Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 39, September 25, 2024
Plans subject to this Part must comply with the format and
minimum disclosure requirements set forth herein in addition to the
requirements of provisions of article 23-A of the General Business Law and
article 9B of the Real Property Law or the laws regulating condominiums in the
State where the property is located.
(a)
Cover.
The outside front cover of the offering plan shall contain
the following information in the following order:
(1) The title in bold-face type: CONDOMINIUM
OFFERING PLAN or COMMERCIAL CONDOMINIUM OFFERING PLAN, whichever is applicable,
followed by the name of the condominium and the address of the property,
including the county.
(2) The total
amount of the offering, which shall be based on the aggregate price at which
the units are initially offered. State the number of units being offered. If
the number of units being offered is not firm on the date of submission of the
offering, state the maximum number of units and the minimum number of units or
square footage of units that the sponsor is committed to offering. Indicate if
certain units are not being offered for sale.
(3) The amount of the working capital fund
and/or reserve fund, if any, to be provided by the sponsor.
(4) The name and principal business address
of the sponsor and the selling agent. Telephone numbers may also be included.
The address of the sponsor must not be in care of sponsor's attorney, nor may
it be a post office box.
(5) The
statement: "Date of Acceptance for Filing," which shall be the date the
Department of Law files the plan. The term of the initial offer is 12 months
commencing on the date of the letter from the Department of Law stating that
the plan is filed. The term may be extended by an amendment to the offering
plan. The date of the plan should be left blank when:
(i) the proposed plan is first submitted to
the Department of Law; and
(ii)
when the final plan is submitted to the Department of Law.
(6) If the plan contains a special risk
section, the statement: "SEE PAGE __ FOR SPECIAL RISKS TO PURCHASERS" must be
printed apart from other print and be in capital letters, in bold-face roman
type at least eight-point modern type and at least two points leaded.
(7) The following statement in capital
letters printed in bold-face roman type at least as large as eight-point modern
type and at least two points leaded must be included on the cover of all plans
filed with the Department of Law: THIS OFFERING PLAN IS THE ENTIRE OFFER
TO SELL THESE CONDOMINIUM UNITS. NEW YORK LAW REQUIRES THE SPONSOR TO DISCLOSE
ALL MATERIAL INFORMATION IN THIS PLAN AND TO FILE THIS PLAN WITH THE NEW YORK
STATE DEPARTMENT OF LAW PRIOR TO SELLING OR OFFERING TO SELL ANY CONDOMINIUM
UNIT. FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE DEPARTMENT OR
ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY HAS APPROVED THIS OFFERING.
(b)
Table of
contents.
The format and order set forth below must be followed in
the table of contents. Include headings for the subjects not marked with an
asterisk. In addition, a limited number of headings may be added to the plan.
Headings for subjects that are marked with an asterisk may be omitted if the
subject matter is not applicable to the offering. Omissions, other than
headings marked with an asterisk in the table of contents, and additions should
be expressly noted and explained in the transmittal letter. Alternative wording
for headings to meet particular facts are set forth in parentheses.
Documentation listed in Part II of the table of contents shall be included in
full in Part II of the plan. The texts of such documents which will be binding
upon the sponsor or the board of managers, such as the purchase agreement, the
power of attorney, the unit deed, the condominium declaration, and the bylaws
of the condominium shall be consistent with the disclosures in the plan and
shall conform to the requirements of this section.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
__________________________________________________
PART I
PAGE
*SPECIAL RISKS ___________________________________
INTRODUCTION
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY AND IMPROVEMENTS
______________________________________________________
*LOCATION AND AREA INFORMATION
______________________________________________________
*HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
OFFERING PRICES AND RELATED INFORMATION,
SCHEDULE A
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
BUDGET FOR FIRST YEAR OF CONDOMINIUM OPERATION,
SCHEDULE B ______________________________________
*BUDGET FOR INDIVIDUAL ENERGY COSTS, SCHEDULE B-1
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*BUDGET FOR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION,
SCHEDULE C
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*COMPLIANCE WITH REAL PROPERTY LAW SECTION 339(i)
_____________________________________________________
*COMMERCIAL UNITS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
CHANGES IN PRICES AND UNITS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*ACCOUNTANT'S CERTIFIED STATEMENTS OF OPERATION
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*RIGHTS OF EXISTING COMMERCIAL OR PROFESSIONAL
TENANTS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*INTERIM LEASES
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
PROCEDURE TO PURCHASE
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*FINANCING FOR QUALIFIED PURCHASERS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
ASSIGNMENT OF PURCHASE AGREEMENTS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
EFFECTIVE DATE
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
TERMS OF SALE
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
UNIT CLOSING COSTS AND ADJUSTMENTS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE SPONSOR
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
CONTROL BY THE SPONSOR
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
BOARD OF MANAGERS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE UNIT OWNERS AND THE BOARD OF
MANAGERS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
REAL ESTATE TAXES
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
INCOME TAX DEDUCTIONS TO UNIT OWNERS AND TAX STATUS OF THE
CONDOMINIUM
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
OPINION(S) OF COUNSEL
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
RESERVE FUND
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
WORKING CAPITAL FUND
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT, CONTRACTS AND LEASES
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
IDENTITY OF PARTIES
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
REPORTS TO UNIT OWNERS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
DOCUMENTS ON FILE
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
GENERAL
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*RESERVATION OF AIR AND DEVELOPMENTAL RIGHTS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF SPECIFICATIONS OR BUILDING
CONDITION
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
PART II
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
POWER OF ATTORNEY
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
FORM OF UNIT DEED
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*FORM OF MORTGAGE, NOTE AND RELATED FINANCING
DOCUMENTS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*FORM OF SWORN STATEMENT BY ASSIGNEE
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY AND SPECIFICATIONS OR BUILDING
CONDITION
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*FLOOR PLANS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*ASBESTOS REPORT
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
* HOUSING MERCHANT IMPLIED WARRANTY LAW
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
CONDOMINIUM BYLAWS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
BYLAWS and HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION RULES
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
DECLARATION OF COVENANTS AND RESTRICTIONS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
CERTIFICATIONS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
SPONSOR AND PRINCIPALS
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
SPONSOR'S ENGINEER (OR ARCHITECT)
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
SPONSOR'S EXPERT CONCERNING ADEQUACY OF BUDGET
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
*SPONSOR'S EXPERT CONCERNING ADEQUACY OF COMMON
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
CHARGES PAYABLE BY THE COMMERCIAL UNIT OWNERS(S)
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
(c)
Special risks.
This section, if applicable, must be on a separate page
following the table of contents. All features of a plan which involve
significant risk or are reasonably likely to affect disproportionately or
unusually the common charges or obligations of unit owners in future years of
condominium operation must be conspicuously disclosed and highlighted. A brief
description of the nature of the risk should be given in this section and a
more thorough description should be given in a referenced later section.
Uncertainties as to whether a risk should be described in this section should
be resolved in favor of inclusion.
(1)
Disclose whether sponsor is reserving the right to rent rather than sell units
after the plan has been consummated and whether sponsor is limiting its right
to rent rather than sell after the plan has been consummated based on objective
articulable criteria, such as a significant decline in market prices of a
specific percentage and the conditions upon which the sponsor would resume
sales. If sponsor has obtained construction financing, disclose the terms of
the construction loan as they apply to the sponsor's obligation to market the
units for sale, including any minimum number or percentage of units which must
be under contract before the plan can be declared effective, the existence of
either a minimum release price set by the lender or a required minimum payment
per sale which must be made to the lender in order for the lender to release
its lien from the unit being sold, and limits or requirements imposed by the
lender for sponsor to rent rather than sell under specified market conditions.
If sponsor is reserving an unconditional right to rent rather than sell, the
cover of the plan must state in bold print:
BECAUSE SPONSOR IS RETAINING THE UNCONDITIONAL RIGHT
TO RENT RATHER THAN SELL UNITS AFTER THE PLAN HAS BEEN CONSUMMATED, THIS PLAN
MAY NOT RESULT IN THE CREATION OF A CONDOMINIUM IN WHICH A MAJORITY OF THE
UNITS ARE OWNED BY OWNER-OCCUPANTS OR INVESTORS UNRELATED TO THE SPONSOR. (SEE
SPECIAL RISKS SECTION OF THE PLAN.)
Further disclose, in the Special Risks section, that
because sponsor is not limiting the conditions under which it will rent rather
than sell units after the plan has been consummated, there is no commitment to
sell more units than the 15 percent necessary to declare the plan effective and
owner-occupants may never gain effective control and management of the
condominium.
(2) If the
bylaws of the condominium do not include a provision that, after an initial
sponsor voting control period a majority of the board of managers must be
owner-occupants or members of an owner-occupant's household who are unrelated
to the sponsor and its principals, this fact must be disclosed as a special
risk and if either of these special risks exist, the cover of the plan must
state in bold print.
PURCHASERS FOR THEIR OWN OCCUPANCY MAY NEVER GAIN
CONTROL OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS PLAN. (SEE SPECIAL
RISKS SECTION OF THE PLAN.)
Disclose further that owner-occupants and non-resident
owners, including sponsor, may have inherent conflicts on how the condominium
shall be managed because of their different reasons for purchasing,
i.e., purchase as a home as opposed to as an
investment.
(d)
Introduction.
The introduction must:
(1) Explain that the purpose of the offering
plan is to set forth all the material terms of the offer. Explain that the plan
may be amended from time to time when an amendment is filed with the New York
State Department of Law. State that amendments will be served on all offerees
as defined in section
20.1(d) of this
Part.
(2) State that the
condominium is subject to and complies with the New York Condominium Act or the
law regulating condominiums in the State where the property is
located.
(3) Identify the sponsor,
and state when the sponsor acquired the property or sponsor's interest as a
contract vendee.
(4) Disclose
sponsor's intent with regard to the sale of units offered for sale in the plan.
Disclose whether sponsor represents that it will endeavor in good faith to sell
units rather than rent after the plan has been consummated. If sponsor makes a
bulk sale of all or some of its unsold units, the transferee successor sponsor
is bound by sponsor's representations regarding its commitment to sell units.
If sponsor has obtained construction financing, disclose the terms of the
construction loan as they apply to the sponsor's obligation to market the units
for sale, including any minimum number or percentage of units which must be
under contract before the plan can be declared effective, the existence of
either a minimum release price set by the lender or a required minimum payment
per sale which must be made to the lender in order for the lender to release
its lien from the unit being sold, and limits or requirements imposed by the
lender for sponsor to rent rather than sell under specified market conditions.
If sponsor has not obtained construction financing or if the construction loan
agreement does not include provisions on the terms set forth in the previous
sentence, disclose any conditions under which sponsor reserves the right to
rent than sell after the plan has been consummated based on objective
articulable criteria, such as a significant decline in market prices of a
specific percentage and the conditions under which sponsor would resume sales.
If sponsor retains unconditional discretion to rent rather than sell units
after the plan has been consummated, include on the cover of the plan the
warning set forth in paragraph (c)(1) of this section and discuss as a special
risk.
(5) Summarize the number and
the type of units being offered in this offering plan, whether the units are
residential or otherwise, any parking or recreational facilities and refer to
schedule A for prices. Identify any units or property interests that are not
being offered such as commercial space, the superintendent's apartment, and
common areas. If applicable, note any air rights or transferable development
rights benefitting or encumbering the property. Make reference to the section
of the plan disclosing any such reservation of air or developmental rights.
State the number and types of units that have been built or may be built
pursuant to related offering plans or related sections of the
development.
(6) If applicable,
state that the sponsor must amend the plan before or when the plan is declared
effective to disclose the percentages of common interest, the approximate
number of units that will be built and the timetable for completing the
units.
(7) Outline the basic
aspects of condominium ownership, including the following:
(i) that each purchaser owns his or her unit
outright and is entitled to exclusive possession of that unit together with an
interest in and right to use the common elements, and exclusive right to use
limited common elements, if applicable;
(ii) a description of the differences between
space owned exclusively by a unit owner and common elements and limited common
elements, where applicable;
(iii)
that each unit owner must pay common charges in accordance with the New York
Condominium Act, Real Property Law section
339
(i) and (m), or applicable State and local
law;
(iv) that each unit owner is
obligated to comply with the declaration, the bylaws, rules and regulations and
any other requirements of the board of managers;
(v) any restrictions on use, resale, leasing
or mortgaging; the Department of Law may, in its discretion, require an opinion
from counsel for sponsor or independent counsel as to the legality and
enforceability of these restrictions;
(vi) the authority of the board of managers
to manage the condominium, and the unit owner's right to vote for members of
the board of managers;
(vii) that
each unit will be separately taxed and may be separately mortgaged;
and
(viii) a unit owner's
responsibility for maintenance and repairs and for casualty and liability
insurance, as distinguished from the obligations of the board of
managers;
(ix) if applicable, that
the condominium board does not have the right to approve or disapprove
purchasers, that there is no limit on the number of owners who may purchase for
investment rather than for personal occupancy and that there may always be a
substantial percentage of owners who are non-residents.
(8) Disclose and specify if any equipment or
fixtures described in the plan are not included in the offering price, or if
the offering price is conditioned on the equipment and fixtures
selected.
(9) State that the prices
are not subject to approval by the Department of Law or any other government
agency.
(10) State that the plan
delivered to prospective purchasers contains all of the material terms of the
transaction. State that copies of the plan, all documents referred to in the
plan and all exhibits submitted to the Department of Law in connection with the
filing of the plan will be available for inspection without charge and for
copying at a reasonable charge to prospective purchasers and their attorneys at
the site whenever the on site sales office is open and at the office of the
selling agent or sponsor.
(11)
State any lawful limitations on who may purchase units.
(12) Include the following paragraph printed
in bold-face roman type at least as large as eight-point modern type and at
least two points leaded: THE PURCHASE OF A CONDOMINIUM UNIT HAS MANY
SIGNIFICANT LEGAL AND FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL STRONGLY
URGES YOU TO READ THIS OFFERING PLAN CAREFULLY AND TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY
BEFORE SIGNING A PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
(e)
Description of property and
improvements.
