Saratoga Co-Op Boards Rely on Practical Legal Solutions

Cooperative housing in Saratoga presents a unique blend of legal and operational challenges for Board members and shareholders.

Saratoga’s Legal Partner for Co-Ops

Schneider Buchel LLP has years of experience representing Co-ops throughout upstate New York. Our Co-op lawyers in Saratoga are intimately familiar with the required structure and governance. They are well-equipped to guide Boards through the interpretation of Proprietary Leases and Occupancy Agreements. We advise on everything from shareholder disputes to amending governing documents and managing everyday operations.

Trusted Counsel, Local Insight

With Saratoga’s housing landscape evolving, we ensure your Co-op stays aligned with New York law and your governing documents. Our co-op attorneys provide customized legal strategies with a deep understanding of local needs.

Co-Op Law Issues We Help With

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Landlord/Tenant Matters

Co-op boards must often navigate difficult landlord-tenant situations—especially when those tenants are also shareholders. Schneider Buchel is a leading advocate for co-ops facing these complex issues.

Skilled Advocacy in Housing Court

We routinely represent co-ops in summary proceedings, litigation involving arrears, and objectionable conduct disputes. Our team has won significant legal victories, including court-awarded attorneys’ fees and interest when leases allow. Our litigation strategy is informed by decades of experience. We understand how to move quickly and avoid common pitfalls that can derail a case. When possible, we recover payment from lenders, preserving board relationships with shareholder-tenants.

Full-Service Legal Support

From reviewing lease terms to preparing for litigation, we support every stage of the dispute resolution process. We also advise on how to proactively prevent future issues through policy review and board training.

With Schneider Buchel, your co-op has a powerful ally that combines deep legal knowledge with practical insight—ensuring the board can act with confidence in any landlord-tenant dispute.

Repair, Improvements, and Other Contracts

Whether repaving a parking lot or restoring a façade, contract language matters when your Co-op undertakes a repair or improvement. We draft contracts tailored to the scope of work and specific risks of each project, ensuring your board is protected. Too often, we’ve seen boards sign vendor-generated proposals without proper legal input.

These documents frequently lack protections like indemnification, adequate insurance terms, or even clear project deadlines. Our firm is regularly called upon to resolve problems caused by vague or one-sided contracts. While we’re well-equipped to help after the fact, it’s far better to build in protections from the beginning.

Let our attorneys help you secure agreements that are clear, enforceable, and designed to minimize risk. It’s a proactive step that can save your Co-op significant time, money, and legal exposure.

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Financing (and Refinancing)

At Schneider Buchel, we regularly help Co-op Boards secure financing for capital improvements and refinance underlying mortgages. Many Co-ops carry building-wide loans that include balloon payments due before full repayment—making timely refinancing essential.

We assist with document review, negotiation, and coordination with lenders to ensure the Co-op receives favorable terms. Our attorneys also understand the unique financial structures of Co-ops and the long-term planning needed to meet obligations.

We work closely with each Co-op’s trusted advisors—property managers, lenders, accountants, and auditors—to create a collaborative financing strategy. Our legal support complements their efforts to achieve a smooth and efficient process.

Because financing needs vary with each building, we tailor our services to your timeline and financial structure. From routine refinancing to financing major renovations, our team ensures the Co-op’s legal position is protected and your objectives are met.

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Creating and Implementing Policies

Schneider Buchel provides guidance to Co-op Boards drafting or revising policies, including those tied to House Rules, Proprietary Leases, or By-Laws. Every policy must be carefully evaluated to ensure its legal enforceability.

Why Legal Review Matters

We have helped numerous clients successfully implement policy changes—like smoke-free living restrictions—by ensuring all required amendments are properly adopted. Too often, Boards overlook the distinction between rules and lease terms, putting their Co-op at risk. Our attorneys review proposed changes, identify the correct legal process for implementation, and assist in drafting documents that can withstand scrutiny. Engaging us early prevents costly mistakes and ensures smooth adoption.

Reasonable Accommodations

The intersection of shareholder rights and building policies can be particularly difficult when it comes to accommodations and modifications. That’s where our legal team steps in.

