New York HOA laws
New York associations are governed primarily by Co-op: Business Corporation Law and the proprietary lease. Condominium: Real Property Law Art. 9-B. NYC buildings also face Local Law 97 emissions caps and Local Law 11 / FISP facade inspections. The local term for the association is co-op or condominium. This page is a plain-language orientation for Board members, not legal advice — for anything contested, retain New York counsel.
What this means when you hire management
Hiring a management company does not move the Board's fiduciary duty. A good company keeps you compliant; it does not absorb the liability. Ask any bidder how they track statutory deadlines and what happens when one is missed.
New York does not license community association managers. Verification of entity status, insurance, and individual designations does the work a license would otherwise do.
Most state acts give owners a right to inspect records. Ask a bidder what their turnaround is on a records request, whether they charge for it, and whether the association can export its own data on exit.
Notice periods, quorum, and proxy or ballot rules are statutory. Ask who drafts the notice, who runs the election, and whether that is included in the base fee or billed.
Start with what you already know.
You know your unit count. You know what your current management does well and what it does not. That is enough to begin.
Free for Boards. No calls until you ask.