This section should:
(1) Include a general description by sponsor
of the land, building(s), units, parking facilities, recreational facilities
and amenities. Include in Part II of the plan a detailed description and
outline specifications prepared by an engineer or architect that complies with
the requirements set forth in section
20.7 of this Part. For existing
buildings, the detailed description must include a statement of building
condition. Part II must also include a description of what optional extra
features are available and legal description of units and common
elements.
(2) If any major fixtures
or equipment such as refrigerator, stove, plumbing fixtures, kitchen cabinets
or partition walls are not included in the offering price, their absence must
be conspicuously disclosed, and highlighted as a special risk.
(3) State whether the property will be
improved and the units constructed in accordance with all applicable zoning and
building laws, requirements and specify the laws and regulations that
apply.
(4) If applicable, state the
approximate construction timetable for completion of the first unit, the
remaining units, related sections of the condominium, recreational facilities
and amenities.
(5) State whether
any roads to be constructed by sponsor will be dedicated to the local
government. Describe access from the condominium to public roads.
(f)
Location and area
information.
This section should:
(1) Describe the location of the property and
surrounding areas. If the property is not located in a highly urban area,
describe the transportation, shopping, recreational, medical, religious and
educational facilities available. Describe the police, fire, water, sanitation,
snow removal and road maintenance services. If any such services are not
provided by the local taxing authorities, the cost of such services must be
included in Schedule B.
(2)
Describe the zoning of the site and what uses are permitted as of right,
including landmark designation and any approvals required. If any adjoining
areas are undeveloped, disclose the permitted uses of the adjoining
areas.
(3) If sponsor or any
principals of sponsor own, in whole or part, or have an option or right to
acquire, in whole or part, any adjacent areas which are not fully developed,
disclose such facts and the present intention of sponsor and principals with
respect to the development of such areas.
(g)
Offering prices and related
information (schedule A).
(1) Schedule
A must appear on a separate page entitled schedule A and list the following
information for each unit in columnar form. Units identified must include all
units which will be newly constructed and which will be part of the condominium
pursuant to sponsor's intention to retain developmental rights. If the units
are not yet being offered, the offering price for the units need not be
included. Column headings may be shortened and abbreviated. Indicate that all
projected charges are for a stated 12-month period,
e.g.,
January 1, 20_ to December 31, 20_. Totals must be given for subparagraphs
(iii), (iv), (v), (viii), (ix) and (x) of this paragraph.
(i) Unit identification.
(ii) Number of bedrooms and bathrooms (if
applicable).
(iii) Approximate
total area of each unit.
(iv)
Offering price.
(vi) Maximum
mortgage on each unit (if financing is offered).
(v) Percentage of common interest.
(vii) Maximum monthly mortgage charge on each
unit (if financing is offered).
(viii) Projected monthly common charges for
the first year of operation.
(ix)
Projected monthly and annual real estate taxes for the first year of
operation.
(x) Projected total
monthly carrying charges for the first year of operation. (This is a total of
subpargraphs [vii], [viii] and [ix] of this paragraph.)
(2) Detailed footnotes must support and
explain the information in schedule A. These footnotes must include but are not
limited to the following:
(i) For the number
of rooms, state the method of calculating the number of rooms or approximate
total area in each unit. If rooms are calculated in accordance with an industry
standard, refer to the industry standard employed. Indicate which units, if
any, have the use of a limited common element. State that floor plans are
included in the plan in Part II.
(ii) For the offering price, refer to the
portion of the plan that explains price changes. If applicable, explain that
prices and other terms are negotiable.
(iii) For the offering price, refer to the
portion of the plan that explains any closing costs that a purchaser may have
to pay.
(iv) For the percentage of
common interest, disclose the basis for calculating the percentage of common
interest including a reference to the method selected pursuant to section
339(i) of the Real Property Law, or applicable state law.
(v) For the projected monthly carrying
charges, disclose that if sponsor is not offering or procuring mortgage
financing and if the purchaser obtains financing, the purchaser's debt service
will be an additional expense. Disclose that projected carrying charges do not
include certain costs for which the unit owner is responsible such as (where
applicable) repairs to the interior of the unit, separately metered gas,
electricity, hot water, heat, air conditioning and cable television service. If
unit owners individually pay for heat and hot water costs, or for costs usually
included in the common charges, refer to schedule B-1 for individual carrying
charges; see paragraph (h)(5) of this section.
(vi) For the projected real estate taxes,
state that after the condominium is divided into individual tax lots, each unit
will be taxed as a separate tax lot for real estate tax purposes and the unit
owner will not be responsible for the payment of, nor will the unit be subject
to, any lien arising from the non-payment of taxes on other units. Discuss the
deductibility of real estate taxes for income tax purposes. State the projected
assessed valuation, after completion of construction or rehabilitation, the
approximate date of completion and reassessment, and the tax rate used to
calculate the projected real estate taxes. If any closings are projected to
occur before the post-completion assessment is given to the building, sponsor
may also disclose the pre-completion assessment. When tax exemption or tax
abatement benefits are projected but not yet obtained, the real estate tax
reflected in Schedule A may be the lower tax only if the preliminary
certificate of eligibility for Real Property Law section 421-a benefits has
been obtained or if the certificate of reasonable cost has been obtained for
benefits under section 11-243 (J-51) of the New York City Administrative Code.
If such certificates have not been obtained prior to acceptance for filing,
schedule A must contain two tax columns, one reflecting real estate taxes with
benefits and one without benefits, whether or not the sponsor agrees to pay the
taxes for the first year of condominium operation. The possibility of not
obtaining real estate tax benefits should be included in the special risk
section of the plan and purchasers should be clearly advised that they are
purchasing with no guarantee of obtaining tax benefits. If the condominium is
an existing building being sold without rehabilitation or is undergoing minimum
rehabilitation, state the present assessed valuation. Refer to the section of
the plan which discusses real estate taxes; see subdivision (x) of this
section.
(vii) For the projected
income tax deduction, explain that the projected tax deduction (where
applicable) may vary in future years due to changes in the interest rate on the
unit owner's mortgage (if any) or from changes in the allocation of constant
debt service payments to interest and principal, or due to changes in real
property taxes resulting from the expiration of real estate tax benefits, or
from changes in the assessed value, the tax rate or the method of assessing
real property.
(viii) For maximum
mortgage, disclose the maximum mortgage financing available pursuant to
financing commitments offered or procured by sponsor, if any. If sponsor is not
offering and has not procured mortgage financing on specified terms including a
specific initial interest rate, schedule A should not include columns
describing potential mortgage financing or the debt service thereon and the
column describing the amount of monthly carrying charges deductible for income
tax purposes should not include interest on mortgage financing.
(ix) For maximum mortgage, disclose any
limitations on the availability of financing if sponsor is offering or
procuring mortgage financing but is not making financing available to all
purchasers. The limitation must be indicated together with a reference to the
section of the plan that fully explains the method of allocation and credit
standards and other criteria for eligibility.
(h)
Budget for first year of
condominium operation (schedule B).
The plan must describe all projected income and expenses
for the first year of condominium operation in schedule B.
(1) The budget shall be based upon a
specified 12-month period to commence on the date when it can reasonably be
projected that condominium operations will begin and no sooner than six months
after the submission of the offering plan for filing. When calculating the
projection, include sufficient time to arrange for the closings. If the actual
or anticipated date of commencement of condominium operation is to be delayed
more than six months from the budget year projected in the offering plan, the
plan must be amended to include a revised budget disclosing current
projections. If such amended projections exceed the original projections by 25
percent or more, the sponsor must offer all purchasers the right to rescind and
a reasonable period of time that is not less than 15 days after the date of
presentation to exercise the right, whether or not sponsor offers to guarantee
the previous budget projection. Sponsor must return any deposit or downpayment
to purchasers who rescind within a reasonable period of time. Sponsor may not
declare a plan effective where there are any material changes to the budget if
these changes have not been disclosed by a duly filed amendment to the offering
plan.
(2) If the sponsor is
reserving developmental rights and intends to add additional units which will
be part of the condominium, the budget must reflect expenses associated with
the operation of the space to be newly constructed, including footnotes and
supporting documentation required by this subdivision.
(3) The budget for the condominium must be in
the following format. Headings marked with an asterisk may be omitted if not
applicable to the offering. Additional income, expenses or cost items unique to
a building or unit should be added whenever appropriate to reflect additional
sources of income, expenses, costs or unique circumstances.
Schedule B
Budget For First Year of Condominium Operation
Beginning ____1, 20_
Projected Income
Common Charges_ $__
____________________________________________
* Commercial_ $__
____________________________________________
* Laundry_ $__
____________________________________________
* Other (Explain)_ $__
____________________________________________
TOTAL_ $__
____________________________________________
Projected Expenses
Labor_ $__
____________________________________________
Heating_ $__
____________________________________________
Utilities (electricity and gas)_ $__
____________________________________________
Water charges and sewer rents_ $__
____________________________________________
Repairs, maintenance and supplies_ $__
____________________________________________
* Service contracts_ $__
____________________________________________
Insurance_ $__
____________________________________________
Management fees_ $__
____________________________________________
Legal fees and audit fees_ $__
____________________________________________
* Other_ $__
____________________________________________
* Interest on promissory notes payable to sponsor_ $__
____________________________________________
* Contingency_ $__
____________________________________________
* Homeowners association dues_ $__
____________________________________________
* Yearly reserve fund_ $__
____________________________________________
TOTAL
$__
(4)
Detailed footnotes must support and explain the projected amounts in schedule
B. The footnotes must set forth the basis or assumptions for each projection.
(i) Commercial income. Briefly describe any
contracts or leases that will provide income to the condominium. State whether
the condominium is required to provide heat, water, electricity, gas or
insurance and describe any other specific additional costs under the contract
or lease. State the name and business address of each contractor or lessee, the
annual income, and the expiration date of the contract or lease. If applicable,
state whether the sponsor may rent vacant non-residential space. State whether
the rent to be collected could be less than the rent set forth in schedule B
for the space. Sponsor must amend the plan if any new lease or extension of any
existing lease is for a term in excess of two years.
(ii) Labor costs. State the number of full
and part time staff projected for the condominium in schedule B and whether the
staff will be union members. State whether such level of staffing complies with
all applicable housing and labor laws. The labor budget must include benefits
required by local, state or Federal law or required by contract such as
worker's compensation, disability insurance, welfare and pension contributions
by employers, unemployment insurance and payroll taxes. Specify the wages and
the cost of each applicable benefit. The budget must reflect current wage rates
and payroll tax rates applicable for the budgeted year, and reasonably
anticipated increases or increases now mandated by contract. If applicable,
state the expiration dates of all union contracts. If there is non-union labor
in the building, discuss whether their wages meet state minimum wage laws. In
the case of an occupied non-residential building, if the budget reflects a
reduction in the existing staff, disclose what effect this will have on the
existing level of services and whether such reduction is lawful.
(iii) Heating, cooling and hot water costs.
State the type and quantity of energy projected to be used during the year and
the projected cost per gallon or other pricing unit inclusive of sales tax for
all energy costs for providing heat, air conditioning and hot water for the
building. State the basis for projecting the quantity of energy to be used. In
the case of an occupied non-residential building, unless it would be misleading
for a particular building, base the projected quantity of energy on the average
quantity of energy purchased for the prior three years. State the quantity of
energy purchased in each of the three prior years, the average cost per gallon
or other pricing unit and the total cost per year. The Department of Law may,
from time to time, issue pricing guidelines to reflect minimum fuel
costs.
(iv) Utilities (electricity
and gas). State the basis for the projected consumption and projected unit cost
for utilities. Unit cost should be based on the current tariff plus a
reasonably anticipated increase which should be set forth,
e.g., estimate based on current tariffs plus 10 percent
increase. State which services will be provided by or through the board of
managers and which must be obtained directly by unit owners. In the case of an
occupied non-residential building, unless it would be misleading for a
particular building, base the projected quantity of the utilities on the
average quantity of the utilities purchased for the prior three
years.
(v) Water charges and sewer
rents. State the basis for the projection. If water and/or sewer charges will
be separately billed by local authorities or utility companies to individual
unit owners, the estimated individual annual charges should be stated in a
separate column in schedule A or (if appropriate) in schedule B-1. In the case
of an occupied non-residential building, if the water charges or sewer rents
are metered charges, state the consumption for the prior three years.
(vi) Repairs, maintenance and supplies.
Itemize the material components of the expense for repairs and maintenance,
such as interior repairs, roofing, exterior repairs (including walls,
foundations, windows, doors and locks), heating system (fuel burner, boiler,
pipes, radiators), plumbing, electrical work, exterminating, grounds
maintenance (snow removal, gardening and land scaping, where applicable),
janitor supplies, painting of common areas, and such building services and
maintenance items not included under "service contracts" or "other expenses".
In the case of an occupied non-residential building, if the total budgeted
amount is less than 80 percent of the maintenance expense indicated in the
prior two years of certified financial statements, disclose and explain the
reason for the projected decrease in expenses.
(vii) Service contracts. State the name of
the contractor, the service, the annual cost and the expiration date of the
contract. Highlight as a special risk any contract with an expiration date more
than five years after the anticipated closing date unless it is customary in
the area to enter into a long-term contract for the service rendered
(e.g., cable television contract).
(viii) Insurance. The budget for insurance
must provide, and the condominium must have at closing, fire and casualty
insurance under an agreed amount replacement cost policy or under a policy
including at least an 80 percent co-insurance provision so that the insured
shall not be a co-insurer. Discuss the adequacy of the insurance to replace the
building in the event of total loss and to avoid being a co-insurer in the
event of partial loss. Disclose the items covered, the coverage amount limits,
the deductibles and the exposures insured against.
(a) The budget for insurance must provide and
the condominium must have public liability insurance at closing.
(b) State that insurance coverage meets the
requirements of any mortgage lender procured by the sponsor.
(c) State that the fire, casualty and general
liability insurance must be on terms that provide:
(1) that each unit owner is an additional
insured party;
(2) that there will
be no cancellation without notice to the board of managers;
(3) a waiver of subrogation;
(4) a waiver of invalidity because of the
acts of the insured and unit owners; and
(5) a waiver of pro-rata reduction if unit
owners obtain additional coverage.
(d) If the following items are not included
in the budget and are applicable to the offering, state that coverage for them
is not included and may be available at extra cost: officers' and directors'
liability; rent insurance; water damage; elevator collision; boiler and
machinery; excess liability; auto liability; fidelity bond; and garage keeper's
liability.
