New York City Condominium Law Lawyer

Name: Condominium Law
Brand: Schneider Buchel LLP
Rating: 4.4 (36 reviews)

From governance to disputes, our attorneys provide trusted counsel to condominium boards across New York. We simplify complex legal matters and deliver practical, results-driven solutions tailored to your community’s evolving needs.

NYC Condominium Law Attorneys You Can Count On

Understanding the legal complexities of condo living requires skilled guidance. Schneider Buchel’s condo association attorneys in NYC focus exclusively on condominium law and represent condo boards throughout the city. From collections to compliance, we provide full-spectrum legal counsel tailored to your building’s unique needs.

Non-Payment of the Monthly Common Charges and Assessments

When owners stop paying assessments, your Condominium’s operations can suffer. These charges fund everything from utilities to building upkeep. Acting promptly and with proper legal support is key to preserving your financial health. Delays in enforcement can result in long-term financial instability, strained vendor relationships, and reduced services for responsible unit owners.

Technical Precision Meets Practical Results

Our law firm has a dedicated collections department that handles unpaid common charges and lien foreclosures. We ensure all procedural steps are met, maximizing your ability to recover legal fees, interest, and any allowable penalties. We also review governing documents to ensure the proper enforcement tools are in place.

Our lawyers advise on foreclosure strategy, post-sale planning, and communication with lenders. We provide Boards with clear options that balance legal remedies with financial outcomes. Whether pursuing a lien foreclosure, negotiating with mortgage holders, or structuring payment plans, we work with your Board to choose the right approach for each case.

Every action we take is aimed at minimizing time lost and revenue disruption. With experienced counsel, your Condominium gains control over the process—and over the eventual resolution. We don’t just enforce payment; we help your Board maintain financial security and protect the interests of the entire community.

Reasonable Accommodations and/or Modification Requests

Condominium Boards are increasingly required to address requests for accommodations or modifications under federal, state, and local fair housing laws. These often include emotional support animal approvals, reserved parking spaces, or ramp installations in common areas.

Legal Experience That Protects Your Board

Our attorneys are deeply familiar with the legal framework governing these matters, ensuring that your Condominium complies while minimizing risk. Marc H. Schneider, Esq., is a widely recognized authority in this area, frequently lecturing on discrimination and housing law.

We understand the nuances involved in determining whether a request is reasonable, whether it poses an undue burden, and what documentation can lawfully be requested. These issues must be handled delicately and lawfully to avoid serious liability.

Proactive Advice, Not Just Reactive Defense

Many of our clients retain us early in the process, when the first request is received. This proactive approach allows us to guide Boards in making compliant decisions and avoiding violations that lead to costly lawsuits or agency complaints.

When necessary, we represent clients in negotiations, mediation, and litigation. We’ve successfully defended associations accused of discrimination and helped settle cases before they escalate. We’re not only here to protect you—we’re here to help you make sound decisions from the outset.

Application of the Business Judgment Rule and Board Decision-Making

At Schneider Buchel, we offer in-depth guidance on how the business judgment rule applies to board actions. Our attorneys help community association boards make informed decisions while fulfilling fiduciary obligations, ensuring they act within the scope of their authority and in the community’s best interest to reduce liability and enhance operational stability.

Construction Defect Litigation

Supporting Boards Through Complex Construction Disputes

When a sponsor-controlled board transfers power to homeowners, newly formed community associations often discover serious construction defects. These issues can compromise safety, aesthetics, and financial stability. Our litigation team handles these disputes daily, offering deep experience in diagnosing and resolving construction failures that arise post-transition.

We assist boards with hiring skilled engineers, submitting properly drafted warranty claim forms, and meeting offering plan obligations. These steps are critical to building a strong case and recovering the funds necessary for repair.

Legal Guidance That Gets Results

When negotiations stall or remedies are denied, our firm initiates and manages litigation on behalf of the association, including appeals when necessary. We take care of the entire legal process while working closely with technical experts throughout. In addition to sponsor-related issues, we also represent associations dealing with contractor breaches.

