Ask Habitat: Why Is the Board Letting My Neighbor Break the House Rules?
April 6, 2015 — A READER ASKS: I recently moved into a midsize co-op in Brooklyn. I've noticed that one of my neighbors keeps leaving her baby carriage and shopping cart in the basement. I had to leave my bike in the basement for a few hours on a Saturday, in the same spot where she typically leaves her things. I figured it would be okay, since I don't make it a habit. But I got an e-mail from the board letting me know that I was not to use common areas in the building, basement included, as storage space. I know it seems petty of me to point out that the only reason I thought it would be okay to leave my bike there is because my neighbor constantly uses it for her things, but I'm very annoyed. It's a fairly big basement and it's kind of astounding that we don't have storage space as it is. Should I say something? Should I complain about my neighbor? Or should I keep it more positive and request they create official storage space?
HABITAT ANSWERS: Your initial instincts about keeping things positive are on the money. There are a few issues at play here. First, you don't want to assume that the board isn't sending your neighbor any warning notices. You also don't want to assume that the board is aware that your neighbor is leaving her stroller and shopping cart in the basement. Because house rules are supposed to apply to all building residents and shareholders, it's best to communicate to the board, nicely, what you have seen. Speaking to them in person is best, since tone can easily be misread in writing.
Open by apologizing for leaving your bike in the basement and let them know that you didn't think it was a problem because you've noticed your neighbor using the space for personal possessions rather frequently. Then you might segue into suggestion a plan to create a storage area in the basement.
An under-used basement can be a prized asset to a building if it can be converted into an amenity. But the board may have a good reason for not moving ahead with the project. Flooding, seepage, and excessive humidity are the scourge of many a basement. These problems will only get more difficult to fix after bins are installed, so it may be that the building is addressing these costly issues first.
A basement renovation may also encounter such roadblocks as materials containing asbestos, pipes in the way, or other adverse site conditions. These could be holding back the board from building a storage area in the basement.
One way to find out why a board isn't moving ahead with a project that seems like a no-brainer is to join them. You may want to consider running for your board — fresh blood means fresh perspectives. By joining, you'll be able to make a positive contribution for your building.
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