Protecting Co-ops Through Legal Precision

From assistance animals to ADA-compliant alterations, Schneider Buchel has helped dozens of Co-ops avoid the pitfalls that come with mishandling accommodation requests. We help Boards understand what they must do, what they can refuse, and how to document their decisions. Marc H. Schneider, Esq. lectures regularly on these issues and is widely regarded as a leader in housing discrimination defense. Our attorneys are often retained by insurers to defend Co-ops, and our success rate in resolving disputes—both in and out of court—is unmatched.

Tailored Legal Advice for Your Board

Our firm also helps draft and update governing documents to reflect current accommodation laws, minimizing ambiguity. With clear rules and early legal input, many disputes never escalate.

For Co-ops facing these high-stakes challenges, having knowledgeable counsel is not optional—it’s essential.

Preeminent Professionals Meet Our Attorney Teams

At Schneider Buchel, every attorney is focused on a specific area of Community Association Law. When legal issues arise, you don’t get a generalist. Here, you get a coordinated legal team, each bringing deep experience in their field. Whether it’s day-to-day governance, contract negotiation, or complex litigation, you have the right attorney with the right experience working to protect your community’s interest and deliver the legal outcome you need.

Transactional Department:

Handles all day-to-day legal needs, including governance and contract matters.

Landlord, Tenant & Foreclosures Department:

Manages complex disputes and represents boards and associations in court.

Real Estate Department:

Specialists in all real estate transactions—drafting and negotiating leases, closings, etc.

Litigation Department:

Manages complex disputes and represents boards and associations in court.

Justin S. Buchel

Partner

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George J. Mullane

Foreclosure and Landlord/Tenant Department Chair

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Cassidy R. Kalmenson

Landlord Tenant Litigation Attorney

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Ivana Garbowski

Foreclosure Attorney

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Jason Goodman

Transactional Department Chair

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Jason Mohabir

Landlord Tenant Litigation Attorney

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Mitchell J. Flachner

Litigation Department Chair

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Amy Zamir

Attorney

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Pete Weintraub

Attorney

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Sloan Zarkin

Attorney

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Suzanne Player

Foreclosure Attorney

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Vanessa Wilcox

Attorney

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Victoria M. Waller

Real Estate Department Chair

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Jennifer Anderson

Paralegal

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Idalia Innocent

Paralegal

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Margarita Morales

Paralegal

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Meet Our Founder & CEO Marc H. Schneider, Esq

Having served as a Board President of a community association himself, Marc knows firsthand the unique needs of associations and what it takes to protect and elevate a community for all. He built his entire New York law practice around meeting and solving these needs. Today Schneider Buchel is very much a reflection of Marc’s personal affection for and sense of commitment to the people who manage community associations.

Group icon media Former Board President of a NY Community Assn.
Work icon media Three Decades of Community Law Experience
Co-Chair icon media Co-Chair NY State Bar Condo & Co-Op Committee
Building icon media Council of New York Co-Ops & Condos Member

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Protect Your Community Practical, Reliable Legal Advice.

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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

Regulatory Agencies and Code Mandates

Keeping up with regulatory agencies and constantly evolving code mandates is essential to minimizing legal risk. Our legal team helps Boards understand and prepare for new requirements before they take effect. We offer practical advice that allows clients to take proactive steps, reducing the chance of receiving violations or facing enforcement actions. Should litigation arise, we can defend the association or initiate action if a regulatory ruling is unjust or harmful. Our goal is always to guide your community through complex compliance issues with clarity and confidence.

Construction Defect Litigation

Transitioning from a sponsor-controlled Board to a homeowner-controlled Board often reveals significant construction flaws. These defects, ranging from foundational cracks to poorly installed systems, can impact property values and resident safety. Our litigation team is well-versed in representing community associations as they face these issues.

Strategic Legal Action and Guidance

We advise Boards on hiring qualified experts—like structural engineers—to assess damage and document claims. Our attorneys ensure strict compliance with offering plan warranties and manage the preparation and submission of Warranty Claim Forms. Where informal resolution fails, we initiate legal proceedings and manage each phase of litigation, including appeals.

Contractor Breach Representation

Beyond sponsor-related defects, we assist when a contractor fails to meet obligations or performs substandard work. Whether the issue is incomplete renovations or poorly executed repairs, we work closely with Boards to evaluate remedies and mitigate harm.