(e) The plan must alert
unit owners to the desirability of obtaining additional insurance at their own
cost to cover such risks as fire and casualty losses to unit contents,
replacements, additions, fixtures and improvements, and liability coverage for
occurrences within the unit or, where applicable, on limited common
elements.
(ix)
Management contract. State the basis for the projected management fee. The
projected cost must include any costs required by the terms of the management
agreement, such as bonding. If the cost of a manager or the management contract
is greater or substantially less than the prevailing cost for similar services,
state the prevailing cost which would be charged for these services. If no
manager or management contract is provided for in the budget, highlight as a
special risk, state the services that unit owners will have to provide and
disclose that common charges will increase if the condominium retains a
managing agent in the future.
(x)
Legal fees and audit fees. If the budgeted amount for legal fees is less than
$5000, the footnote must indicate the extent to which legal services are
budgeted. Audit fees must be based on and refer to a fee quotation from a
certified public accountant for preparing the yearly certified financial
statement for the condominium.
(xi)
Other expenses. Include expenses such as employer association dues (if
applicable), building telephone or switchboard expenses, applicable license
fees, registration and municipal permits, provision for income taxes and any
other taxes payable by the condominium (if so indicated in the tax opinion),
and miscellaneous expenses, including interest, not provided for in other
lines.
(xii) Contingency fund.
State that the contingency fund (if any) is intended to provide for any
unanticipated expenses or unanticipated increases in the projected expenses.
Distinguish between the contingency fund and a reserve for capital
expenditures.
(xiii) Yearly reserve
fund. Disclose whether the yearly reserve fund will be sufficient to pay for
major capital repairs or replacement items likely to be needed within the first
five years of condominium operation.
(5) If unit owners must pay separately for
heating and hot water costs directly to the utility, such as energy for heat
pumps, baseboard, radiant or space heaters, individually fired boilers, or for
integrated cooling, projections for these individual costs shall be set forth
and explained in schedule B-1 (next following). This schedule shall present in
chart format applicable individual expense categories for typical units of
various size and layouts, supported by detailed footnotes containing
information similar to the corresponding footnotes described in this section
for schedule B.
(6) If membership
in a homeowners association or similar entity is included or is to be sold in
conjunction with the offering of condominium units, a projected schedule of
income and expenses shall be set forth and explained in schedule C in
compliance with section
22.3(e) of this
Title.
(i)
Compliance with Real Property Law section 339(i).
Include an opinion from a licensed real estate broker,
appraiser or other expert who does not have any beneficial interest in the
sponsor or in the profitability of the project. The opinion must be signed by a
duly authorized signatory or by the firm and must state:
(1) What experience the broker, appraiser or
other expert has had with offering plans and with selling cooperative or
condominium units and other relevant expertise.
(2) The method selected pursuant to Real
Property Law section 339(i) or applicable state law and the factual basis for
calculating the percentage of common interest in the condominium under that
method.
(j)
Commercial units.
If one or more of the condominium units in a mixed-use
building is to be used for commercial, professional, retail or other than
residential or combined residential/home occupation purposes:
(1) Describe the use or proposed use of the
commercial unit(s) and disclose the basis for projecting the share of expenses
attributable to the commercial unit(s).
(2) State that the common charges payable by
each commercial unit owner are sufficient to cover the expenses fairly
attributable to such unit.
(3)
Highlight as a special risk if the commercial unit(s) is not restricted to its
current use or if the commercial unit owner(s) has the right to subdivide the
unit.
(4) If applicable, state that
the allocation of common charges attributable to the commercial unit(s) shall
also reflect special or exclusive use or availability or exclusive control of
particular common areas.
(5) If
applicable, state that the declaration and by-laws authorize the board of
managers to specially allocate or apportion profits and expenses or specific
expense items based on special or exclusive use or availability or exclusive
control of particular units or common areas. State the method of resolving
disputes between the commercial unit owner(s) and the board of managers
concerning any special allocations.
(6) State whether the commercial unit
owner(s) has rights or obligations which differ from those of the residential
unit owners. Describe any such differences and state that such rights and
obligations will not have a material adverse impact upon the
condominium.
(7) The attorney who
prepared the plan must note any commercial unit(s) in the transmittal letter to
the Department of Law as required by section
20.2(c)(1) of
this Part.
(k)
Changes in prices and units.
(1)
State that the offering prices set forth in schedule A must be changed by a
duly filed amendment to the plan when the change in price is an across the
board increase or decrease affecting one or more lines of units or unit models,
or is to be advertised, or is a price increase for an individual purchaser. If
applicable, state that prices and specified terms of sale are negotiable and
the sponsor may enter into an agreement with an individual purchaser to sell
one or more units at prices lower than those set forth in schedule A without
filing an amendment.
(2) State that
no change will be made in the size or number of units and/or their respective
percentages of common interest, and that no material change will be made in the
size or quality of common elements, except by amendment to the plan and, when
applicable, to the declaration.
(3)
State that unless an affected purchaser consents, no material change will be
made in unit size, layout, or percentage of common interest if a purchase
agreement has been executed and delivered to the sponsor for that unit and the
purchaser is not in default.
(4)
State that unless all purchasers consent, no material change will be made in
the size and no material adverse change will be made in the quality of common
elements.
(l)
Accountant's certified statements of operation.
In the case of an occupied building include certified
statements of income and expense, prepared on an annual basis, for the two most
recent fiscal years of operation prepared by an independent certified public
accountant. No report need be filed for a fiscal year which ends less than
three months prior to the date the proposed offering plan is submitted to the
Department of Law. If the building has been in operation for less than two
years, include a statement for the period since the building began operations.
If, after the plan is filed but before it is declared effective, a more recent
fiscal year has ended and the sponsor has had three additional months after the
end of the more recent fiscal year to prepare a certified statement, sponsor
must amend the plan to include the certified statement for the more recent
fiscal year.
(1) The accountant's
certification must:
(i) State that the
examination was made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
and included such tests of the accounting-records and other auditing procedures
as the accountant considered necessary in the circumstances.
(ii) State that, in the accountant's opinion,
the statement of income and expenses presents fairly the income and expenses of
the building for the periods specified in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
(iii) Be
signed by a duly authorized signatory or by the firm.
(2) The statement of income and expenses
should conform as nearly as possible to the order of presentation and
categories presented in schedule B.
(3) The following income or expense items and
other such items that are not applicable to the operation of the building as a
condominium may be excluded: depreciation; vacancy advertising; credit
checking; interest income; rental commissions; and painting of and repairs to
individual units.
(m)
Existing tenants.
In the case of an occupied non-residential building, state
that outside purchasers of occupied units buy subject to the existing leases.
All leases may be inspected by potential purchasers at the office of the
selling agent to ascertain the purchaser's obligations under the lease.
(n)
Interim leases.
(1) State whether the owner of the building
may rent any unit to a purchaser under the plan as an interim lessee, including
prior to consummation of the plan.
(2) State what, if any, rental protection
laws are applicable to interim lessees. If any are applicable, state that the
interim lessee will continue to be subject to such applicable rent regulatory
laws in the event that the plan is abandoned.
(3) State whether an uncured default under
the purchase agreement is a default under the lease and whether an uncured
default under the lease is a default under the purchase agreement. If an
uncured default under the lease can result in a default under the purchase
agreement, state that before the sponsor may utilize the default under the
lease to declare a default under the purchase agreement, the sponsor must
either obtain an order of eviction or other judgment or order from a court or
agency of competent jurisdiction against the lessee unless the lessee has
vacated the unit.
(4) State the
length of time the interim lessee has to vacate the unit after a default under
the purchase agreement or rescission of the purchase agreement by the
lessee.
(o)
Procedure to purchase.
Describe the essential terms of the purchase agreement
which must comply with this Part. State the purchase procedure, including to
whom and when the purchase agreement must be returned and the deposit payment
made.
(1) State the amount or the
percentage of the deposit, which may not be less than the lower of:
(i) $1,000 per unit; or
(ii) 10 percent of the offering price.
Highlight as a special risk if the deposit is more than 10 percent of the
offering price, excluding increases in the deposit for special work ordered by
the purchaser and itemized in the purchase agreement.
(2) Statutory requirement.
The sponsor shall comply with the escrow and trust fund
requirements of GBL sections 352-e(2-b) and 352-h and these regulations, and
all funds paid by purchasers shall be handled in accordance with these statutes
and regulations.
(3)
Escrow, trust fund.
The following requirements shall apply to all offerings and
shall be fully disclosed in all offering plans subject to this Part:
(i) Mandatory escrow agreement. All deposits,
down payments, or advances made by purchasers prior to closing of each
individual transaction plan shall be held pursuant to a written agreement
entered into between the sponsor, the purchaser, and the escrow agent. Said
provisions may be included in a separate escrow agreement or in the purchase
agreement, and are referred to in this paragraph as the "escrow agreement." The
plan must set forth the material terms of the escrow agreement. The sponsor
shall specify the exhibit in Part II of the plan that contains the escrow
agreement. If a separate escrow agreement is used, a copy of the full agreement
must be contained as a separate exhibit to the plan in Part II. Disclose,
without limitation, any indemnity by the sponsor in favor of the escrow agent,
provision for discharge of the escrow agent's obligations by the sponsor upon
payment of the deposit and interest in accordance with these regulations, any
right of the escrow agent to represent the sponsor in any lawsuit, any
compensation by the sponsor to the depository bank, any provision for payments
by the sponsor under an indemnity in favor of the escrow agent and whether the
sponsor will compensate the escrow agent for acting as such. The plan and
escrow agreement must include language conforming to subparagraphs (v)-(vii) of
this paragraph. However, the failure to include such language in the plan or
escrow agreement shall not excuse the sponsor and the escrow agent from
compliance with said subparagraphs.
(ii) Payments. All funds received from
purchasers whether in the form of checks, drafts, money orders, wire transfers,
or other instruments which identify the payor, shall be made payable to or
endorsed by the purchaser to the order of the attorney or law firm as escrow
agent.
(iii) The escrow agent. The
escrow agent must be an attorney or a firm of attorneys admitted to practice in
the State of New York or an attorney admitted in a foreign jurisdiction who
submits to the jurisdiction of the State of New York for any cause of action
arising out of the escrow provisions set forth in this escrow agreement. The
authorized signatories on the escrow account must be attorneys admitted to
practice in the State of New York or admitted in a foreign jurisdiction who
submit to the jurisdiction of the State of New York for any cause of action
arising out of the escrow provisions set forth in the escrow agreement. Neither
the escrow agent nor any authorized signatory on any account may be the
sponsor, the selling agent, the managing agent, or a principal thereof.
However, a law firm that has a member who is a principal may be the escrow
agent provided that members of the firm who are signatories on any account are
not themselves principals. Only an attorney or a member of a firm acting as
escrow agent shall be a signatory on any account and only such attorney shall
be authorized to release funds. The name, address and telephone number of the
escrow agent and of each attorney who is a signatory must be stated in the
plan.
(iv) The account(s). All
deposits, down payments, or advances made by purchasers prior to closing of
each individual transaction, whether received before or after the date of
consummation of the plan, must be placed within five business days after the
escrow agreement is signed by all necessary parties in an attorney's segregated
special escrow account or accounts in a bank or banks doing business in the
State of New York which account(s) is/are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). Sponsor shall state the applicable FDIC
insurance limits, whether and to what extent the deposits, down payments, or
advances are insured, and whether sponsor may utilize more than one segregated
special escrow account for each deposit, down payment, or advance. Include as a
special risk that deposits in excess of said limits will not be federally
insured. An attorney shall open and maintain any such account in his or her own
name, or in the name of a firm of attorneys of which he or she is a member, or
in the name of the attorney or firm of attorneys by whom he or she is employed,
separate from such attorney's personal accounts or from any accounts in which
assets belonging to the firm are deposited, and separate from any accounts
maintained in the capacity of executor, guardian, trustee or receiver. A master
escrow account with a sub- account for each purchaser is acceptable. The name
of any account, the bank, and the bank address must be stated in the plan. The
word "escrow" must be included as part of the name of any account. Funds from
any account may be released only by signature of the attorney(s) who is/are
named as an authorized signatory or signatories. Neither the sponsor nor any
principal of the sponsor may be an authorized signatory on any account. Funds
must be placed in an interest-bearing account or accounts, with all interest
credited to the purchaser, unless the sponsor elects to place the funds in a
separate Interest-On-Lawyer's- Account ("IOLA") for each offering plan pursuant
to Judiciary Law section 497. T he plan shall indicate whether the interest
rate to be earned will be the prevailing rate for such accounts. State the
current prevailing rate and when interest will begin to accrue. No fees of any
kind may be deducted from any account principal or any interest earned thereon.
Sponsor shall bear any administrative cost for maintenance of any
account.
(v) Notification to
purchaser. Within 10 business days after the escrow agreement is signed by all
necessary parties, the escrow agent shall notify the purchaser that such funds
have been deposited in the bank(s) indicated in the plan, and shall provide any
account number and the initial interest rate. If the purchaser does not receive
notice of such deposit within 15 business days after tender of the deposit, he
or she may cancel the purchase and rescind within 90 days after tender of the
deposit. Complaints concerning the failure to honor such cancellation requests
may be referred to the New York State Department of Law, Real Estate Finance
Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005. Rescission may not be afforded
where proof satisfactory to the Attorney General is submitted establishing that
the escrowed funds were timely deposited in accordance with these regulations
and requisite notice was timely mailed to the purchaser.
(vi) Escrow revisions. Before funds are
transferred to any new escrow account, or if the escrow agent is replaced, the
plan must be amended to provide the same full disclosure with respect to any
new account, the escrow agent and the escrow agreement as was originally
provided. A bond, letter of credit or other security may be substituted for any
escrow account only after the Department of Law approves in writing the use of
such alternate form of security, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (4) of
this subdivision.
(vii) Release of
funds. The escrow agreement and the plan must set forth the requirements and
procedures for the release of the escrowed funds. These shall include:
(a) Under no circumstances shall sponsor seek
release of the escrowed funds of a defaulting purchaser until after
consummation of the plan. Consummation of the plan does not relieve the sponsor
of its obligations pursuant to GBL section 352-h.
