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, if
applicable, the laws governing corporations which affect the creation and
operation of the HOA in the state of incorporation of the HOA.
(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: HOMEOWNERS
or PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION OFFERING PLAN followed by the name of the HOA
and the address of the property, including street, city, county, and
state.
(2) The amount of the
offering based on the total value of the fully improved common property to be
owned and maintained by the HOA, without regard to the effect of the filing of
the declaration of covenants, restrictions, easements and liens on the
property. If the initial amount of the offering is for common property
associated with only the first phase of a multi-phase development, so state,
and indicate the value of the common property associated with each subsequent
phase. Indicate all possible phases. The amount for the phase or phases being
offered must be documented by an appraisal by a licensed real estate broker or
licensed appraiser in the area and included as Exhibit B-20. Indicate that the
cost of membership in the HOA is included in the purchase price of the homes or
lots.
(3) The number of homes or
lots being offered. If the initial offering is for the first phase of a
multi-phase development, so state. Indicate the total number of homes or lots
associated with each phase. Also indicate the anticipated maximum number of
homes or lots to be offered in each later phase. Indicate if certain homes or
lots are not being offered for sale.
(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 may not be in care of sponsor's attorney, nor 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 from 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 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 MEMBERSHIP
INTERESTS IN THE HOMEOWNERS (OR PROPERTY OWNERS) ASSOCIATION. 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 MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS. FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW
DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE DEPARTMENT OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY HAS APPROVED
THIS OFFERING.
(b)
First page.
The first page of the offering plan preceding the table of
contents shall contain exclusively the following notice in bold type:
THIS OFFERING PLAN CONTAINS THE TERMS OF THE OFFER OF SALE
AND THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE SPONSOR.
PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY.
THE PROPERTY YOU ARE PURCHASING IS PART OF A PRIVATE
SELF-GOVERNING SUBDIVISION WHICH MAY INITIALLY BE CONTROLLED BY THE
SPONSOR.
YOUR OBLIGATIONS AS A LOT OWNER ARE INCLUDED IN THIS PLAN.
THIS PLAN IS PREPARED AND ISSUED BY THE SPONSOR OF THIS SUBDIVISION. IT HAS
BEEN FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, DEPARTMENT OF
LAW, REAL ESTATE FINANCE BUREAU, 28 LIBERTY STREET, NEW YORK, NY
10005.
(c)
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.
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
on the sponsor or the board of directors, such as the purchase agreement or
contract of sale, the deed to the lot, the declaration of covenants,
restrictions, easements and liens, and the by-laws of the HOA 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 COMMON AREAS AND
FACILITIES TO BE OWNED OR MAINTAINED
BY THE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* LOCATION AND AREA INFORMATION
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
BUDGET FOR FIRST YEAR OF HOA OPERATION
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* ACCOUNTANT'S CERTIFIED STATEMENTS OF OPERATION
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* EXISTING COMMERCIAL OR PROFESSIONAL TENANTS
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* INTERIM LEASES
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
PROCEDURE TO PURCHASE
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* FINANCING FOR QUALIFIED PURCHASERS
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
TERMS OF SALE
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE SPONSOR
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
CONTROL BY THE SPONSOR
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
THE ASSOCIATION
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
OPINIONS OF COUNSEL
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPROVAL
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
RESERVE FUND
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
WORKING CAPITAL FUND
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT, CONTRACTS AND LEASES
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
IDENTITY OF PARTIES
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
REPORTS TO MEMBERS
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
DOCUMENTS ON FILE
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
GENERAL
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF SPECIFICATIONS OR BUILDING
CONDITION
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
PART II
CONTRACT OF SALE
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* FORM OF DEED TO HOA PROPERTY
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* FORM OF MORTGAGE, NOTE AND RELATED FINANCING
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
DOCUMENTS
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY AND SPECIFICATIONS OR BUILDING
CONDITION
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
SITE PLAN
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* PLOT PLAN
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
LOCATION MAP
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* FLOOR PLANS OF HOA BUILDINGS
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* ASBESTOS REPORT
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
* HOUSING MERCHANT IMPLIED WARRANTY LAW
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
DECLARATION OF COVENANTS, RESTRICTIONS, EASEMENTS AND
LIENS
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF HOA
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
ASSOCIATION BY-LAWS AND RULES
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
ESCROW AGREEMENT
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
CERTIFICATIONS
SPONSOR AND PRINCIPALS
* SPONSOR'S ENGINEER (OR ARCHITECT)
___________________
_______________________________________________________
SPONSOR'S EXPERT CONCERNING ADEQUACY OF BUDGET
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
(d)
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 association charges or obligations of HOA members in future years of
HOA 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.
