insurance, mgmt, underlying mortgage etc..

[BoogeyDownDweller]

Originally Posted by Kefir King

That is a dicey area kimark. Co-ops try to get out from under as much responsibility as possible. (Insurance companies do the same.)


I would think that water damage from pipes INSIDE the walls would pretty clearly be the responsibility of the co-op.


A guy in our building has been squabbling with management for years over his double paned windows that fogged inside.

lol where do you live? why is management so petty? In mine they would never do that.

[BoogeyDownDweller]

In my building the housing company pretty much picks up everything that is not within the apartment. Pipes and leaks would be the housing company. cosmetic repairs inside the apartment we pick up. If my fridge or stove break, I have to go buy a new one.