While we attempt negotiated settlements where appropriate, our firm is fully equipped to pursue litigation aggressively. Our goal is to help community associations recoup the funds needed for proper repairs—without unnecessary delay.

What Makes Co-op Law Different

Ownership Through Stock and Lease

In a Co-op, purchasing a home means acquiring shares in the building’s owning corporation and receiving a lease to occupy a particular unit. This makes the shareholder both an owner (of the stock) and a tenant (under the Proprietary Lease). Unlike Condos or HOAs, Co-ops typically require Board consent for transfers and subleases, reinforcing the Board’s role in protecting the community’s character and stability.


Multiple Legal Authorities at Play

Most Co-ops are subject to the New York Business Corporation Law. Others, particularly in New York City, fall under the Private Housing Finance Law—adding another layer of complexity. PHFL-governed communities, including those under Article II or XI, must comply with housing affordability guidelines and agency oversight.

Schneider Buchel has the experience needed to help Co-ops of all types—including senior communities—navigate their regulatory environment. We regularly assist with Board governance, legal compliance, and policy interpretation.

Our team understands that Co-op law isn’t just about documents—it’s about relationships, community management, and long-term planning. With our help, your Co-op can operate with confidence, clarity, and legal precision.

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Repair, Improvements, and Other Contracts

Whether repaving a parking lot or restoring a façade, contract language matters when your Co-op undertakes a repair or improvement.  We draft contracts tailored to the scope of work and specific risks of each project, ensuring your board is protected. Too often, we’ve seen boards sign vendor-generated proposals without proper legal input. These documents frequently lack protections like indemnification, adequate insurance terms, or even clear project deadlines.

Our firm is regularly called upon to resolve problems caused by vague or one-sided contracts. While we’re well-equipped to help after the fact, it’s far better to build in protections from the beginning. Let our attorneys help you secure agreements that are clear, enforceable, and designed to minimize risk. It’s a proactive step that can save your Co-op significant time, money, and legal exposure.

Financing (and Refinancing)

At Schneider Buchel, we regularly help Co-op Boards secure financing for capital improvements and refinance underlying mortgages. Many Co-ops carry building-wide loans that include balloon payments due before full repayment—making timely refinancing essential. We assist with document review, negotiation, and coordination with lenders to ensure the Co-op receives favorable terms. Our attorneys also understand the unique financial structures of Co-ops and the long-term planning needed to meet obligations.

We work closely with each Co-op’s trusted advisors—property managers, lenders, accountants, and auditors—to create a collaborative financing strategy. Our legal support complements their efforts to achieve a smooth and efficient process. Because financing needs vary with each building, we tailor our services to your timeline and financial structure. From routine refinancing to financing major renovations, our team ensures the Co-op’s legal position is protected and your objectives are met.

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Creating and Implementing Policies

Schneider Buchel provides guidance to Co-op Boards drafting or revising policies, including those tied to House Rules, Proprietary Leases, or By-Laws. Every policy must be carefully evaluated to ensure its legal enforceability.

Why Legal Review Matters

We have helped numerous clients successfully implement policy changes—like smoke-free living restrictions—by ensuring all required amendments are properly adopted. Too often, Boards overlook the distinction between rules and lease terms, putting their Co-op at risk.

Our attorneys review proposed changes, identify the correct legal process for implementation, and assist in drafting documents that can withstand scrutiny. Engaging us early prevents costly mistakes and ensures smooth adoption.

Banner media

Reasonable Accommodations

The intersection of shareholder rights and building policies can be particularly difficult when it comes to accommodations and modifications. That’s where our legal team steps in.

Protecting Co-ops Through Legal Precision

From assistance animals to ADA-compliant alterations, Schneider Buchel has helped dozens of Co-ops avoid the pitfalls that come with mishandling accommodation requests. We help Boards understand what they must do, what they can refuse, and how to document their decisions.

Marc H. Schneider, Esq. lectures regularly on these issues and is widely regarded as a leader in housing discrimination defense. Our attorneys are often retained by insurers to defend Co-ops, and our success rate in resolving disputes—both in and out of court—is unmatched.