If your board hired a vendor who failed to perform according to the contract—or performed poorly—we can pursue all available legal remedies. Our goal is always to reach a resolution without litigation when possible, but we are fully prepared to advance your interests in court when needed. We’ve helped associations secure compensation, enforce warranties, and recover from costly construction errors. Let us help your board navigate these challenges with strategic insight and responsive legal support.

Protect Your Community Practical, Reliable Legal Advice.

Client Testimonials What Our Clients Have To Say

Highly skilled at navigating the complex web of laws that apply only to associations.

John, Board Member

Your diligence and commitment to our community has been the catalyst to solving our delinquencies.

Ralph, Board President

Your professionalism and strong determination was the leading factor in winning all of our litigations.

Steve, Board President

We've had the pleasure of working with this exceptional law firm over 25 years and couldn't be more impressed.

Paul, Property Manager

Extremely competent and an exceptional ability to communicate effectively with Board Members.

Alexis, Board Member

Deep expertise in HOA law and strong commitment to protecting the best interests of our community.

Billy, HOA Association

Results-driven and the best choice we ever made. Highly recommended to anyone seeking the best legal counsel.

Steven, Co-Op Association

I am a property manager and have used Schneider Buchel for many years. They are extremely experienced in coop/condo law. Pete Weintraub recently advised a Coop Board on adopting a fine policy. He helped the Board develop the policy and gave them expert guidance on the process to get it approved by the shareholders. I highly recommend both the firm and Pete.

Richard Rush

Top Notch law firm. We entrusted Schneider Buchel LLP over the years as they provide us with their expertise on Co-Op Law. Justin Buchel has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to us, provides top tier representation and always delivers positive outcomes. Thank you.

Ingrid Baerwald

I've had the pleasure of working with Victoria Waller for a luxury condominium in the heart of Gramercy and can say, hands down, she is one of the best! Her construction background is just a bonus to her work ethic, professionalism, and thoroughness! When Victoria is involved, clients are confident that their concerns will be heard and addressed timely.

Maribel Vega

The firm exemplifies a high level of professionalism and great attention to detail. Throughout my years of experience collaborating with various firms in the industry, I have found this particular firm to be the most responsive and professional. Notably, Victoria Waller, who is extremely competent and has an exceptional ability to communicate effectively with Board Members, providing thorough explanations.

Alexis Fritz

We have had nothing but excellent interactions with Victoria Waller and the team at Schneider Buchel. Her advice is on point, clear and practical. She's readily available and always responds to messages and emails. She's a great addition to the team.

Tom Flood

Schneider Buchel LLP have represented our cooperative for over 20 years. Their staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and on target no matter what issue we present. They are result driven and the best choice we ever made. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking the very best legal counsel.

Steven Liss

I am an attorney in Florida and I have known Marc personally and professionally for almost 10 years. I would not hesitate in sending him any work relating to HOA or COA law; his expertise is amazing, and his ethics are second to none.

Craig Goldenfarb

Great law firm! Everyone is extremely helpful when dealing with all of our co-op issues. Big shout out to Anda! She is on top of everything all the time and constantly updates us! Highly recommend!

Lori Max

Love working with Victoria. She is very attentive and responses very quickly to e mails and calls. Working with Victoria makes the transactions go smooth and easy.:)

Elham Danialian

Marc has unmatched focus on everything an association needs to be successful and well run. His firm truly is one of the top in the country for this very specific area of law.

John Lin McCraw

I would like to share my experiences with this firm. All of my dealings with the entire team have been exceptional. All matters are dealt with efficiently, effectively and professionally. The level of expertise is beyond compare.

Joei Losito

Repair, Improvements, and Other Contracts

Condominium Boards frequently oversee complex capital projects—from façade restorations to roofing and roadway repairs. At Schneider Buchel, we regularly draft, review, and negotiate contracts for such work, including those related to Local Law 11 compliance, engineering consulting, and property management services. It’s vital to involve legal counsel at the start of this process.