(b) The escrow agent shall release the funds
in escrow if so directed:
(1) Pursuant to
terms and conditions set forth in the escrow agreement upon closing of title to
the unit; or
(2) in a subsequent
writing signed by both sponsor and purchaser; or
(3) by a final, non-appealable order or
judgment of a court; or
(4) by a
final, non-reviewable determination of the Attorney General pursuant to
subparagraph (viii) of this paragraph so long as the purchase agreement
provides for dispute resolution by the Attorney General and was signed on or
before March 1, 2013.
(c) If the escrowed funds are not released
pursuant to subparagraph (b) of this paragraph, and the escrow agent receives a
request by either party to release the funds, the escrow agent must give both
parties prior written notice of not fewer than 30 days before releasing said
funds. If the escrow agent has not received notice of objection to the release
of the funds at the expiration of the 30 day period, the funds shall be
released and the escrow agent shall provide further written notice to both
parties informing them of said release. If the escrow agent receives a written
notice from either party objecting to the release of the escrowed funds within
said 30-day period, the escrow agent shall continue to hold said funds until
otherwise directed pursuant to subparagraph (b) of this paragraph. However, the
escrow agent shall also have the right at any time to deposit the funds
contained in the escrow account with the clerk of a court in the county in
which the unit is located and shall give written notice to both parties of such
deposit.
(d) The sponsor shall not
object to the release of the escrowed funds to:
(1) a purchaser who timely rescinds in
accordance with an offer of rescission contained in the plan or an amendment to
the plan; or
(2) all purchasers
after an amendment abandoning the plan is accepted for filing by the Department
of Law.
(viii) Disputes.
(a) In the event of a dispute arising in
connection with a purchase agreement providing for dispute resolution by the
Attorney General that was signed on or before March 1, 2013, the sponsor shall
apply and the purchaser or the escrow agent holding the down payments in escrow
may apply to the Attorney General for a determination on the disposition of the
down payment and any interest earned thereon. Forms for this purpose will be
available from the Department of Law. The party applying shall
contemporaneously send to all other parties a copy of such
application.
(b) Pending the
determination of the Attorney General to grant or deny the application, the
sponsor, the purchaser and the escrow agent shall abide by any interim
directive issued by the Attorney General.
(c) If the application permitting release of
funds is granted, the deposit and any interest earned thereon shall be disposed
of in accordance with a final, non-reviewable determination of the Attorney
General.
(d) The Attorney General
shall act upon the application within 30 days after its submission to the
Department of Law, by either making a determination or notifying the parties
that an extension of time in which to do so is necessary for stated
reasons.
(e) If the application
seeking release of funds is denied, the escrow agent shall continue to hold the
deposit and any interest earned thereon until:
(1) both the sponsor and purchaser direct
payment to a specified party in accordance with a written direction signed by
both the sponsor and purchaser; or
(2) a final, non-appealable order or judgment
of a court is served on the escrow agent; or
(3) the escrow agent deposits the disputed
amount into court.
(ix) Exhibits to plan. Copies of the forms
provided by the bank for opening any escrow account and the form of escrow
agreement, if separate from the purchase agreement, must be included as Exhibit
B-25 of the submission, if separate from the purchase agreement.
(x) Records on file. The escrow agent shall
maintain all records concerning any escrow account for seven years after
release of the funds. Upon the dissolution of any law firm which was the escrow
agent, the former partners or members of the firm shall make appropriate
arrangements for the maintenance of these records by one of them or by the
successor firm and shall notify the Department of Law of such
transfer.
(xi) Review and audit.
The Department of Law may perform random reviews and audits of any records
involving escrow accounts to determine compliance with statute and
regulation.
(xii) Waiver void. Any
provision of any contract or agreement, whether oral or in writing, by which a
purchaser purports to waive or indemnify any obligation of the escrow agent
holding trust funds is absolutely void. The provisions of this section of the
regulations shall prevail over any conflicting or inconsistent provision in the
plan or in the escrow or purchase agreement.
(xiii) Trust obligation of sponsor. Nothing
contained herein shall diminish or impair the sponsor's statutory obligation to
each purchaser pursuant to GBL section 352-h to hold in trust all deposits,
advances or payments made in connection with the offer until consummation of
the transaction with such purchaser. Consummation of the plan does not relieve
sponsor of its obligations pursuant to GBL section 352-h. Funds from any escrow
account remain the property of the purchaser until employed in connection with
the consummation of the transaction. Such funds shall not be a part of the
estate of the sponsor or the escrow agent upon any bankruptcy, incapacity or
death.
(xiv) Transition. All funds
required to be held pursuant to GBL sections 352-e(2-b) and 352-h on the
effective date of this section shall be transferred into escrow accounts in
compliance with this regulation within 60 days thereafter.
(4) Alternatives to escrow account.
A sponsor may apply to the Attorney General to use security
in the form of surety bonds or a letter of credit in lieu of escrow of such
funds for use in newly constructed or gut rehabilitated developments upon
showing of adequate insurance of such funds to the satisfaction of the Attorney
General.
(i) Application for alternate
security. Sponsor must submit an affidavit which contains full information as
to the proposed usage of such funds, the sponsor's financing of construction or
rehabilitation work, expected completion date, the terms and conditions of the
proposed surety bonds or letter of credit, and required undertakings and
covenants.
(ii) Documentation. The
proposed form of surety bond or letter of credit, any underlying agreement or
related agreement, and any undertaking or covenant required hereunder, shall be
appended to the application and also filed as Exhibits to the plan in Exhibits
Part B subdivision
20.2(c)(5)(ii)
(b)(B-26) or as exhibits to an amendment to the
plan.
(iii) Change from escrow
account. Where surety bonds are or a letter of credit is to be provided under
an amendment to the plan calling for release of funds already deposited in
escrow, the amendment shall provide for, and annex a form for, the written
consent of each affected purchaser and shall provide for continuation of escrow
of funds of any purchaser who does not execute and deliver such written consent
to the sponsor.
(iv) Disclosure. If
an application for alternate security is approved, the terms of such alternate
security shall be disclosed in the plan or in an amendment to the plan promptly
submitted.
(5) Surety
bonds.
A sponsor whose application to use alternate security is
approved by the Attorney General, may meet its obligation to insure the
availability of such funds to purchasers by effectuating the issuance of surety
bonds to such purchasers by a licensed insurance company which agrees to act as
surety for the amount of such down payments or deposits.
(i) Deposits into escrow account. All down
payments and deposits, received after the Attorney General's approval of the
use of surety bonds as alternate security, shall be placed within five business
days after the escrow agreement is signed by all necessary parties, in an
attorney's segregated special escrow account, established pursuant to and in
compliance with paragraph (3) of this subdivision. Such funds shall be released
by the escrow agent to the sponsor upon receipt by the escrow agent of a copy
of the surety bond issued to the purchaser whose funds are being
released.
(ii) Payments. All funds
received from purchasers whether in the form of checks, drafts, money orders,
wire transfers, or other instruments which identify the payor, shall be made
payable to or endorsed by the purchaser to the order of the attorney or law
firm as escrow agent.
(iii)
Requirements to act as surety. The surety company must be licensed to write
insurance in the State of New York by the New York State Department of
Financial Services, whether or not the property which is the subject of the
plan is located in the State of New York unless the law of the State where the
property is located requires otherwise. If the property is located outside New
York State and the sponsor claims that the law of such state conflicts and is
controlling, the sponsor's application must specify the conflicting law. In
order for the application for alternate security to be approved by the Attorney
General, the applicant must show that the surety company with which the sponsor
proposes to contract has a current rating for debt securities no lower than the
third highest grade conferred by at least two of the national reporting
services regularly evaluating insurance companies.
(iv) Agreement between sponsor and surety.
The plan must fully disclose the material terms of the agreement between the
insurance company as surety and the sponsor, including the premium to be paid
by the sponsor, any agreement by which sponsor provides collateral to secure
its obligations to the surety and any agreement by the sponsor indemnifying the
surety. The agreement must provide that the surety will abide by directives in
conformity with these regulations.
(v) Provisions of the bond. The surety bond
must specify the name and address of the sponsor as principal; the name and
address of the surety company to which claims for payment may be made;
provision for the name and address of the purchaser as obligee on the bond;
provision for the amount of the down payment or deposit secured and the rate of
interest, if any, to accrue on such funds; the term of the bond, and, if the
bond is for a finite period, a guarantee by the surety that it will pay the
amount secured to the purchaser-obligee prior to expiration of the bond or a
guarantee by the sponsor that the bond will be renewed before
expiration.
(vi) Term and
continuation. Each surety bond and any accompanying agreement shall provide
that it will continue in effect or that it will be renewed periodically until
consummation and closing of the sale of the respective unit the down payment
for which is secured by such surety bond or until the secured funds of a
purchaser have been returned in full, or until the funds secured by the surety
bond have been placed in any escrow account pursuant to paragraph (7) of this
subdivision or until there is an undisputed purchaser default or a final,
non-reviewable determination by the Attorney General or a final, non-appealable
order or judgment of a court that the purchaser has defaulted and that the
sponsor is entitled to the secured funds.
(vii) Delivery of the surety bond. The
sponsor shall cause the surety to mail or personally deliver the surety bond to
the purchaser-obligee before the funds are released to the sponsor from any
escrow account. The sponsor, the escrow agent and the surety company shall each
retain a copy of the surety bond.
(viii) Invoking the bond. The
purchaser-obligee shall have the right to demand payment of the amount secured
by the surety bond directly from the surety, without first requesting payment
from the sponsor. The surety shall be obligated to pay the amount secured by
the bond to the purchaser-obligee without the consent or despite the objection
of the sponsor, upon the following events or circumstances:
(a) timely rescission of a purchase agreement
by a purchaser pursuant to an offer of rescission contained in the plan or an
amendment to the plan;
(b)
acceptance for filing by the Department of Law of an amendment abandoning the
plan;
(c) pursuant to terms and
conditions set forth in the escrow agreement upon closing of title to the
unit;
(d) in a subsequent writing
signed by both sponsor and purchaser;
(e) by a final, non-appealable order or
judgment of a court;
(f) for
purchase agreements providing for dispute resolution by the Attorney General
that were signed on or before March 1, 2013, by final, non-reviewable
determinations by the Attorney General pursuant to subparagraph (x) of this
paragraph that rescission or the return of funds is required;
(g) failure by the sponsor to obtain a
commitment by the surety company to renew the surety bond 60 days prior to its
expiration; or
(h) direction by the
sponsor upon request of the purchaser.
(ix) Failure by purchaser-obligee to produce
a copy of the bond. A purchaser's inability to produce a copy of the surety
bond shall not be a basis for the surety to reject the purchaser's claim. The
surety shall retain a copy of the bond and shall pay the secured funds to the
purchaser-obligee without a copy of the bond as long as the purchaser is able
to provide proof of identity as the obligee on the bond.
(x) Disputes.
(a) In the event of a dispute arising in
connection with a purchase agreement providing for dispute resolution by the
Attorney General that was signed on or before March 1, 2013, the sponsor shall
apply and the purchaser or the surety issuing the bond may apply to the
Attorney General for a determination on the disposition of the down payment
secured by the bond and any interest earned thereon. Forms for this purpose
will be available from the Department of Law. The party applying shall
contemporaneously send to all other parties a copy of such
application.
(b) Pending the
determination of the Attorney General to grant or deny the application, the
sponsor, the purchaser and the surety shall abide by any interim directive
issued by the Attorney General.
(c)
If the Attorney General determines:
(1) that
the purchaser is entitled to the disputed funds secured by the surety bond, the
Attorney General shall direct that the surety pay the funds to the
purchaser;
(2) that the purchaser
is not entitled to the disputed funds secured by the surety bond, the Attorney
General shall direct either that the surety bond shall be continued in effect
or that the surety bond shall be cancelled.
(d) The Attorney General shall act upon the
application within 30 days after its submission to the Department of Law, by
either making a determination or notifying the parties that an extension of
time in which to do so is necessary for stated reasons.
(e) In no event shall the funds secured by
the bond be paid to the purchaser nor shall the surety bond be discharged until
any dispute is finally resolved either by written agreement of the parties
directing payment of the funds or discharge of the surety bond, or, for
purchase agreements providing for dispute resolution by the Attorney General
that were signed on or before March 1, 2013, by a final, non-reviewable
determination of the Attorney General or by a final, non-appealable order or
judgment of a court.
(6) Letters of credit.
A sponsor whose application to use alternate security is
approved by the Attorney General, may meet its obligation to insure the
availability of such funds to purchasers by effectuating the issuance of a
letter of credit for the benefit of the purchasers by an issuer qualifying
hereunder.
(i) Amount. The amount of
the letter of credit shall be at least 125 percent of the aggregate of all down
payments or payments expected to be received from purchasers, and not retained
in escrow, during such period of time as the letter of credit will be needed,
as estimated by the sponsor in the application to the Department of Law. The
amount of the letter of credit may be reduced or increased as warranted by
circumstances and pursuant to a filed amendment to the plan.
(ii) Irrevocability. The letter of credit
must be irrevocable during the stated term and any renewal term.
(iii) Beneficiary. The beneficiary must be an
attorney, or firm of attorneys, acting as or qualified under paragraph (3)(iii)
of this subdivision to act as escrow agent under the plan, who shall act as a
fiduciary for the benefit of purchasers under the plan.
(iv) Authority to draw. The letter of credit
must provide that the beneficiary shall have sole power to draw upon the letter
of credit without the consent or despite the objection of the sponsor or of any
provider of underlying credit, at such times or upon such events as are set
forth in subparagraph (ix) of this paragraph.
(v) Issuer. The issuer must be a bank
authorized to act as a commercial bank or savings institution under supervision
of the New York State Department of Financial Services or a federally
supervised banking institution located in the State of New York, unless the
property is located in another state and the letter of credit is issued by a
bank located within such state. In order for the application for alternate
security to be approved by the Attorney General the applicant must show that
the issuer bank has surplus funds and net worth of at least 10 times the amount
of the letter of credit, and must have a current rating with respect to its
debt securities that is within "investment grade" by one of the generally
accepted national reporting services regularly rating the debt securities of
banking institutions and that the provisions of the letter of credit include
the right of the beneficiary to draw down the letter of credit in conformity
with these regulations.