(e)
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
22.1(d) of this
Part.
(2) Identify the sponsor and
state when the sponsor acquired the property or sponsor's interest as a
contract vendee.
(3) Briefly
describe the location and size of the development; specify the extent and
nature of the HOA property and the type of interest that the HOA is to acquire
in the property. Distinguish between property owned or to be owned exclusively
by purchasers, HOA property, and property dedicated or to be dedicated to the
local government.
(4) Summarize the
number and type of homes or lots being offered in this offering plan in
conjunction with membership interests in the HOA. If applicable, include the
minimum number and the maximum number of homes or lots that may be part of the
HOA and the number of possible phases to be offered in the HOA. State the
number and types of homes that have been built or may be built in conjunction
with related offering plans or in related sections or phases of the HOA.
Briefly describe any common parking or recreational facilities. State the
maximum capacity use for each recreational facility at any given
time.
(5) Briefly summarize the
functions or purposes of the HOA and describe the maintenance of any
facilities. State that when an owner sells a home or lot, the purchaser
automatically becomes a member of the HOA.
(6) State that the price of the homes or lots
includes the cost of membership in the HOA and that prices are set by the
sponsor alone and are not subject to review or approval by the Department of
Law or any other government agency.
(7) Describe services to be provided to
members of the HOA by the local government. If police, fire, water, sewer,
refuse and snow removal or road maintenance services are not provided by the
local government, refer to the section of the plan that describes how such
services will be provided.
(8)
Disclose the permitted uses of the adjoining areas or prohibitions on the use
of such areas.
(9) If sponsor or
any principal of sponsor owns, in whole or in part, or has an option or right
to acquire in whole or in part, any adjoining 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.
(10) State that the plan as presented to
prospective purchasers contains all of the detailed terms of the transaction as
it relates to the HOA. State that copies of the plan and all exhibits submitted
to the Department of Law 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 homes or lots.
(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 HOME ASSOCIATED WITH MANDATORY MEMBERSHIP
IN A HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION HAS MANY SIGNIFICANT LEGAL AND FINANCIAL
CONSEQUENCES AND MAY BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS OF
YOUR LIFE. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL STRONGLY URGES YOU TO READ THIS OFFERING PLAN
CAREFULLY AND TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING A CONTRACT OF
SALE.
(13) If applicable,
state the minimum number of homes or lots to be sold before sponsor will
commence conveying title and such contingency shall be contained in the
purchase agreement. The plan must be amended to disclose when the contingency
has been met. No closing may occur until such amendment is accepted for filing
by the Attorney General. The contingency for closing must be highlighted as a
special risk.
(f)
Description of common areas and facilities to be owned or maintained by
the HOA.
(1) Include a general
description by sponsor of the land, buildings, lots, 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
22.7 of this Part. If the HOA
property includes one or more roads, a detailed description of the makeup of
the road(s) is required. There must be disclosure of whether the road(s) will
be built to local government specifications capable of being dedicated to the
locality or whether the construction materials or size of the road(s) is in any
way inferior to such local government specifications for a public road. If the
HOA property consists of sewer and/or water lines constructed in accordance
with local government specifications, a detailed description of such systems is
required. Sponsor must disclose whether any bonds have been posted for the
completion of this work. If not, such fact must be highlighted as a special
risk. For existing HOA buildings, the detailed description must include a
statement of building condition.
(2) State whether the property will be
improved and the homes and amenities constructed in accordance with all
applicable zoning and building laws and specify the laws and regulations that
apply.
(3) In newly constructed
projects, state the approximate construction timetable for completion of the
first home, the remaining homes, related sections of the HOA, recreational
facilities and amenities.
(4) State
whether any roads to be constructed by sponsor will be dedicated to the local
government. Describe access from individual lots to public roads.
