Asked and Answered
Can I have a roommate after I purchase my co-op apartment?In many cases, yes. Since occupancy of a co-op is subject to the Landlord-Tenant law of New York State and New York City, there are certain statutory rights to have a roommate under those laws, even if you own and live in a co-op. That being said, co-ops can be very twitchy about who is actually occupying the apartment, particularly if the owner of the apartment does not intend to occupy the apartment as his or her primary residence. Anyone staying in the apartment more than a few days, can be viewed as a subtenant whose presence could require Board approval. The "roommate" statute overrules the proprietary lease, but co-op Board's will closely scrutinize who is residing in the apartment and whether or not it is a legitimate roommate relationship and not an unapproved sublease. Here’s a good rule of thumb: co-ops don’t take surprises well. If you have plans for another occupant in your co-op, even if it’s your significant other, don’t keep it a secret when you are presenting your offer to the other side.