(vi) Term
and continuation. The letter of credit and related agreement and any
accompanying undertaking shall provide that it will continue in effect or that
it shall be periodically renewed until consummation and closings of sales of
all units referred to in the application for alternate security pursuant to
subparagraph (4)(i) of this subdivision or until the covered funds of
purchasers have been returned to them in full.
(vii) Undertaking. If the letter of credit
will expire prior to the latest date of closings of sales of all such units,
provision for renewal of the letter of credit without loss of irrevocability
and without any change of terms shall be afforded by:
(a) an "evergreen" or automatic renewal
clause, if obtainable; and
(b) the
irrevocable undertaking and covenant of the sponsor and by any other provider
of underlying credit to provide successive renewals thereof until consummation
and closings of sales of all units or until the covered funds of purchasers
have been returned in full.
(viii) Operative provisions. Upon approval of
a sponsor's application for use of a letter of credit as alternate security:
(a) Deposits into escrow account(s). All down
payments and deposits received shall be placed, within five business days after
the escrow agreement is signed by all necessary parties, in an attorney's
segregated special escrow account established pursuant to and in compliance
with paragraph (3) of this subdivision. The escrow agent shall release such
funds to the sponsor provided that the escrow agent has documentation showing
that the letter of credit or a renewal or replacement letter of credit has been
issued and is in effect. Such escrow agent shall no longer release funds from
escrow if the escrow agent receives notice or information warranting draw down
of the letter of credit under subparagraph (ix) of this paragraph.
(b) Payments. All funds received from
purchasers whether in the form of checks, drafts, money orders, wire transfers,
or other instruments which identify the payor, shall be made payable to or
endorsed by the purchaser to the order of the attorney or law firm as escrow
agent.
(ix) Right to
draw upon letter of credit. The escrow agent as the beneficiary of the letter
of credit, acting as a fiduciary for the benefit of purchasers under the plan
whose funds were released from escrow by reason of the grant of sponsor's
application, shall have the duty and the right to draw upon and collect the
proceeds of the letter of credit, 10 business days after notice to the sponsor
and sponsor's failure or refusal to restore such funds to the escrow agent,
without the consent or despite the objection of the sponsor or the provider of
the credit, upon the following events or circumstances:
(a) timely rescission of a purchase agreement
by a purchaser pursuant to an offer of rescission contained in the plan or an
amendment to the plan;
(b)
acceptance for filing by the Department of Law of an amendment abandoning the
plan;
(c) pursuant to terms and
conditions set forth in the escrow agreement upon closing of title to the
unit;
(d) in a subsequent writing
signed by both sponsor and purchaser;
(e) by a final, non-appealable order or
judgment of a court;
(f) for
purchase agreements providing for dispute resolution by the Attorney General
that were signed on or before March 1, 2013, by a final, non-reviewable
determination by the Attorney General pursuant to subparagraph (x) of this
paragraph mandating that rescission or the return of funds is
required;
(g) failure by the
sponsor to obtain a renewal or replacement letter of credit no later than 60
days prior to the expiration of the existing letter of credit;
(h) direction by the sponsor upon request of
the purchaser;
(i) notice of
impending cancellation of the letter of credit has been given or received, or
the issuer has filed a bankruptcy or insolvency petition or has been taken over
by a Federal or state authority, and no proper replacement of the letter of
credit has been furnished although continuation of the same in effect is
required under subparagraph (4)(i) of this subdivision or subparagraph (vi) of
this paragraph.
(x)
Disputes.
(a) In the event of a dispute
arising in connection with a purchase agreement providing for dispute
resolution by the Attorney General that was signed on or before March 1, 2013,
the sponsor shall apply, and the purchaser, the escrow agent or the bank
issuing the letter of credit may apply to the Attorney General for a
determination on the disposition of funds secured by the letter of credit, the
deposit and any interest earned thereon. Forms for this purpose shall be
available from the Department of Law. The party making such application shall
contemporaneously send to the other three parties a copy of such
application.
(b) Pending the
determination of the Attorney General to grant or deny the application, the
sponsor, the purchaser, the escrow agent and the bank shall abide by any
interim directive issued by the Attorney General.
(c) If the Attorney General determines:
(1) that the purchaser is entitled to the
disputed funds secured by the letter of credit, the Attorney General shall
direct that the issuer of the letter of credit pay the funds to the
purchaser;
(2) that the purchaser
is not entitled to the disputed funds secured by the letter of credit, the
Attorney General shall direct either that the letter of credit shall be
continued in effect or that the letter of credit shall be cancelled.
(d) The Attorney General shall act
upon the application within 30 days after its submission to the Department of
Law, by either making a determination or notifying the parties that an
extension of time in which to do is necessary for stated reasons.
(e) In no event shall the disputed funds
secured by the letter of credit be paid to the purchaser nor shall the letter
of credit be terminated until any dispute is finally resolved either by written
agreement of the parties directing payment of the funds, or by a final,
non-appealable order or judgment of a court, or, for purchase agreements
providing for dispute resolution by the Attorney General that were signed on or
before March 1, 2013, a final, non-reviewable determination of the Attorney
General.
(7)
Change to escrow account.
Where alternate security as provided under a filed offering
plan is no longer needed by the sponsor, or new or additional alternate
security cannot be obtained by a sponsor or its successor, sponsor shall submit
an amendment for filing which provides that any future purchase deposits or
down payments shall be held in any escrow account in accordance with paragraph
(3) of this subdivision. Such amendment shall not affect the sponsor's
obligation to account for funds previously released to the sponsor unless the
funds representing all such deposits or down payments are restored to the
escrow account.
(8) If the
plan provides for the construction of residential condominium units, the
purchase agreement and the plan must comply with and explain section
71-a
(3) of the Lien Law and any other applicable
provisions of law.
(9) Highlight as
a special risk any provision allowing sums in excess of 10 percent of the
purchase price to be retained as liquidated damages, other than the actual cost
incurred for any special work ordered by the purchaser. Disclose under what
circumstances sponsor may retain additional moneys paid for special work
ordered by the purchaser. Highlight as a special risk if sponsor may seek
specific performance of the purchase agreement.
(10) Any "time is the essence" provision
concerning purchasers' obligations must be explained in easily understandable
terms and must be highlighted as a special risk.
(11) State that after the plan has been
declared effective the sponsor will fix dates for closing title to all units
for which purchase agreements have been executed by serving notice on each
purchaser stating the date of the first closing and setting such purchaser's
closing date. Such notice will be served in compliance with section
20.1(d)(1) of
this Part no less than 30 days before the date set for the closing of the
units. Sponsor may permit purchasers to waive this 30-day provision by
including such waiver in the plan or in an amendment thereto.
(12) State when sponsor expects the first
closing of a unit to occur which should correspond to the first year of
operation projected in schedule B. State that if such date is delayed 12 months
or more, purchasers will be offered rescission.
(13) Sponsor must make a written demand for
payment after default at least 30 days before forfeiture of the deposit may be
declared.
(14) State whether and
when the purchaser is required to sign a power of attorney to the board of
managers of the condominium, the number of days within which the power of
attorney must be returned to the selling agent or sponsor, and the consequences
of not returning the power of attorney.
(15) The plan shall state that at sponsor's
option purchasers will be afforded:
(i) not
fewer than seven days after delivering an executed purchase agreement together
with the required deposit to rescind the purchase agreement and have the full
deposit refunded promptly. The purchaser must either personally deliver a
written notice of rescission to the sponsor or selling agent within the seven
day period or mail the notice of rescission to the sponsor or selling agent and
have the mailing postmarked within the seven day period; or
(ii) not fewer than three business days to
review the offering plan and all filed amendments prior to execution a purchase
agreement.
(16) Disclose
whether the risk of loss from fire or other casualty remains with the sponsor
unless and until a purchaser takes actual possession of a unit pursuant to an
interim lease (or written agreement with the sponsor) or legal title to the
unit has been conveyed to the purchaser. Highlight as a special risk if the
risk of loss passes to the purchaser before closing, and explain the need for
insurance.
(17) A complete copy of
the purchase agreement must be included in the plan.
(18) Highlight as a special risk if the
purchaser's obligation to purchase is not contingent on obtaining financing. If
purchaser's obligation is contingent upon obtaining a commitment for financing
or actually obtaining financing, explain the terms of the contingency. State
the time within which the purchaser must notify sponsor of any inability to
obtain financing. Include the purchaser's time to obtain financing or a
commitment and the risk, if any, that the commitment may expire or that the
terms of the commitment may change prior to actual closing. If a purchaser's
obligations are contingent on obtaining a financing commitment and the
financing commitment lapses or expires prior to closing, and the purchaser has
made a good faith effort to extend the commitment, sponsor must grant to such
purchaser a right of rescission and a reasonable period of time to exercise the
right.
(19) The plan and purchase
agreement must provide that any conflict between the plan and the purchase
agreement will be resolved according to the terms of the plan.
(20) State that within a specified number of
days after a purchaser delivers an executed purchase agreement together with
the required deposit, the sponsor must either accept the purchase agreement and
return a fully executed counterpart to the purchaser or reject the purchase
agreement and refund the full deposit previously tendered. Discuss the outcome
for the purchaser if the sponsor takes no action within the time period
specified in the plan.
(21) The
purchase agreement and plan may not contain, or be modified to contain, a
provision waiving purchaser's rights or abrogating sponsor's obligations under
article 23-A of the General Business Law.
(22) State whether sponsor will permit the
assignment or transfer of purchase agreements.
(p)
Financing for qualified
purchasers.
Disclose the terms of any commitment by sponsor or a lender
procured by sponsor to finance the purchase of units. The terms shall include
and are not limited to the following:
(1) Name and address of lender.
(2) Amount and term.
State the maximum amount (which may be expressed as a
percentage of the offering price) available for a unit and the minimum term of
the mortgage. If the financing offered is not self liquidating over the term,
state how the amount of the balance or "balloon" due on maturity will be
calculated and explain the risk that refinancing may not be available on the
same or better terms. Highlight as a special risk if the principal balance is
due in less than five years. If the sponsor is providing the financing, state
whether the sponsor will refinance or extend the mortgage at maturity. State
the maximum amount of financing available to purchasers generally through a
bulk commitment.
(3)
Availability.
Sponsor must discuss whether financing is available to all
purchasers. If not, discuss the method of allocation of such. If sponsor
procures financing with an institutional lender, it is sufficient to refer to
the institution's credit standards.
(4) Interest rate.
State the annual interest rate over the term of the
mortgage. If the mortgage has a variable or adjustable rate, indicate the
initial interest rate or (if not a fixed rate) explain how it will be
established, the method of calculating adjustments, any limits on increases or
decreases, when adjustments may be made, and the impact that adjustments will
have on debt service payments and the principal balance. If the sponsor
structures the financial terms of the transaction in such a manner as to result
in possible taxable income to a purchaser, the financial and tax implications
of such structuring must be disclosed. If the sponsor procures financing at an
interest rate that is below the prevailing rate offered by the lender, disclose
the prevailing interest rate and the interest rate offered to
purchasers.
(5) Payments.
State when payments are due, and how payments are applied
to interest and principal. For variable rate mortgages, adjustable rate
mortgages or negative amortization mortgages, disclose how initial payments are
allocated to interest and principal, disclose the impact that interest rate
changes will have on the allocation of payments to interest and principal and
on itemized deductions available to unit owners. If any mortgage is a "negative
amortization" mortgage, highlight as a special risk and explain the meaning of
a "negative amortization" mortgage and the additional risks and costs to the
unit owner.
(6) Prepayment.
State whether and when the unpaid principal balance may be
prepaid in whole or in part, the number of days of prior notice that must be
given, and any charges for prepayment. Disclose any restrictions on the ability
of a purchaser to prepay the entire unpaid principal at any time.
(7) Insurance.
State the amount and type of insurance required to be
carried for the benefit of the sponsor or any mortgage lender procured by the
sponsor.
(8) Escrow and
reserve requirements.
Describe the requirements for escrow and reserve deposits,
including those for taxes, water and sewer charges, capital reserves or
otherwise and whether and how such requirements may be modified.
(9) Term of commitment.
State when the financing commitment expires.
(10) Late charges.
Describe the amount of late charges and how they are
assessed.
(11) Additional
financing costs.
Disclose the amount of additional costs or charges to
purchasers in connection with such financing including, for example, points,
origination fees, lender's or any other legal fees, processing fees,
application fees, insurance and appraisal fees.
(12) Restrictions.
Describe major restrictions on a unit owner's right to
alter, improve, sell, lease, purchase, own, occupy, finance or otherwise
acquire, use or dispose of a unit.
(13) Events of default.
Describe the material events of default entitling the
lender to accelerate the principal indebtedness and describe grace periods
granted to unit owners.
(14) If any proposed financing contains
unusual risks and features which are not prevalent among financing institutions
in the State of New York engaged in providing condominium mortgages to unit
purchasers, highlight as a special risk and explain the risks of such
financing.
The attorney who prepared the plan must note such financing
in the transmittal letter to the Department of Law required by section
20.2(c)(1) of
this Part.
(q)
Effective date.
The plan must explain that the offer to sell is contingent
upon the plan's being declared effective and upon compliance with the relevant
conditions and time periods described in the offering plan. Sponsor must
conform with the following provisions in determining whether, when and how the
plan will be declared effective.
(1)
For offerings of more than five units, the plan may be declared effective by:
(i) an amendment to the plan; or
(ii) by personal service of notice on every
purchaser or by commencement of service by mail in the manner required by
section 20.1(d) of this
Part stating that the plan is declared effective and submitting an amendment to
the Department of Law within five days confirming that the plan was declared
effective on a specified date. The amendment must conform to section
20.5(e) of this
Part. State that the closing of the first unit shall not occur until the plan
is declared effective and the effectiveness amendment is accepted for filing by
the Department of Law.
(2) For offerings of five or fewer units, the
plan shall be declared effective by personal service of a notice on each
purchaser or by commencement of service by mail in the manner required by
section 20.1(d) of this
Part stating that the plan was declared effective on a particular date, the
percentage used to declare the plan effective and a list of the units being
counted to meet the minimum percentage under the terms of the plan to declare
it effective. A closing may occur without the sponsor's submitting an amendment
to the Department of Law to declare the plan effective; however, the sponsor
must comply with the requirements of section
20.5(e) of this
Part when submitting a post-closing amendment pursuant to section
20.5(f) of this
Part.