(g)
Budget for first year of
HOA operation (Schedule A).
The plan must describe all projected income and expenses
for the first year of HOA operation in Schedule A.
(1) The budget shall be based upon a
specified 12 month period to commence on the date when it can reasonably be
projected that the first closing will occur. If the actual or anticipated date
of commencement of HOA 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. State that if such amended
projections exceed the original projections by 25 percent or more, the sponsor
will 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 within a reasonable
period of time to purchasers who rescind.
(2) In the case of out-of-state homeowners
associations, the budget provided may be the actual budget currently in
operation if such budget does not expire within six months of the filing of the
offering plan in New York State.
(3) If the number of homes or lots that will
be members of the HOA is not firm and there are predetermined sections or
phases to be added, and assessments by the HOA may increase with the size of
membership (e.g.,recreational facilities may be added if
membership increases), include alternative budget projections showing how the
income and expenses will change as the size of membership increases, or as the
development progresses into subsequent sections or phases.
(4) State the estimated cost per member for
association charges and the number of members upon which this estimated cost is
based. If the number of homes or lots that will be members of the HOA is not
firm, state the maximum cost per member for association charges. Also indicate
how the charges per member will change as the size of membership increases.
State how and when association charges are payable.
(5) If association charges vary for different
types of homes or lots or for different classes of members in the HOA, indicate
the estimated cost for association charges for each home or lot, for different
types of homes or lots or for each class of member in the HOA and the basis or
formula for any distinction in charges or classes.
(6) The budget for the HOA shall 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 particular HOA should be added whenever appropriate to reflect additional
sources of income, expenses, costs or unique circumstances.
SCHEDULE A
Budget For First Year Of HOA Operation
Beginning __1, 20_
Projected Income
Maintenance charges
* Other (explain)_ $__
TOTAL $__
Projected Expenses
* Labor_ $__
___________________________________________
* Heating_ $__
__________________________________________
* Utilities (Electricity and gas for common property)_ $__
_________________________________________________________
* Water charges and sewer rents_ $__
_________________________________________________________
* Repairs, maintenance and supplies_ $__
_________________________________________________________
* Road Maintenance_ $__
_________________________________________________________
* Service Contracts_ $__
_________________________________________________________
* Snow Removal_ $__
_________________________________________________________
* Refuse Removal_ $__
_________________________________________________________
* Insurance_ $__
________________________________________
* Management Fees_ $__
_________________________________________________________
Legal Fees_ $__
________________________________________
Accounting Fees_ $__
_________________________________________________________
Taxes_ $__
___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
* Real Estate $__
_______________________________________
* Franchise and Corporate $ __
_________________________________________________________
Income $__
___________________________________________
* Sales $__
___________________________________________
* Reserve_ $__
___________________________________________
* Other_ $__
__________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
TOTAL $__
(7) Detailed numbered footnotes and
documentation associated with each identified footnote in the form of
contracts, quotations or letters from appropriate parties included as Exhibit
B-23 must support and explain the projected amounts in Schedule A. The
footnotes must set forth the basis of assumptions for each projection and also
state the service provided for such budgeted figures. Include the following
information if the expense item is applicable to the HOA.
(i) Labor costs. State the number of full and
part-time staff projected for the HOA in Schedule A 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 Federal, State or local 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 development, discuss whether their wages meet minimum wage laws. In the
case of an occupied nonresidential development, 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.
(ii) 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 to the HOA
property. State the basis for projecting the quantity of energy to be used. In
the case of an occupied nonresidential development, unless it would be
misleading for a particular development, 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.
(iii) Utilities
(e.g., 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., estimates based on current tariffs plus 10
percent increase. State which services will be provided by or through the board
of directors and which must be obtained directly by home or lot owners. In the
case of an occupied nonresidential building, unless it would be misleading for
a particular development, base the projected quantity of the utilities on the
average quantity of the utilities purchased for the prior three
years.
(iv) Water charges and sewer
rents. State the basis for the projection. If water charges or sewer rents will
be separately billed by the HOA to individual lot or homeowners, the estimated
individual annual charges should be stated in a separate schedule.
(v) Repairs, maintenance and supplies.
