Why Do I Have to Head Down to the Lobby When Someone I Don't Recognize Rings My Bell?

July 21, 2015 — I'm buying a sixth-floor apartment. There is no doorman, and I was told by the board that I have to go down to the lobby every time someone I don't recognize buzzes. Why?

The buyer may find that, while extreme, the extra security is warranted. Ultimately, a buyer should be comfortable with a property's level of security before purchasing. As with the purchase of any new home, research is fundamental. The buyer should visit the current managing agent, read the minutes, and review the house rules with a broker and ask questions. An interview with the board of directors is a great opportunity to find out the reasoning behind house rules that may seem extreme or out of the ordinary. By asking why these rules are in place, the buyer will be more informed; for example, "Was there an incident that caused this to be put into place?"

When a buyer who is aware of the house rules purchases an apartment, he or she agrees to obey them, and the co-op board must enforce them. The board implements these regulations because they are governed as a corporation and are subject to its own bylaws. House rules can be amended by a majority vote of the board. Added security measures are common in properties with older residents.

Jackeline Monzon is a partner at Crystal Real Estate Management.