Experienced Legal Counsel for Cooperative Housing Communities
Cooperative housing, commonly known as a co-op, is a unique form of shared ownership where residents do not own individual units outright. Instead, they own shares in a corporation that owns the entire property, and those shares entitle them to occupy a specific unit. With this structure comes a different set of legal responsibilities and governance requirements compared to condominiums or homeowner associations.
At KSN, our attorneys understand the complexities of cooperative housing and provide tailored legal solutions to co-op boards and shareholders. Whether your cooperative is self-managed or professionally managed, we offer the legal guidance necessary to operate efficiently, maintain compliance, and foster a harmonious community.
KSN's Cooperative's Legal Services
- Governance and Board Guidance – KSN advises cooperative boards on governance matters including fiduciary duties, shareholder voting procedures, conflicts of interest, and board election processes.
- Governing Document Interpretation and Updates - We draft and amend governing documents such as bylaws, proprietary leases, and occupancy agreements.
- Shareholder Disputes and Enforcement – Our attorneys assist in resolving shareholder disputes, including violations of house rules, unauthorized subletting, noise complaints, and other issues impacting community living.
- Share Transfers and Admissions – We provide legal support for the approval process of new shareholders, transfer of shares, lender-required documentation, and proprietary lease compliance.
- Assessment Collection – KSN manages the recovery of unpaid maintenance fees and special assessments. We initiate legal action, including eviction proceedings, to protect the cooperative’s financial health.
- Contract Review and Vendor Agreements – Our firm drafts, reviews, and negotiates vendor and contractor agreements, helping cooperatives manage property maintenance, repairs, and capital improvement projects effectively.
- Insurance and Risk Management – KSN provides legal guidance on insurance policies, claims, and risk reduction strategies tailored to cooperative housing.
- Construction Defect Representation – We represent cooperatives in claims involving defective construction or renovations including litigation against developers, contractors, or other responsible parties.
- Fair Housing and Discrimination Defense – Our attorneys defend co-ops against discrimination claims and provide training on fair housing compliance to reduce legal exposure.
- Litigation Services – KSN’s dedicated litigation department handles legal disputes involving cooperatives including breach of contract, shareholder claims, governance disputes, and more.
Why Choose KSN for your Cooperative's Legal Needs?
With decades of experience representing thousands of community associations, including cooperatives, our legal team understands the unique challenges co-op boards face. We’re committed to providing responsive, knowledgeable, and practical legal solutions to help your cooperative thrive—while minimizing legal exposure and conflict. Whether your co-op is navigating day-to-day legal issues or facing complex litigation, our attorneys are ready to help.
To learn more about our legal services for housing cooperatives, contact KSN today. Our attorneys are here to support your board and protect your community’s interests.
Contact us by sending us a message or calling us at 1-855-537-0500.