Itemize the material components of the expense for repairs and maintenance that
are the responsibility of the HOA such as interior repairs, roofing,
exterminating, gardening, landscaping, janitor supplies, painting, and other
service and maintenance items not included under "service contracts", "road
maintenance", "snow removal", "refuse removal" or "other". State whether
sponsor has procured or arranged actual contracts for the services described.
Base the cost of the services on actual estimates, and state such basis in the
footnote. In the case of an occupied nonresidential development, 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.
(vi) Road maintenance. If applicable,
describe the services provided and the cost associated with maintaining the
roads, including reserves set aside for repair and replacement. State the basis
of the cost and indicate whether sponsor has procured or arranged actual
contracts for the services described.
(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
5 years after the anticipated first closing unless it is customary in the area
to enter into a long-term contract for the service rendered
(e.g., cable television contract).
(viii) Snow removal and refuse removal. State
the services to be provided and the basis for the projected costs.
(ix) Insurance. If HOA property includes
buildings or if the HOA is providing common fire insurance on homes, the budget
for insurance must provide for 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 structure in the event of
total loss and to avoid being a co-insurer in the event of partial loss. If the
homes of the HOA members are attached and common fire insurance coverage is not
required, highlight as a special risk the consequences which could result if an
uninsured or underinsured unit is damaged or destroyed by fire or other
casualty. (
Note: If common fire and casualty insurance is
mandatory, provision should be made in the declaration or by-laws to require
mortgage holders to waive their customary right to apply insurance proceeds to
the mortgage indebtedness.) Disclose the items covered, the coverage amount
limits, the deductibles and the exposure insured against.
(a) If the sponsor is in control of the board
the budget for insurance must provide for and the HOA must have public
liability insurance at closing. If no public liability insurance is provided,
and if the HOA owns or maintains property, such failure to provide this
insurance must be highlighted as a special risk.
(b) State that the insurance coverage meets
the requirements of any mortgage lender procured by the sponsor.
(c) State that if there is common fire,
casualty and general liability insurance, it must be on terms that provide:
(1) that each homeowner is an additional
insured party if casualty insurance covers the individual homes;
(2) that there will be no cancellation
without notice to the board of directors;
(3) a waiver of subrogation;
(4) a waiver of invalidity because of the
acts of the insured and homeowners; and
(5) a waiver of pro rata reduction if
homeowners 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
homeowners to the desirability of obtaining additional insurance at their own
cost to cover such risks as fire and casualty losses to contents of the home,
and liability coverage for occurrences within the home.
(x) Management fees. 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. Highlight as a special
risk if the cost of the management contract is greater or substantially less
than the prevailing cost for similar services, and 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 homeowners will have to provide and disclose that maintenance charges will
increase if the HOA retains a managing agent in the future.
(xi) Legal fees and audit fees. If the
budgeted amount for legal fees is less than $5,000, 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 HOA.
(xii) Real estate taxes. State the assessing
authority, the projected assessed valuation and the basis for such valuation,
the tax rate and the projected amounts to be paid. If the assessing authority
or legal counsel renders an opinion that the assessed valuation of the HOA
property will be reflected in the assessed valuation of the individual lots or
homes, real estate taxes may be budgeted at zero ($0). If no opinion is
available, include an expert's projection of assessed valuation at Exhibit
B-10, and budget for real estate taxes based on the projected assessed
valuation.
(xiii) Franchise or
corporate taxes, income taxes and sales taxes. Include in the budget if taxes
are payable by the HOA pursuant to State or local law, or under Federal income
tax law, or furnish proof, by opinion of counsel or confirmation from taxing
authorities, that the HOA is not subject to such taxes pursuant to such
laws.
(xiv) Reserve. Some HOAs will
be responsible for replacing roofs, repainting unit exteriors, resurfacing
parking areas and roadways. These items will require special assessments unless
reserves are built into the annual budget taking into account the life of the
items. A reserve should be set aside for this purpose, or the probability of
incurring substantial special assessments in the future indicating the
replacement cost of the items should be highlighted as a special risk. The
footnote must indicate the expected life of the item, the projected replacement
cost and the calculation of the amounts to be placed in reserve each
year.