(3) State that the plan may
not be declared effective unless bona fide purchasers, including investors,
have signed purchase agreements for at least 15 percent of the units offered
under the plan. Units of a primarily ancillary nature such as garage spaces,
boat slips or cabanas, may not be counted toward effectiveness. Such units may
be excluded from the base in calculating the percentage needed to become
effective.
(4) State that the plan
will not be declared effective based on purchase agreements:
(i) signed by purchasers who have been
granted a right of rescission that has not yet expired or been waived;
or
(ii) if the purchaser was not
afforded the protections required by paragraph (o)(10) of this section;
or
(iii) with any purchaser who is
the sponsor, the selling agent, or the managing agent or is a principal of the
sponsor, the selling agent or the managing agent or is related to the sponsor,
the selling agent or the managing agent or to any principal of the sponsor or
the selling agent or the managing agent by blood, marriage or adoption or as a
business associate, an employee, a shareholder or a limited partner; except
that such a purchaser other than the sponsor or a principal of the sponsor may
be included if the sponsor has submitted proof satisfactory to the Department
of Law establishing that the purchaser is bona fide.
(5) The plan must be declared effective when
purchase agreements have been accepted by sponsor for 80 percent or more of the
units offered under the plan.
(6)
If the plan may be abandoned by sponsor, at its option, before it is declared
effective, the plan must state that within a specified number of days after
abandonment, all monies paid by purchasers shall be refunded to them in full,
with interest earned, if any. Sponsor shall promptly file an amendment together
with form RS-3 as required by section
20.1(l)(2) of
this Part.
(7) Sponsor may not
abandon the plan after effectiveness for any reason other than:
(i) a defect in title which cannot be cured
without litigation or cannot be cured for less than a stated amount which shall
not be less than one-half of one percent of the total offering
amount;
(ii) substantial damage or
destruction of the building by fire or other casualty which cannot be cured for
less than a stated amount which shall not be less than one-half of one percent
of the total offering amount; or
(iii) the taking of any material portion of
the property by condemnation or eminent domain. Sponsor must provide that any
stated dollar amount relied upon as basis for abandonment after effectiveness
must exclude any attorneys fees or any such title defects or determinations of
any authority or regulatory association which exist on the date of presentation
of the plan and are either known to the sponsor or are a matter of public
record.
(r)
Terms of sale.
(1) Describe the
type of deed given to unit owners. Highlight as a special risk if the deed is
not a full warranty deed or a bargain and sale deed with covenants against
grantor's acts. State that a form of unit deed is contained in Part II of the
plan.
(2) Describe whether and to
what extent the sponsor is obligated to repair any damage from a casualty or
other cause that occurs before the closing of a purchaser's unit and the rights
and obligations of purchasers of damaged units.
(3) For offering plans that are not subject
to the provisions of General Business Law section 352-e e, state that a closing
will take place only concurrently with the issuance of a temporary or permanent
certificate of occupancy for the entire project or, issuance of a partial,
temporary or permanent certificate of occupancy for the unit closed or the
building in which the unit is located.
(4) State that title to each unit and its
appurtenant interest in the common elements will be conveyed at the closing
free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and title exceptions other than those
described in the plan and the proposed unit deed. Describe all leases,
mortgages, liens, encumbrances and title exceptions that will affect the
property after closing. Title exceptions may include the state of facts shown
on a stated survey and any additional state of facts a subsequent survey would
show, provided that such additional state of facts does not render title
unmarketable.
(5) State that all
personal property located within the unit on the date the purchase agreement is
signed or located within the common elements on the date the declaration is
filed, that is owned by the sponsor or the owner of the property, is included
in the conveyance unless specifically excepted in the offering plan.
(6) State that the declaration, by-laws and
floor plans for the condominium and such other documents, as required by law,
will be recorded or filed prior to the first conveyance of title to a unit in
accordance with the New York Condominium Act or applicable State and local law;
and state the place of recording or filing.
(7) State that if applicable, prior to
closing, the sponsor will procure the real property transfer gains tax
tentative assessment and return (or statement of no tax due) and will, at
closing, pay all real property transfer gains tax and all other transfer taxes
due and comply with the requirements of the New York State Department of
Taxation and Finance.
(8) If
existing mortgages or construction loans will not be satisfied at or prior to
the closing of the first unit, state that at the time of conveyance of the
first unit, each mortgagee will either:
(i)
consent to the formation of a condominium and acknowledge that its lien will be
limited to unsold condominium units;
(ii) subordinate the lien of its mortgage to
the declaration of condominium; or
(iii) release its lien on the condominium
unit being conveyed and its interest in the common elements.
(s)
Unit closing
costs and adjustments.
(1) Describe all
estimated costs, fees, and charges to be paid or apportioned in connection with
closings and specify whether they will be paid by purchaser or sponsor. If the
sponsor is imposing any cost, fee or charge on the purchaser which by statute
is an obligation of a seller, in the first instance, the offering plan must
special risk such imposition, include the cost in the footnotes to schedule A
and disclose that the sponsor is transferring a statutory obligation to the
purchasers. Include fee and mortgage title insurance charges, state and local
transfer taxes, mortgage recording taxes, recording fees for the deed and any
mortgage, power of attorney and any other documents, apportionment of taxes,
water and sewer charges, and all other closing costs or adjustments.
(i) For all items to be apportioned, set
forth the basis for apportionment.
(ii) Provide a numerical example of all
closing costs for a typical unit.
(2) In the event that the plan requires a
purchaser to reimburse the sponsor if any mortgage tax credit is allowed with
respect to the unit being sold, note such obligation.
(3) If there are closing costs in connection
with financing for qualified purchasers, this section should refer to the
disclosure required by section
20.3(p) of this
Part.
(4) State whether a purchaser
is required to pay any portion of the fee of sponsor's attorney or the fee of
the lender's attorneys, and estimate such fees.
(5) If units have not been separately
assessed for real estate tax purposes prior to the closing of title to the
first unit, sponsor may place in escrow, in the name of the board of managers,
an amount equal to the unpaid real estate taxes which will be levied against
the parcel for the six month period following the first closing. Alternatively,
the sponsor may place in escrow, in the name of the board of managers, an
amount equal to the real estate taxes attributable to the unsold units for such
six-month period and may collect at each unit closing the estimated amount of
taxes attributable to such unit for the balance of the six-month period. The
board of managers will pay the real estate taxes from any escrow account when
taxes are due and payable and the funder of any escrow account will be entitled
to reimbursement from unit owners to the extent of the actual assessment. No
escrow will be required if the condominium bylaws include as part of the common
expenses, real estate taxes on the property until the units are separately
assessed and after assessment unit owners will be reimbursed for any
overpayment of taxes or assessed for an underpayment.
(t)
Rights and obligations of the
sponsor.
Describe the rights and obligations of sponsor under the
plan and applicable law with respect to the offering including, but not limited
to, the following elements:
(1)
Disclose sponsor's intent with regard to the sale of the units offered in
Schedule A, including whether sponsor will endeavor in good faith to sell all
of the units in a reasonably timely manner. Disclose any conditions under which
sponsor retains the right to rent rather than sell after the plan has been
consummated based on objective, articulable criteria, such as a significant
decline in market prices of a specific percentage and the conditions under
which sponsor would resume sales. Disclose any obligations imposed on sponsor
by the construction lender with regard to selling and/or renting units. If
sponsor retains unconditional discretion to rent than then sell units after the
plan has been consummated, include on the cover of the plan the warning set
forth in paragraph (c)(1) of this section and discuss as a special
risk.
(2) Disclose sponsor's
obligation to defend any suits or proceedings arising out of sponsor's acts or
omissions and to indemnify the board of managers and the unit owners.
(3) State that all representations under the
offering plan, all obligations pursuant to the General Business Law, and such
additional obligations under the offering plan which are to be performed
subsequent to the closing date will survive delivery of the deed.
(4) Disclaimers or limitations of liability
on the part of the sponsor or its principals for failure to perform any
obligation imposed by applicable statute or regulation may not be included. The
plan may not include any financial limitation on sponsor's liability for
failure to perform its obligations under the offering plan.
(5) State that sponsor agrees to pay all
common charges, special assessments and real estate taxes with respect to
unsold units. Sponsor must represent that it has the financial resources to
meet its obligations with respect to unsold units and state the means by which
it will fund its financial obligations to the condominium. If the funding
source is stated as income from projected sales, disclose other sources of
funding, if any, that will be utilized if such projected sales are not made.
Disclose whether any bond or other security has been furnished to secure
sponsor's obligations. If no bond or other security has been posted to secure
sponsor's obligations, highlight as a special risk.
(6) Describe whether and to what extent the
sponsor is obligated to repair any damage from a casualty or other cause that
occurs before the closing of a purchaser's unit and the rights and obligations
of purchasers of damaged units.
(7)
State that the sponsor shall procure fire and casualty insurance pursuant to an
agreed amount replacement value policy or in an amount sufficient to avoid
coinsurance, as reflected in schedule B.
(8) State that in the event of the
dissolution or liquidation of the sponsor or the transfer of 10 or more units
or 20 percent or more of the total number of units in the condominium,
whichever is less, the principals of the sponsor will provide financially
responsible entities or individuals who will assume the status and all of the
obligations of the sponsor for those units under the offering plan, applicable
laws or regulations.
(9) The
sponsor must state whether construction financing is firmly committed at the
time of submission of the offering plan to the Department of Law. Disclose any
conditions placed on the availability of the construction financing and
highlight as a special risk if the sponsor may not be able to complete
construction of the units offered. Project the timetable for procuring a firm
commitment for construction financing. If sponsor has obtained construction
financing, disclose the terms of the construction loan as they apply to the
sponsor's obligation to market the units for sale, including any minimum number
or percentage of units which must be under contract before the plan can be
declared effective, the existence of either a minimum release price set by the
lender or a required minimum payment per sale which must be made to the lender
in order for the lender to release its lien from the unit being sold, and
limits or requirements imposed by the lender for sponsor to rent rather then
sell under specified market conditions. If sponsor has not obtained
construction financing at the time the plan is submitted for filing, the plan
must state that the construction lender may impose requirements regarding sales
by sponsor and the plan must be amended to disclose the relevant terms of the
construction loan agreement when financing is obtained.
(10) State the sponsor's obligation to build
and complete the condominium in accordance with the building plans and
specifications identified in the plan and sponsor's right to substitute
equipment or materials and make modifications of layout or design, provided
however, that sponsor may not:
(i) substitute
equipment or materials of lesser quality or design; or
(ii) change the size, location of buildings
or units other improvements or common elements if such changes affect the
percentage of common interests or adversely affect the value of any unit to
which title has closed or for which a purchase agreement has been executed and
is in effect unless all affected unit owners and contract vendees consent in
writing to such change.
(11) Except as provided in paragraph (11) of
this subdivision or by exemption granted by the Department of Law pursuant to
section 20.1(i) of this
Part, prior to closing the first unit, sponsor must obtain a permanent
certificate of occupancy for the property or, alternatively, obtain a temporary
or partial certificate of occupancy for the unit or the building in which the
unit to be closed is located. The sponsor and its principals must obtain a
permanent certificate of occupancy for the property within a projected
timetable after closing the first unit. Sponsor must obtain the permanent
certificate of occupancy before the partial or temporary certificate of
occupancy expires, unless extended. Highlight as a special risk if the sponsor
does not anticipate obtaining a permanent certificate of occupancy two years or
more after the closing of the first unit.
(12) Notwithstanding paragraph (10) of this
subdivision, if the offering plan is subject to the provisions of General
Business Law, section 352-e e, sponsor must state what alterations and
improvements to the common areas and public portions of the building will be
completed before the closing of the first unit.
(13) If the first closing may take place
prior to the issuance of a permanent certificate of occupancy for the property:
(i) Sponsor is required to maintain all
deposits and funds in any special escrow account required by General Business
Law, section 352-e (2-b) unless the sponsor's engineer, architect or other
qualified expert certifies that a lesser amount will be reasonably necessary to
complete the work needed to obtain a permanent certificate of occupancy, in
which case the sum exceeding the amount so certified by the sponsor's engineer,
architect or other qualified expert may be released from any special escrow
account. Alternatively, sponsor must deposit with an escrow agent an
unconditional, irrevocable letter of credit, post a surety bond in the amount
so certified, or provide other collateral acceptable to the Department of
Law.
(ii) Notwithstanding
subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, if the offering plan is subject to the
provisions of General Business Law, section 352-e e, sponsor is required to
maintain all deposits and funds in any special escrow account required by
General Business Law, section 352-e (2-b) unless the sponsor's engineer or
architect certifies that a lesser amount will be reasonably necessary to
complete all alterations and improvements to the public portions and common
areas of the building. In such case the sum exceeding the amount so certified
by the sponsor's engineer or architect may be released from any special escrow
account. Alternatively, sponsor must deposit with an escrow agent an
unconditional, irrevocable letter of credit, post a surety bond in the amount
so certified, or provide other collateral acceptable to the Department of
Law.
(14) State whether
the sponsor agrees to warrant the materials or workmanship of each unit (and
limited common elements) or common elements. Fully disclose the terms of the
warranties. State whether the Housing Merchant Implied Warranty Law (General
Business Law, article 36-B) or other comparable law for property located
outside New York State applies to the offering. If so, describe the law,
include a copy of the statute in Part II of the plan, disclose any limitation
of the implied warranty and highlight as a special risk any such
limitation.
(15) State that at or
prior to the closing of the unit, sponsor must assign any manufacturer's
warranties with respect to equipment and appliances installed in the unit to
the unit owner and assign any warranties with respect to equipment and
appliances installed in the common elements to the board of managers.
(16) State that the sponsor agrees to pay for
the authorized and proper work involved in the construction and establishment
and sale of the condominium that sponsor is obligated to complete under the
plan and will cause all mechanics liens with respect to such construction to be
promptly discharged or bonded.
(17)
State that the sponsor agrees to deliver a set of "as-built" plans to the board
of managers.
