While some property owners are handy and enjoy upgrading and maintaining their buildings, most people rely on professional contractors. Even minor repairs and improvements, however, can involve some level of risk. Landlords and building owners in New York face additional…
A chief source of friction between landlords and tenants stems from disagreement over what constitutes normal wear and tear versus excessive damage to a rental property. Naturally, these disputes typically arise at the end of the landlord-tenant relationship, after the…
Many property owners who have multiple buildings in their portfolios ask whether we recommend separate insurance policies. We present options for a master policy and provide them with the information they need to choose the right protection for their needs…
The holiday season may be behind us, but we’re in the heart of the winter fire season, with home heating—particularly space heaters—a leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries. Thirty percent of home fires occur during the colder months,…
It’s every landlord’s nightmare: a leak, flood, burst pipe, or overflowing sink or appliance that goes undetected until major, expensive water damage occurs. Landlords and property owners are right to be nervous. In New York City, water damage in multi-family…
If you own a rental property, you’ll want to make sure your landlord insurance includes Loss of Rents coverage. This special protection will replace lost income if a covered event requires tenants to move out while units undergo repairs. While…
Basement apartments in New York City have received extensive press as a potential solution to relieve the city’s ongoing housing crisis. Basement units can offer added revenue potential–but only when fully compliant with NYC law and building codes. Private entrances…
Landlords can require tenants to be responsible for sidewalk winter conditions per the lease agreement, but be careful. Even if you don’t live in the building and delegate responsibilities for snow removal to a tenant, that doesn’t absolve you of…
People call our office all the time, wondering why multi-family building insurance is so much higher than homeowners’ insurance. Sometimes they’re even wondering why an insurance company declined to make them an offer. To qualify for the best insurance rates…
New York City requires property owners to maintain the sidewalks adjacent to their properties. This requirement generally comes down to snow removal and sidewalk repair. Sidewalk violations The Department of Transportation (DOT) has oversight over New York City's 12,750 miles…