i really have no experience in this, but probably nothing can be done. i could see wall to wall carpeting being as a health issue for many people. the chemicals used in manufacture of wall to wall can be quite different than the area rugs. in out building 80% is the number. plenty of area rugs that can be made of non allergic/ toxic material are available.
wall to wall and the padding has a lot of checmicals that release toxins, nothing you would want your baby on. we didn't know yers ago, same as abstetos, as we learn we change out behaviour. Except for the smokers, they are too addicted.
sounds like noise is the real problem, and maybe the house rules should be upgraded to this century.
there are plenty of non allergic/ non toxic floor materials that reduce noise.

There are many carpets that are hypo allergenic including padding these days. Wall to Wall can be fine if you use those types of floor covering, I have that in my apartment, you can use Berber and there are many others that are hypo allergenic or even commercial/industrial which is hypo allergenic. Things have changed since many, many years ago.

There a many companies know that sell non toxic wall to wall
just go on line and u will find the companies that supply them. Throw rug are not a sound barrier.

area rugs with padding can be just as effective sound barrier as wall to wall. For example a 12 by 15 room with an 8 by 10 area rug in the middle
The quality of padding is important.
There are free-floating laminate flooring made from cork. Plus there are also specific noise reduction padding for these laminate floors.
They are probably more expensive than wall to wall, but probably much better at sound reduction.

While that is true, the perimeter of the area rug is wood and will still cause much noise. I know about the laminate flooring, correct, it will cost more, so for expense purposes decent noise reduction padding should help other residents.

That is very true. Thank you for the non toxic issue. That is what I was trying to say, Hypo Allergenic. Area Rugs are not a sound barrier by any means.

I agree with you, there is also an issue in all Leases, whether they be a rental, co-op, condo, including Commercial Leases that affords everyone Quiet Enjoyment. No one shall impede on anothers Quiet Enjoyment, that's a problem with living in a Bldg. I have been in Bldgs where people did not get along and noise was imposed for "just because". That is one very important reason that the Ordinance of a Carpeting Rule was effectuated. An area rug is Not a Sound Barrier, so sometimes one must go further to avoid a situation. There are non-toxic carpets, they have come a long way for people who are sensitive, have allergies. People have been living with carpeting for years, many years and more homes than not have it.

Why not simply sit down with the new Shareholders and see what can be worked out?

If they will be using hardwood floors only, for example, and there are health issues associated with w2w carpeting, you could point out that studies have shown a tremendous amount of pollution is tracked into the home on shoes - perhaps they could live in a socks-only home? That would certainly cut down on any noise from that area...

It is my strong feeling that boards and shareholders need MORE, not less, communication - and a good place to start is by talking with new shareholders about House Rules and why they were formulated.

Puzzled - I'm just curious. Why does your coop require wall-to-wall carpeting? Most House Rules state that 75% (or 80%) of floors must be covered with "carpeting, rugs or equally effective noise-reducing material." That typically means in the living area rooms and excludes hallways, the kitchen and the bath.

Do all your residents have wall-to-wall carpeting? That seems a lot to ask, and it can be expensive. Just wondering why you require this. Thanks.

Most buildings have an 80% rule and it states at LEAST 80% as long as there is no disturbance to another unit. It also states NOISE REDUCING Material. Just an area rug, and many are quite thin (padding controls some of that), does not reduce noise if there is much noise from another unit and carrying over to others. That is why NY does have that rule, living in apartments is difficult when you are surrounded by many others, it isn't fair to other surrounding, above or especially below. Noise, such as barking dogs, etc. does become a nuisance and infringes on others. Hopefully we all try to reduce noise in our apartments and consider others.

While it is true that you do not have the right to approve or disapprove, and regardless of if they are buying a sponsor unit or not, they will sign a Proprietary Lease, and subsequently must comply with it. and it's subsidiary documents (Bylaws and House Rules, etc). Only exceptions are if the Offering Plan specifically states that they are exempt from this rule.

I have a Shareholder in one of my buildings that had the same "health issues" with carpeting due to allergens, off gassing and a number of other things, but we did work together and find a non allergenic, all natural carpet that she was happy with.

Good luck!

~AR