(xv) Note: Roadways and
sewers. The budget does not have to include road maintenance if roads are
dedicated to the local government. The cost of sewage disposal does not have to
be included if it is part of a local government sewer system. If the roads have
not been dedicated when the plan is submitted or if the local government is not
operating the sewer system when the plan is submitted, sponsor must state
approximately when the local government will assume responsibility, whether
there are any conditions precedent, and whether any completion bonds have been
posted. If the local government will not assume responsibility until after the
first closing, sponsor must either budget maintenance costs or agree to bear
the cost of maintenance and operation until the local government assumes
responsibility and indicate whether security has been posted to guarantee
performance of this financial obligation.
(xvi) Other expenses. Include additional
expenses such as association dues, HOA telephone expenses, license fees,
registrations, permits, contingencies and miscellaneous expenses, including
interest.
(h)
Accountant's certified statements of operation.
In the case of an occupied non-residential premises or an
operating HOA located out-of-state, 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
development has been in operation for less than two years, include a statement
for the period since the development 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 months after that 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 A.
(3) The following income or expense items and
other such items that are not applicable to the operation of the project as an
HOA may be excluded: depreciation; vacancy advertising; credit checking;
interest income; rental commissions; and painting of and repairs to
improvements on individual lots.
(i)
Existing commercial or professional
tenants.
In the case of an occupied nonresidential premises, state
that outside purchasers of occupied units buy subject to the existing leases.
State that all leases may be inspected by potential purchasers at the office of
the selling agent to ascertain the purchaser's obligations under the
lease.
(j)
Interim
leases.
(1) State whether the sponsor
may rent any unit that is vacant before the closing.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(k)
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) Statutory requirement.
The sponsor shall comply with the escrow and trust fund
requirements of General Business Law 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.
(2) 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 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
entered into between the sponsor, the purchaser and the escrow agent, 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 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 the escrow agreement. The
authorized signatories on any 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 is 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
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 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 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, 120 Broadway,
23rd Floor, New York, N.Y. 10271. 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 et seq.
(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 General
Business Law section 352-h.
(b) The
escrow agent shall release the funds if so directed:
(1) pursuant to terms and conditions set
forth in the escrow agreement upon closing of the individual
transaction;
(2) in a subsequent
writing signed by both sponsor and purchaser;
(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 clause (b) of this subparagraph, 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 clause (b) of this
subparagraph. However, the escrow agent shall also have the right at any time
to deposit the funds contained in any escrow account with the clerk of a court
in the county in which the interest offered pursuant to the plan 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. A copy of such form shall be annexed as
an exhibit in Part II of the plan. 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;
(2) a final, non-appealable order or judgment
or order 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-21 of the submission.
(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
offering plan or in a purchase agreement.
(xiii) Trust obligation of sponsor. Nothing
contained herein shall diminish or impair the sponsor's statutory obligation to
each purchaser pursuant to General Business Law 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 General Business Law
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.
(3) 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 section
22.2(c)(6)(ii)
(v) (B-22) of this Part 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.
(4) 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 a licensed insurance company which
agrees to act as surety for the amount of such down payments or
deposits.
(i) Deposits into escrow
account(s). 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 or
accounts, established pursuant to and in compliance with paragraph (2) 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 (6) of this
subdivision or until there is an undisputed purchaser default or a final,
non-reviewable determination by the Attorney General or final, non-appealable
order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction 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 the individual
transaction;
(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
determination 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 by 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 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 final, non-appealable order or
judgment of a court.
(5) 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 subparagraph
(2)(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
paragraph (3)(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 or accounts established pursuant to and in
compliance with paragraph (2) 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 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 the individual
transaction;
(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
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; or
(i) notice if
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 paragraph (3) 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 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 so 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.
(6)
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
(2) 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 any
escrow account.
(7) If the
plan provides for the construction of residential homes, 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.
(8) 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.
(9) Any "time is of the essence" provision
concerning purchasers' obligations must be explained in easily understandable
terms and must be highlighted as a special risk.
(10) State when sponsor expects the first
closing of a home or lot to occur which should correspond to the first year of
operation projected in Schedule A. State that if a date set for closing is
delayed by the sponsor 12 months or more, purchaser will be offered
rescission.
(11) Sponsor must make
a written demand for payment after default at least 30 days before forfeiture
of the deposit may be declared.