(18) Sponsor must
disclose whether any bond or other security other than those required by this
Part has been furnished to secure sponsor's obligations including sponsor's
obligations to complete construction of the condominium. If no security is
furnished, highlight as a special risk.
(19) If sponsor has a right of access to
complete construction of the condominium, describe sponsor's obligation to
repair damages and the extent to which sponsor can interfere with the unit
owners' use.
(u)
Control by the sponsor.
Describe the extent to which sponsor will or may control
the board of managers after the closing of the first unit and the consequences
to purchasers of such reservation of control, subject to the following
requirements:
(1) Highlight as a
special risk if sponsor exercises voting control of the board of managers for
more than two years after the closing of the first unit or whenever the unsold
units constitute less than 50 percent of the common interests, whichever is
sooner. If the bylaws of the condominium do not include a provision that, after
an initial sponsor voting control period a majority of the board of managers
must be owner-occupants or members of an owner-occupant's household who are
unrelated to the sponsor and its principals, this fact must be disclosed as a
special risk. Specify the manner and timing in which the sponsor will
relinquish control of the board of managers. Sponsor shall disclose that a
meeting will be held to elect new board members unrelated to the sponsor within
30 days of the expiration of the control period.
(2) Sponsor may not exercise veto power over
expenses described in schedule B, or over expenses required:
(i) to comply with applicable laws or
regulations;
(ii) to remedy any
notice of violation; or
(iii) to
remedy any work order by an insurer.
(3) Sponsor may exercise veto power over
expenses other than those described in paragraph (2) of this subdivision, if
the plan so provides, for a period ending not more than five years after the
closing of the first unit or whenever the unsold units constitute less than 25
percent of the common interest, whichever is sooner.
(v)
Board of managers.
Describe how the affairs of the condominium will be
governed. Summarize the important sections of the bylaws and declaration of
condominium, including the following:
(1) State the number and composition of the
board of managers, the eligibility requirements, elections and when the first
meeting will be held after the closing of title to the first unit. Disclose
whether the bylaws include a provision that a majority of the board of managers
must be owner-occupants or members of an owner-occupant's household who are
unrelated to the sponsor and its principals, after the end of an initial
sponsor control period. Discuss when annual meetings will be held and describe
the provisions in the bylaws for calling special meetings.
(2) State the names of the present or
anticipated first officers and members of the board of managers and their
relationship, if any, to sponsor, sponsor's principals and sponsor's
attorney.
(3) Explain any
provisions for the indemnification of the board of managers. Discuss the
potential personal liability of the board of managers.
(4) State whether officers and members of the
board of managers serve with or without compensation. Highlight as a special
risk if officers and members of the board appointed by the sponsor or sponsor's
designees serve with compensation paid by the unit owners.
(5) State whether and under what
circumstances officers and members of the board may be removed by the board of
managers. The board may not be prohibited from removing members for
cause.
(6) Discuss how unit owners'
voting rights are computed.
(7)
State the percentage of common interest needed to amend the condominium's
bylaws and to change the declaration of condominium after it has been
filed.
(w)
Rights
and obligations of the unit owners and the board of managers.
Describe the rights and obligations of unit owners and the
board of managers, including their rights and obligations with respect
to:
(1) Sale or lease of units by unit
owners.
(i) State that each unit owner has the
right to sell or lease his or her unit and describe the restrictions on such
right including notification to the board of managers. State whether such
restrictions apply to the sponsor, its designees, or the owners of the
commercial units. State whether the terms of the lease, including the rent,
will be subject to state or local law. If there are any restrictions, the
Department of Law may, in its discretion, require an opinion from sponsor's
counsel as to the enforceability and legality of these restrictions.
(ii) If the board of managers has a right of
first refusal with respect to the sale or lease of a unit or other option to
acquire a unit:
(a) State that the board of
managers will notify the unit owner of its intention to exercise the right
within a specified number of days from the date a unit owner gives notice of
intended sale or lease.
(b) State
that the board of managers must exercise any right of first refusal within a
specified number of days.
(c)
Describe the procedures to raise funds for the acquisition and maintenance of a
unit by the board of managers on behalf of the unit owners, the permissible
uses of such unit while so owned or leased, how such a unit may be sold or
leased and how the proceeds of the disposition of the unit will be
treated.
(d) State that the board
of managers may not discriminate against any person on the basis of race,
creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status or other
grounds prohibited by law.
(2) Mortgaging of units by unit owners.
State that each unit owner has the right to mortgage his or
her unit and any restrictions on such right.
(3) Common charges and assessments.
(i) Discuss the procedures to establish
common charges and assessments and to divide the charges and assessments among
unit owners.
(ii) Discuss the right
of the board of managers to accumulate reserves for capital expenditures or
otherwise and the restrictions imposed on such rights.
(iii) Discuss how and when the liability of
unit owners for common charges and assessments can be terminated.
(iv) State that pursuant to section
339-z of
the Real Property Law, the board of managers on behalf of the unit owners will
have a lien on each unit for unpaid common charges assessed by the board of
managers. Discuss the consequences of such a lien and the procedures for making
the lien effective pursuant to section
339-aa of
the Real Property Law.
(v) State
that the sponsor will cause the board of managers to file a lien as provided
for in section
339-aa of
the Real Property Law on units in which sponsor is more than 30 days in arrears
of common charges while it is in control of the board of managers.
(4) Repairs.
(i) Describe the obligation to repair and
maintain units, limited common elements and common elements, and the allocation
of responsibility among the unit owners and the board of managers.
(ii) Describe any improvements, maintenance
or provision of furnishings required of unit owners, such as painting facades
or carpeting of units.
(iii)
Describe the responsibility for repairs or replacements required as the result
of the negligence or abuse of a unit owner.
(iv) State the requirement, and any
conditions, for unit owners to grant access to the board of managers and its
designees to inspect, remove violations, make general repairs, cure defaults by
the unit owner and for other purposes permitted by the bylaws.
(5) Additions, alterations and
improvements.
(i) Describe the rights and
obligations of the unit owners and the board of managers with respect to
additions, alterations and improvements.
(ii) Describe the work that unit owners can
do without the consent of the board of managers, what work requires consent,
and the requirements which apply if a unit owner does his or her own work, at
his or her own expense, such as filing plans and obtaining insurance.
(iii) Describe any requirements in the
by-laws regarding aesthetic controls or architectural restrictions for any
additions, alterations or improvements to individual units and/or limited
common elements.
(6)
Insurance.
(i) Describe the insurance coverage
provided by the board of managers for the benefit of each unit owner and a unit
owner's right to obtain supplemental or additional insurance.
(ii) Indicate any coverage that is not
provided by the board of managers and disclose what additional or supplemental
coverage is generally available. Refer to schedule B for the details of
insurance coverage.
(iii) State the
conditions under which the insurance proceeds will be given to the board of
managers or to an insurance trustee and how the proceeds will be
allocated.
(7)
Restrictions on occupancy and use.
Describe all restrictions on occupancy and use of the unit
by the unit owner, including the following:
(i) any limitation on pets;
(ii) any aesthetic controls;
(iii) any limitations on business or
professional use, stating whether such limitations are more restrictive than
those applicable to the sponsor;
(iv) any restrictions on occupancy of units
owned by corporations, partnerships or fiduciaries;
(v) any restrictions on illegal or offensive
uses;
(vi) any limitations on guest
privileges;
(vii) limitations on
utilization of common elements and parking facilities; and
(viii) limitations contained in the
certificate of occupancy and zoning regulations.
(8) Describe any other material provisions of
the declaration or by-laws, including those restrictions required by local law,
which significantly affect the rights and obligations of the unit owners or the
board of managers.
(x)
Real estate taxes.
(1) State that
after the units are separately assessed, each unit will be taxed as a separate
tax lot for real estate tax purposes and that the unit owner will not be
responsible for the payment of, nor will the unit be subjected to, any lien
arising from the nonpayment of taxes on other units.
(i) Note any anticipated delay in obtaining
separate assessments by the appropriate tax assessor's office.
(ii) If the units have not been separately
assessed for real estate tax purposes prior to the closing of title to the
first unit, describe the procedure by which unit owners will make payments
towards real estate taxes to the board of managers.
(2) State the assessing authority, the
assessed valuation, the tax rates and the amounts payable. Discuss the method
of determination of real estate tax assessments for each condominium unit,
noting any restrictions or limitations under State or local law. State the
basis for calculating the amount of real estate taxes payable by unit owners in
the first year of condominium operation in schedule A. State that the tax
assessment for each unit may be allocated on a basis that differs from the
allocation of common interests. If actual amounts are not currently available,
state that the figures are estimates.
(3) State the projected amount and date of
assessed valuation after the completion of construction. Include the present
assessed valuation if the condominium is an existing building being sold
without rehabilitation or is undergoing minimum rehabilitation.
(4) Discuss any known or tentative changes in
the assessed valuation or tax rates which will affect the condominium unit. If
applicable, discuss the impact of section
339-y of
the Real Property Law and section
581 of
the Real Property Tax Law.
(5)
State whether any tax certiorari proceedings are pending, and if so, for whose
benefit and at whose expense.
(6)
Describe the provisions in the by-laws applicable to the review of real estate
tax assessments.
(7) Tax exemption
and abatement benefits. If the offering plan represents that the unit owners
may or will receive particular tax benefits (
e.g.section
11-243 (J-51) of the New York City Administrative Code or section
421-a
of the Real Property Tax Law), the plan must state that the sponsor will use
its best efforts to obtain those benefits, and must project the amount,
commencement and duration of the benefits.
(i)
Highlight as a special risk if the plan states that the unit owners may or will
receive tax benefits and the sponsor does not anticipate obtaining the benefits
before the closing of the first unit.
(ii) If the tax benefits are not in place at
the time the proposed offering plan is first submitted to the Department of
Law, describe the effect on the projected total monthly carrying charges with
and without tax benefits.
(iii) If
tax benefits may be available but sponsor is not applying for such benefits,
highlight as a special risk and state that sponsor will cooperate with the
board of managers to obtain the benefits and will keep and make available all
records required in order to obtain the benefits.
(iv) State that a sponsor applying for J-51
benefits must request an opinion letter from the New York City Department of
Housing Preservation and Development ("HPD") and that such opinion letter must
be obtained before the plan is declared effective.
(v) Sponsor must represent that it will keep
all records required by HPD and will make them available to HPD whenever
requested to do so.
(vi) Sponsor
must disclose that HPD routinely conducts audits, which can result in the
reduction or revocation of benefits if proper documentation is not
provided.
(vii) Sponsor must state:
(a) Upon closing it will make all tax benefit
documents available to the board of managers for inspection and copying for the
life of the benefits; and
(b) It
will file all applications and timely comply with all procedures required to
properly process and maintain the tax benefits.
(viii) Set forth in schedule form any
progressive decrease in tax benefits during the benefits period.
(y)
Opinion(s) of
counsel.
(1) Include an opinion from
counsel for sponsor (or independent counsel if the attorney is a principal of
the sponsor) that describes the availability of tax deductions for real estate
taxes and interest on a mortgage under current Federal, State and local law and
the availability of any specific exemptions from real estate taxes for veterans
or other purchasers.
(2) Include an
opinion from counsel for sponsor (or independent counsel if the attorney is a
principal of the sponsor) that describes the tax status of the condominium with
respect to income taxes, and the specific requirements of Internal Revenue
Code, section 528 for the board of managers of the condominium to elect to be
exempt from Federal income tax on certain common charges collected from unit
owners. Discuss any issues in qualifying under section 528 presented by the
particular plan, including problems raised by the percentage of common interest
allocated among nonresidential units. Unless counsel can render an affirmative
opinion that the condominium will be eligible for tax-exempt status under
Internal Revenue Code, section 528 should it elect to take such exemption,
schedule B of the offering plan must include a projected expense item for
income taxes payable by the condominium. If there are unusual features of the
plan which may jeopardize the condominium's eligibility for tax-exempt status,
this fact must be highlighted as a special risk.
(3) If the real estate tax benefits are not
in place at the time the proposed offering plan is first submitted to the
Department of Law, include an opinion from sponsor's counsel or independent
counsel that supports the statements and representations in the offering plan
regarding real estate tax benefits.
(4) If required, in the discretion of the
Department of Law, include an opinion from counsel for sponsor or independent
counsel as to the legality and enforceability of restrictions on the use,
resale, leasing or mortgaging of the condominium units.
(5) Include an opinion from counsel for
sponsor or independent counsel as to compliance with Real Property Law, section
339(i) in assigning the percentage of common interest to each unit. Indicate
which method was used and state that this opinion is based on other expert
factual determinations as required by subdivision (i) of this
section.
(6) These opinions may be
contained in one letter from counsel or in separate letters from one or
different counsel. If counsel for the sponsor is also a principal of the
sponsor, the opinions must be from independent counsel.
(7) Counsels' opinions may not contain a
general disclaimer of liability. They may, however, contain disclaimers of
liability in the event that the critical facts presented by sponsor and
sponsor's experts were or prove incorrect or there are changes in the
applicable law and regulations, decisional law or Internal Revenue Service
rulings. They may state that they are attorneys' opinions, but not guarantees,
that the condominium will be eligible for tax-exempt status or that the
deductions will be available to unit owners (or that unit owners will be
eligible for real estate tax benefits).
(8) Suggested language for the disclaimer of
liability is set forth below:
In our opinion, the condominium will be eligible for
tax-exempt status, if it elects such status, and unit owners will be entitled
to income tax deductions (or the unit owners will be eligible for the real
estate tax benefits described above). However, this opinion is not a guarantee;
it is based on existing rules of law applied to the facts and documents
referred to above. No assurances can be given that the tax laws upon which
counsel base this opinion will not change. In no event will the sponsor, the
sponsor's counsel, the board of managers of the condominium, the selling agent
or any other person be liable if there are changes in the facts on which
counsel relied in issuing this opinion or if there are changes in the
applicable statutes, regulations, decisional law or Internal Revenue Service
rulings on which counsel relied which cause the condominium to cease to meet
the requirements of section 528 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the New York State Tax Law, as amended,
and cause the unit owners not to be entitled to income tax deductions (or which
cause unit owners not to be or to cease to be entitled to the benefits or the
level or duration of benefits described above).
(z)
Reserve fund and/or working capital
fund.
