Sally as I understand it in a Coop you own shares so that does not entitle one to do as they please when renovating. I would ask the neighbour if you could see their "approved" architectial drawings for the renovation project before agreeing to anything. The size/operation of the new duct/vent may also have an effect on the mechanicals of the building as it may off balance the system. I would also suggest running it by your super/managing company.

MRM

Sally I agree with Manhattan RM regarding the building exhaust duct work. If they are renovating their bathroom they should have a approved alteration package. In the package should be the requirements for the upgrade for the duct opening if they allow it.

The size/operation of the new duct/vent may also have an effect on the other apartments in that line. In some apartments the air would push in instead of out, throwing the system out of sync.

Mike good to know you agree with me. One of your buddies in the field that speaks highly of you.

ARM

HI Mike - The renovating resident just found out it is a working vent. the super , who does not know much, had told the arthitect it was a dead vent.
it physically runs though the revnovators apt - it is very old but works fine. if they are renovating and wanot shrink it down (it is huge) - which neighbor should pay????

If the management company/board of directors approve of the downsizing of the opening, then the shareholder doing the renovation should pay for the new vent cover. I don't see where the building or other shareholders would have to pay for something that a shareholder is changing inside their apartment? If it is working properly, I would keep it on record that all apartments are working fine and if they do change the size of the opening and their is some problems with the vent, then I would have them pay for any and all expenses to correct the problem(s).

Sorry about that I responded the question.

Sorry about that I responded the question.

Hi Mike - thanks. it is not the vent cover - it is the entire vent compartment. very old. runs though the neighbors interior space. they are renovating and claim it must be brought to code. and that we should contribute$.

Okay, if the vent is working properly and the shareholder who wants to renovate his/her apartment should be responsible for the expenses. The other shareholder didn't want to change the vent? Why should they pay?

You are not responsible for maintaining or bringing back to "code" any structure owned by the coop and certainly not the ones located in your neighbors apt.

Even if your property lease had a paragraph stating that shareholders were responsible for the maintenance of those vents ( which I doubt ) .... that would not cover the vent next door.