Tailored Legal Advice for Your Board

Our firm also helps draft and update governing documents to reflect current accommodation laws, minimizing ambiguity. With clear rules and early legal input, many disputes never escalate.

For Co-ops facing these high-stakes challenges, having knowledgeable counsel is not optional—it’s essential.

Regulatory Agencies and Code Mandates

Our attorneys have deep experience in handling issues involving regulatory agencies and complex code mandates. We stay informed on evolving legal standards to help clients anticipate and comply with regulatory updates before they become problematic. Proactive guidance reduces the risk of non-compliance findings and the disruptions they can cause. From understanding municipal requirements to responding to agency inquiries, our legal team supports Boards every step of the way. If disputes arise, we are also prepared to represent clients in litigation involving alleged violations or agency enforcement actions related to condominium or cooperative operations.

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Construction Defect Litigation

When unit owners take control of a Board, they frequently discover unresolved construction issues from the sponsor’s tenure. These defects can affect everything from structural soundness to water systems.

Our Step-by-Step Approach

We work with Boards to bring in seasoned engineers, evaluate the situation, and ensure that all applicable warranty claims are filed according to law. Our legal team guides every part of the process, including necessary notifications. If defects are not addressed voluntarily, we file suit and manage litigation through completion. Our lawyers are experienced in community association law and know how to fight for the compensation needed for repairs.

Enforcing Contracts and Standards

We also take legal action when contractors hired by the Board fail to deliver work as promised. We help you assess options, recover costs, and prevent recurrence—whether through legal action or proactive contract guidance.

What Makes Co-op Law Different

Unlike Condominiums and HOAs, purchasing a unit in a Co-op does not mean you own the apartment itself. Instead, you acquire shares in the cooperative corporation that owns the building and receive a Proprietary Lease, which gives you the right to occupy the unit. This unique arrangement makes you a shareholder-tenant, with both tenant obligations and ownership interests in the Co-op.

This structure gives Co-op Boards significant control over building operations and residency. Approval from the Board is typically required for sales, transfers, and even subleases. These decisions are guided by the Co-op’s governing documents, including the Proprietary Lease and By-Laws, as well as House Rules.

Governing Laws and Complex Regulations

Co-ops are generally governed by the New York Business Corporation Law (BCL), though many are also subject to the Private Housing Finance Law (PHFL). Buildings created under Article II or Article XI of the PHFL must also comply with complex municipal and state regulations, making legal oversight essential. Schneider Buchel has extensive experience navigating these overlapping rules.

We routinely assist Co-ops, including senior housing and PHFL-regulated communities, in interpreting and enforcing their legal obligations. Our attorneys understand the nuances of shareholder relationships, governance, and compliance, helping Boards avoid costly mistakes. We also represent Co-ops statewide, offering guidance tailored to each community’s needs—wh

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Board Meetings

The attorneys at Schneider Buchel routinely participate in Board and Community meetings and are adept at managing them in a manner that ensures smooth operations while limiting exposure to future challenges.  

Their approach emphasizes legal compliance and procedural clarity, helping Boards avoid future attacks on their decisions. With experience in every type of community setting, they guide Boards on how to conduct efficient meetings that uphold transparency and authority.

The firm also assists with strategy for obtaining shareholder support on critical matters. From coordinating proper elections to preparing for amendments to governing documents, Schneider Buchel plays a hands-on role in securing the legal standing of Board actions.

Insurance Carriers

Schneider Buchel is frequently appointed by insurance providers to represent Community Associations in various complex legal disputes. With decades of experience litigating and resolving Co-op-related claims, the firm has earned a strong reputation for its ability to successfully defend clients. Its strategic, well-reasoned litigation style has led to repeat appointments by major insurance carriers across New York.

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Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Co-Op Attorney for Saratoga

Schneider Buchel provides trusted representation for Co-ops in Saratoga and the surrounding areas. Our legal team is known for helping Co-ops tackle complex legal and operational issues with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re addressing governance concerns or facing shareholder conflict, our attorneys offer strategic, seasoned counsel. Our longstanding relationships with Co-op clients speak to the level of service we provide. If your Co-op is in need of legal guidance, reach out today. Call or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable Co-op law attorney in Saratoga.

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