The offering plan must state in two separate sections of
the plan whether the condominium will have funds for working capital and/or as
a reserve for capital expenditures. The offering plan must comply with any
applicable law concerning reserve funds and/or working capital funds. If such
funds are provided, state the amount of the funds; whether the sponsor and
purchasers contribute to the funds; what restrictions there are on the use of
each fund; and when the funds will be available to the condominium. If a fund
is called a reserve fund, it may be used only for capital expenditures, and the
condominium's by-laws shall contain a provision authorizing the establishment
of such a fund. Discuss whether the reserve fund, if any, will be sufficient to
pay for the replacement of capital items likely to be needed within the first
five years of condominium operation.
(1) Unless highlighted as a special risk, the
plan shall provide that while the sponsor is in control of the board of
managers, the reserve fund or working capital fund may not be used to reduce
projected common charges in the plan.
(2) If the offering plan provides for a
reserve fund or a working capital fund, the plan must state that neither the
Department of Law nor any other government agency has passed upon the adequacy
of the fund.
(3) Adjustments for
prepaid expenses between the sponsor and the board of managers may be deducted
only from the working capital fund. If a substantial credit to the sponsor can
be anticipated with reasonable probability, the approximate range or amounts of
such adjustment item must be disclosed. Disclose how the net adjustments for
prepaid expenses, if in favor of the sponsor, are to be paid. State whether
there will be a minimum working capital fund regardless of the amount of
adjustments.
(4) If, by reason of
any substantial adjustment item in favor of the sponsor, the sponsor will be
paid over a period of time, such as by an installment note, the budget in the
plan (schedule B) must reflect such proposed payments for which there is no
item already budgeted, including interest, as a separate line of the budget
with a footnote disclosing the nature and purpose of the payments.
(5) Discuss the condominium's available means
and options to finance needed capital expenditures such as renewal or
replacement of building components or systems or to remedy major building
defects.
(6) Highlight as a special
risk if it appears that the reserve fund, if any, plus any budgeted yearly
reserve fund may not be sufficient to provide for needed capital expenditures
within five years following the first closing under the plan.
(aa)
Management agreement,
contracts and leases.
(1) Summarize the
important terms of the management agreement including:
(i) the name and address of the managing
agent;
(ii) the term of the
management agreement and the agent's right, if any, to cancel the
agreement;
(iii) all fees and other
compensation for services;
(iv) the
major duties and services to be performed by the managing agent including
whether bookkeeping, payroll and collection of common charges are
provided;
(v) the obligation, if
any, of the board of managers of the condominium to reimburse the agent for
expenses incurred or to indemnify the agent against liability for acts properly
performed by it pursuant to the agreement;
(vi) whether the management agreement is
assignable by the agent and what restrictions are imposed on assignability;
and
(vii) the right of the board of
managers to cancel the agreement with or without cause.
(2) If not described in detail in the
footnotes to the budget, summarize all agreements that will be binding on the
condominium, including the names of the contractor, the services rendered or
received, the annual income or cost and the expiration date of the contract or
lease.
(3) Highlight as a special
risk if any contract is binding on the condominium for more than five years
after the anticipated closing date, unless it is customary in the area to enter
into a long-term contract for the service rendered, e.g., a
cable television contract. Note whether the contract is with a business
associate or affiliate of the sponsor or its principals.
(4) Disclose the material terms of all leases
with the condominium, including but not limited to the following:
(i) The date and term of each lease, the
space leased, the identity of the lessee and sublessee(s), if any, the rent and
any additional rent payable thereunder, and the present and permitted use for
the space.
(ii) Whether the present
and future rent payable by the lessee is sufficient to cover the expenses
fairly attributable to the leased space.
(iii) Highlight as a special risk if:
(a) any lease has a term exceeding 10
years;
(b) if the lease generates
or is expected to generate less income than the pro rata share of expenses
attributable to the leased space now or in the future; or
(c) if the ratio of income generated by the
lease to the share of expenses fairly attributable to the leased space may
decline in the future. Describe the potential burden to the condominium of
these risks. Disclose the basis for projecting the share of expenses
attributable to the leased space, and estimate the income and expenses for the
lease term.
(iv) Explain
the board of manager's rights and obligations under the lease with regard to
making ordinary or structural repairs, rebuilding after a casualty, retaining
insurance or condemnation proceeds, limiting uses to those compatible with the
residential character of the building, and barring offensive uses. State
whether consent of the board of managers is required before the lessee can
assign or sublet space, change the current uses, alter the structure, or
perform work that may result in mechanics' liens.
(v) When the lessee or sublessee is the
sponsor, the selling agent or the managing agent; or is a principal of the
sponsor, the selling agent or the managing agent; or is related to the sponsor,
the selling agent, the managing agent; or any principal of the sponsor, the
selling agent or the managing agent, by blood, marriage or adoption or as a
business associate, an employee, a share holder or a limited partner; the
following provisions shall apply:
(a) The
lease may not contain any unconscionable terms, including but not limited to
any provisions pursuant to which the rent payable may be less than expenses
fairly attributable to the leased space.
(b) The lease must contain escalator clauses
which ensure that the rent payable by the lease for the term of the lease will
be sufficient to cover the expenses fairly attributable to the leased space,
such as expenses for real estate taxes, labor, insurance, heating and
utilities.
(c) Any lease that comes
within this subparagraph must be noted in the transmittal letter to the
Department of Law required by section
20.2(c)(1) of
this Part.
(ab)
Identity of parties.
(1) State the names, business addresses,
backgrounds and experience of sponsor, and principals of sponsor as defined in
section 20.1(c) of this
Part. If the sponsor is a contract vendee, the names and business addresses of
the contract vendor and the principals of the present owner shall be provided.
Any relationship between the owner of the property and the contract vendee
shall also be disclosed. Describe:
(i) any
prior felony convictions of sponsor and/or any principals of sponsor;
and
(ii) any prior bankruptcies,
convictions, injunctions and judgments against the sponsor, any principals of
the sponsor, and/or entities in which principals of the sponsor were
principals, that may be material to the offering plan or to an offering of
securities generally and that occurred within the 15 years prior to the
submission of the proposed offering plan. Also state the above information for
all individuals who own or control a 10 percent or more equity interest in the
sponsor.
(2) List all
properties offered for sale by sponsor, sponsor's principals, or any affiliates
of sponsor or sponsor's principals, as cooperatives, condominiums, planned unit
development homes, or time shares which were first offered within the past five
years. Describe these properties by address and the year they were first filed.
If the number of such properties or projects exceeds five for the sponsor or a
principal, the five most recent offerings may be listed.
(3) Identify each cooperative, condominium or
homeowners association, other than the subject building(s), where the sponsor,
general partner or principal of the sponsor, or the holder of unsold shares,
owns 10 percent or more of the unsold shares or units as an individual, general
partner or principal, and state whether the sponsor, general partner, principal
or holder of unsold shares is current in its financial obligations, including,
but not limited to, payment of maintenance or common charges, taxes, reserve or
working capital fund payments, assessments, payments for repairs and
improvements promised in the plan, and payments of underlying mortgages and
loans for which shares or units have been pledged or mortgaged. If not current,
state the identity of the property and the date and amount of each delinquency,
together with any additional relevant facts.
(4) State the name and address of sponsor's
attorney, and identify which attorney prepared the offering plan.
(5) If there is or will be a managing agent
or manager for the property, include the name, address and experience of the
managing agent or manager and a representative list of other properties being
managed by the managing agent or manager. If the managing agent or manager has
no comparable experience, so state. Describe:
(i) any prior felony convictions of the
managing agent or any principals of the managing agent; and
(ii) any prior convictions, injunctions and
judgments against the managing agent or any principal of the managing agent
that may be material to the offering plan or an offering of securities
generally, that occurred within 15 years prior to the submission of the
proposed offering plan.
(6) State the name, address and experience of
the selling agent. Describe:
(i) any prior
felony convictions of the selling agent, or any principals of the selling
agent; and
(ii) any prior
convictions, injunctions and judgments against the selling agent, or any
principals of the selling agent that may be material to the offering plan or an
offering of securities generally, that occurred within 15 years prior to the
submission of the proposed offering plan.
(7) State the name, address and experience of
the sponsor's professional engineer or registered architect.
(8) State the relationship, if any, between
the sponsor or its principals and:
(i) the
selling agent;
(ii) the managing
agent;
(iii) the engineer or
architect; and
(iv) any person or
firm who will provide services to the condominium subsequent to the
commencement of condominium operation.
(9) If applicable, state that the Secretary
of State has been designated to receive service of process for an out-of-state
sponsor or selling agent or for any principals of the sponsor or of the selling
agent who reside outside of New York.
(ac)
Reports to unit owners.
State that it is the obligation of the board of managers of
the condominium to give all unit owners annually:
(1) a financial statement of the condominium
prepared by a certified public accountant or public accountant by a specified
date; such statement shall be certified while the sponsor is in control of the
board of managers;
(2) prior notice
of the annual unit owners' meeting; and
(3) a copy of the proposed annual budget of
the condominium by a specified number of days prior to the date set for
adoption thereof by the board of managers; while the sponsor is in control of
the board of managers such budget shall be certified in compliance with section
20.4(d) of this
Part.
(ad)
Documents on file.
State that sponsor shall keep copies of the plan, all
documents referred to in the plan and all exhibits submitted to the Department
of Law in connection with the filing of the plan, on file and available for
inspection without charge and copying at a reasonable charge at a specified
location for six years from the date of first closing. State that the sponsor
shall deliver to the board of managers a copy of all documents filed with the
appropriate recording office at the time of the closing of the first
unit.
(ae)
General.
Describe any other material facts concerning the sponsor,
the selling agent, the managing agent, any of their principals, the property,
the offering, and prospective purchasers' rights and obligations including the
following:
(1) Disclose whether there
are any lawsuits, administrative proceedings or other proceedings the outcome
of which may materially affect the offering, the property, sponsor's capacity
to perform all of its obligations under the plan, the condominium or the
operation of the condominium.
(2)
Disclose whether the property was the subject of any prior cooperative or
condominium offerings. Disclose whether any preliminary binding agreements have
been entered into or whether money has been collected from prospective
purchasers. Disclose any market test pursuant to cooperative policy statement
No. 1.
(3) Represent that the
sponsor and its agents will not discriminate against any person on the basis of
race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status or
other grounds prohibited by law.
(4) Note purchasers' right to rescind
purchase agreements following material adverse amendments, see section
20.5(a)(5) of
this Part.
(5) Disclose any
circumstances which may affect use or enjoyment of the property and
appurtenances, such as reciprocal covenants or easements, impending adjacent
high-rise construction, any usage restriction by statute, ordinance or zoning
resolution such as specified occupancy percentage by certified artists, or
historic district or landmark designation, unless disclosed elsewhere in the
plan.
(af)
Reservation of air and developmental rights.
(1) If a sponsor is reserving the right to
transfer air or developmental rights to other buildings or if the prior or
current owner of the building or buildings previously has conveyed, transferred
or reserved air or developmental rights for use in other buildings:
(i) Disclose that the building(s) undergoing
construction or conversion cannot be expanded or may be limited.
(ii) Disclose the maximum amount of space or
the maximum number of stories that may be added to adjoining properties from
the sale of air rights from this property. State that additional space or
stories may be added from the transfer of air rights from other
properties.
(2) A
sponsor who is reserving the right to add to the existing building(s) must
provide the following information:
(i) A
comprehensive narrative description of the additional space to be built in
compliance with section
20.7(ab) of this
Part.
(ii) Approved building plans
and specifications must be obtained prior to acceptance for filing.
(iii) Schedule A, prices of units, must
include all information required by subdivision (g) of this section for the
new, as well as for the existing, units if the new units will be part of the
condominium.
(iv) Schedule B,
budget for first year of condominium operation, must reflect expenses
associated with the operation of the additional space to be newly constructed,
including footnotes and supporting documentation required by subdivision (h) of
this section. If construction will not be completed before the end of the first
year of operation of the condominium, the budget may reflect the condominium as
it was originally for the first year of operation but sponsor must also prepare
a budget showing income and expense when the additional construction is
completed. In no event will the foregoing relieve the sponsor from its
obligation of paying common charges in compliance with law.
(3) A sponsor who is reserving the
right to add to the existing building(s) must submit a statement from a
professional engineer or a registered architect concerning the impact of the
renovation or additional construction on essential services. This must include:
(i) the hours when construction will
occur;
(ii) security to be
furnished during the construction period;
(iii) handling of construction
debris;
(iv) insurance and
liability during the construction period; and
(v) access to the building.
(4) A sponsor who is reserving air
or developmental rights must include this fact in the section entitled "Special
Risks".
(ag)
Sponsor's statement of building condition.
Include the following provisions:
(1) Sponsor must adopt the description of
property and building condition set forth in Part II of the plan, and represent
that sponsor has no knowledge of any material defects or need for major repairs
to the property except as set forth in the description of property and building
condition.
(2) If not included in
the description of property and building condition, describe any rehabilitation
to be completed by sponsor and the timetable for completion.
(3) If not stated in the description of
property and building condition, state whether the number of units offered is
identical to the number of units stated in the certificate of occupancy,
whether the proposed use of the units is the same as the use indicated in the
certificate of occupancy and whether property interests that are offered, such
as basement facilities, are provided for in the certificate of
occupancy.
(4) Note any official
inspection reports reflecting upon condition of the premises, such as notices
of building code violations, or any reports required by local law, including,
if applicable, the report required by C26-105.3 of the Administrative Code of
the City of New York, which shall be reproduced in Part II of the
plan.
(5) If applicable, disclose
the existence and availability, at the offices of the sponsor and the selling
agent, of any inspection reports by a professional engineer or a registered
architect retained by a group or association of tenants. The Department of Law,
in its discretion, may require such inspection report(s) to be reproduced in
Part II of the offering plan. The reproduction of such reports shall be for
informational purposes only, shall not be part of the sponsor's description of
property and building condition, and shall not be deemed to be encompassed or
covered by the respective certifications of:
(i) the sponsor and sponsor's principals;
and
(ii) the sponsor's professional
engineer or registered architect.
(6) Disclose the existence of any applicable
federal, State or local laws concerning lead- based paint and whether the
sponsor will comply with such laws and regulations promulgated
thereunder.