Many Boards mistakenly sign vendor proposals without legal review, unknowingly agreeing to terms that expose them to unnecessary risks. We’ve seen fine print clauses shift liability to the association or weaken the Board’s position when disputes arise. When we are brought in late, our role often shifts from prevention to damage control.

To avoid these costly missteps, our team crafts contracts that clearly define scope, include strong indemnification clauses, address insurance requirements, and mitigate future liability. We also ensure these agreements comply with applicable laws and governing documents.

Our Condominium Law Attorneys Can Also Help You With

Election issues, among others
Unit owner-controlled board / sponsor-transition issues
Dealing with regulatory agencies and code mandates
Defending boards in litigation where Condominiums and their board members are sued
Preparing contracts and financing for projects at the condominium
Amendments to governing documents
Issues concerning the interpretation of the condominium’s governing documents

This has enabled our firm to have an advantage over other attorneys who represent Condominiums in that we have personal knowledge of the issues the boards typically face. This perspective, combined with our proactive approach to risk management, means we can also help our clients with a wide range of both legal and practical solutions.

What Makes Condo Law Different

In the condominium model, each unit is legally owned “fee simple” by the unit holder. The boundaries of this ownership generally include the interior of the unit, starting from the walls, floors, and ceilings inward. The unit owner also possesses a fractional share of the common elements shared among all other owners in the building. These common interests include not only physical spaces like hallways and elevators, but also exclusive-use areas like parking spots or terraces when assigned.

Balancing Statutory and Contractual Rules

The administration of the condominium is handled by a Board of Managers, empowered to enforce the provisions in the governing documents and to maintain the community. These duties include levying common charges, managing repairs, and ensuring the building complies with local, state, and federal laws. The Board must also observe the Condominium Act, New York’s primary statute governing condominiums.

This Act dictates the structural requirements for the Declaration and By-Laws and is the definitive legal source when internal documents are unclear or disputed. By working with experienced condo law attorneys, Boards can align their decisions with the statutory framework, mitigate liability, and ensure operations continue without disruption or internal conflict.

Going the Extra Mile

Board Meetings

Schneider Buchel attorneys regularly attend condominium board and community meetings to ensure all proceedings are conducted properly and transparently. Our presence helps boards run effective, efficient meetings while minimizing the risk of future legal challenges. Whether managing elections or overseeing votes on proposed amendments, we ensure procedures align with governing documents and statutory requirements. Our goal is to protect the integrity of board decisions and forestall attempts to invalidate actions based on procedural errors.

Our commitment to clients extends beyond legal representation during meetings. We collaborate seamlessly with condominium managers and other professionals who support your community. Whether you're working with property managers, financial consultants, or real estate advisors, we integrate into your broader advisory team to deliver coordinated, client-centered service.

Insurance Carriers

Schneider Buchel is frequently appointed by insurance carriers to represent community associations in a range of litigation matters. Our proven litigation experience and deep understanding of condominium law make us a go-to firm for high-stakes disputes involving property damage, personal injury, or governance issues. We’ve successfully defended associations in both trial and settlement contexts.

Insurance carriers routinely turn to our team when complex, multi-faceted condominium cases arise—trusting our practical approach, extensive knowledge, and ability to resolve claims efficiently. Our reputation for strategic advocacy has earned us long-standing relationships with insurers and community clients alike.

With Schneider Buchel, you gain a trusted legal partner that goes the extra mile, both at the boardroom table and in the courtroom.

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Speak With a NYC Condominium Law Attorney

If your condo board is dealing with governance issues, collections, or legal disputes, Schneider Buchel is here to help. Our condo association lawyers in NYC provide practical, responsive legal support to keep your building compliant and protected. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with experienced counsel focused on safeguarding your board’s interests.

Our Location NYC

462 Seventh Avenue
Suite 1600
NYC, NY 10018

Call on the phone at +1 646.453.4977

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