Ronda Kaysen
The New York Times
New York, NY, United States
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Past articles by Ronda:
What Happens When Wall Street Buys Most of the Homes on Your Block?
As Wall Street investors pluck up starter homes and convert them to rentals, first-time buyers are being squeezed out and residents are being forced to grapple with what the changes mean for their lives and their communities. → Read More
How Do I Force a Developer to Finish Construction Work in My Building?
Legally, a developer doesn’t need to finish the common areas in a building to start selling apartments. But there is pressure you can apply. → Read More
Can I Get Around a No-Pet Policy With an Emotional Support Animal?
If you need an emotional support animal to help treat the symptoms of a disability, your landlord must accommodate the request. → Read More
When Packages Go Missing, Can Tenants Check the Surveillance Tapes?
Landlords should address security issues in their buildings where appropriate. But they’re not police officers. → Read More
Can My Building Force Me to Use Its Preferred Moving Company?
Some landlords only want trusted movers in the building. But what does the lease say about it? → Read More
The Ice Cream Truck Across the Street Is Making Way Too Much Noise
Truck operators, like all food vendors in the city, must be licensed and permitted, and comply with various rules and regulations. → Read More
When the Landlord Sells the Building, What Are Your Rights?
For starters, don’t send any rent checks until you know exactly who you’re sending them to. → Read More
I Want to Buy a Co-op Now and a Piano Later. Do I Have to Tell the Board?
You should never lie to a co-op board, but you don’t necessarily have to disclose future plans, either. But, ethically, is this a plan that will keep you up at night with guilt? → Read More
They Wanted to Live in Greece Full Time. But What Would They Find for $300,000?
A couple from Miami set their sights on Pangrati, a vibrant neighborhood in Athens, and looked for a home with a view of the historic city. Here’s what they found. → Read More
Can My Building Ban Incense Even if It’s a Religious Ritual?
While you are entitled to practice your religion in your apartment, you are not entitled to disturb your neighbors. → Read More
My Boss Told My Co-workers That I Had Covid. Isn’t That Illegal?
Federal guidelines require employees’ health information to be kept confidential. But employers also have an obligation to protect the workplace. → Read More
My Co-op Board President Is a Lawyer Representing Sellers. Is That Allowed?
Legally, a co-op board president can work as a lawyer for shareholders selling their units, but that doesn’t make it a good idea. → Read More
My Neighbors’ Pot Smoke Bothers Me. What Can I Do?
Your co-op might be willing to help, even if it has to amend its rules. But it will likely be up to you to prove exactly where the smoke is coming from. → Read More
My Neighbors Won’t Leash Their Dogs. What Can I Do?
Allowing unleashed dogs in common areas of residential buildings is against the law. Complain to your landlord, and if that doesn’t work, you have other options. → Read More
Are Solar Panels a Good Investment?
It depends, so do your research first. → Read More
When Siblings Argue Over the Costs of a Parent’s Estate, Who Wins?
When one sibling becomes the trustee, they take on the responsibility of settling the estate, including whatever debts remain. → Read More
I’m Worried My Landlord Will Keep My Security Deposit. What Can I Do?
Withholding your last month’s rent is not without risks, but new laws designed to help tenants could offer you some protections. → Read More
I Want to Rip Out the Tub in My Bathroom. Will That Hurt Resale Value?
The answer has little to do with the merits of bathtubs and more to do with how long you plan to stay in your home. → Read More
Is It Worth the Risk to Sublet an Apartment Illegally?
Assume the board will know that you haven’t moved out — this is a doorman building, and doormen typically keep an eye on who comes and goes. Most co-ops have strict rules about sublets; if your building enforces those rules, it will not make an exception for your landlord. “This is generally not a good idea,” said Nancy L. Kourland, a real estate lawyer in the Manhattan office of the law firm,… → Read More
The Vacant Apartment Upstairs Leaked Into Mine. Who’s Responsible?
An empty apartment is vulnerable to serious maintenance problems that can affect the entire building. → Read More