Poorly defined co-op policy on washer and dryer
“Government rules” have little to no impact on co-op board policies. As others have noted, you need to check the bylaws and also look at minutes of past meetings, and your proprietary lease to see what is and isnt allowed in your unit and what the board has allowed in the past.
Unfortunately, as a co-op shareholder, you are often subject to the whims of an arbitrary board and board president who have been in their positions for ever. And who dont really answer to shareholders, only themselves.
boredatwork
in General Discussion 8 years ago
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5 replies
tuna-loaf | 8 years ago
My co-op at one time allowed washing machines and dryers in units and then issued a “moratorium” against them some time before I bought my apartment. Units that already had them were grandfathered.
The issue came up at previous shareholder meetings about whether the moratorium could be lifted and the opinion was no, for all the various reasons usually cited: ageing pipes, soap suds backing up into other apartments, etc.
Now, at our most recent annual shareholders meeting an owner that recently combined two units said he wanted to turn one of his two kitchens into a laundry room. It sounded like he had already spoken with the board. The conversation was very brief and the board president said “probably” because he would have a “dedicated” line. I don’t know what this could possible mean since the outflow pipe would still be shared with the five other apartments in that line. It’s only dedicated in that he wouldn’t have a kitchen sink or dish washer on the line.
Anyway, can the board do this? There is no written policy that says combined units are exempt from the ban on washing machines. And aren’t there government rules on corporations that require all shares to be treated equally?
angelique.m.west | 8 years ago
First, check the by-laws and see what it says regarding w/d’s. Is the prohibition mentioned there? If it’s not then there is no official policy banning them. If it is, then shareholders would need to amend the by-laws to change the policy. Either way, my sense is the board has the latitude to make exceptions as they see fit. The shareholder may have asked for such an exception and provided a detailed plan that addressed the common plumbing issues. I’d seek out the board president (or other board members) and simply ask whether an arrangement was made and, if so, express your concerns. A little diplomacy goes a long way in such matters. Btw, it’s also worth going to the Dept of Buildings website and seeing if the shareholder has filed permits for plumbing work. All the work might be detailed there.
tuna-loaf | 8 years ago
There is nothing in the by-laws. It would seem an exception is only available if you own two units and are converting one kitchen into the laundry room. Seems kind of arbitrary. I mean, I could round up four other owners I know want a w/d and run for the board next year and change the policy to only allow w/d in the one bedroom apartments on the western side of the building.
daveinbedstuy | 8 years ago
Petty tyranny is the worst kind of tyranny.
angelique.m.west | 8 years ago
When and how did the board issue the moratorium? And besides your not liking how they’re handling this, what’s the main issue to you: Do you want to install a w/d? Do you feel that your neighbor’s plan represents a risk to either your apartment or the common areas? If it’s the latter you ought to present your evidence and concerns to the board by asking to meet with them or by sending an e-mail or letter to them. It seems like you need to gather more info. Why not call the managing agent and ask them what’s up? The reality is that the board has the right to approve (or disapprove) of a shareholder’s alteration plans and, for all you know, they asked for modifications that addressed any concerns they had regarding the building or common areas. Since the w/d issue isn’t in the by-laws that means anyone can present plans to install one to the board and seek approval.