Dennis Greenstein Quoted in The New York Times
“No Tiptoeing Necessary”

Dennis Greenstein was quoted in the real estate Q&A column of The New York Times on February 26, 2010. The letter writer wanted to know if there is a law requiring 80 percent coverage of floors with carpeting in New York City co-ops.

Dennis responded to the writer that there is not a law that requires 80 percent coverage of floors with carpeting in New York City co-ops. However, he noted, "such a requirement is in the house rules of every proprietary lease I have ever reviewed." He also noted that if no such requirement exists, the board has the right to amend the rules to include one. He pointed out that carpeting rules generally give the co-op the right to inspect an apartment when a complaint is made and to require carpeting. He concluded that failure to comply with the requirement could result in the termination of the shareholder's lease.