(12) The plan shall state that at sponsor's
option purchasers who have received the plan and all filed amendments 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 post marked
within the seven day period; or
(ii) not fewer than three business days to
review the offering plan and all filed amendments prior to executing a purchase
agreement.
(13) 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 home pursuant to an
interim lease (or written agreement with the sponsor) or legal title to the
home 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.
(14) A complete copy of
the contract of sale must be included in the plan.
(15) 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 or a commitment and the risk, if any, that the commitment may
expire or that the terms of 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.
(16) The plan and contract of sale must
provide that any conflict between the plan and the contract of sale will be
resolved according to the terms of the plan.
(17) State that within a specified number of
days after a purchaser delivers an executed contract of sale together with the
required deposit, the sponsor must either accept the contract and return a
fully executed counterpart to the purchaser or reject the contract 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.
(18) 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.
(19)
State whether sponsor will permit the assignment or transfer of purchase
agreements.
(l)
Financing for qualified purchasers.
Disclose the terms of any commitment by sponsor or a lender
designated or procured by sponsor to finance the purchase of homes or lots. 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 home or lot 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 home or lot owners. If any mortgage is a
"negative amortization" mortgage, highlight as a special risk and explain the
meaning and the additional risks and costs to the home or lot 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 of 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 home or lot owner's right
to alter, improve, sell, lease, purchase, own, occupy, finance or otherwise
acquire, use or dispose of a home or lot.
(13) Events of default.
Describe the material events of default entitling the
lender to accelerate the principal indebtedness and describe grace periods
granted to home or lot 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 mortgages to home or lot
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
22.2(c)(1) of
this Part.
(m)
Terms of sale.
(1) Describe the
type of deed, if any, given to the HOA. 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 the form of HOA property 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 to the HOA facilities that occurs before the transfer
of the property to the HOA.
(3) For
offering plans that are not subject to the provisions of General Business Law
section 352-e e, state that a closing will be taking 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 home closed or building in which the home is located, if
applicable.
(4) State that title to
the HOA property will be conveyed to the HOA at the closing free and clear of
all liens, encumbrances and title exceptions other than those described in the
plan and the proposed HOA deed. Describe all leases, mortgages, liens,
encumbrances and title exceptions that will affect the HOA 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 the
declaration of covenants, restrictions, easements and liens and such other
documents as required by law will be recorded or filed prior to the first
conveyance of title to a home or lot in accordance with the disclosure
contained in the offering plan; and state the place of recording.
(6) State that, if applicable, prior to any
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. If any transfer tax is to be paid by the purchaser,
highlight this fact as a special risk and disclose an approximate amount which
must be paid by the purchaser.
(n)
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 obligation to defend any suits or proceedings arising out of
sponsor's acts or omissions and to indemnify the board of directors and the
home or lot owners.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) If applicable, state the
minimum number of homes that the sponsor is obligated to build and describe
what HOA property the sponsor is obligated to improve or construct. Describe
any additional HOA property that the sponsor is obligated to improve or
construct if more than the minimum number of homes is built. State the
projected date(s) by which sponsor will decide whether to construct homes in
each related offering plan or in related sections or phases. Project the
approximate completion date of all sections or phases to be sold in conjunction
with member ship interests in the HOA. Disclose the construction timetable for
the HOA property, related sections or phases, and additional HOA property,
including the timetable for landscaping.
(5) For offering plans involving construction
or rehabilitation of HOA property, 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 HOA property. Project the timetable for
procuring a firm commitment for construction financing.
(6) State the sponsor's obligation for
offering plans involving construction or rehabilitation of HOA property to
build and complete the HOA property in accordance with the building plans and
specifications identified in the plan and sponsor's right to substitute
equipment or materials of lesser quality or design.
(7) State that the sponsor agrees to pay for
the authorized and proper work involved in the construction, establishment and
sale of all HOA property 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.
(8)
State that the sponsor will file the declaration and will convey HOA property
to the HOA in a particular phase or section prior to closing title to the first
home or lot in that phase or section. If applicable, state that the HOA
property will be released from the provisions of any land or construction loan
mortgages prior to closing title to the first home or lot. If applicable, state
that sponsor will complete construction of all streets, sidewalks and parking
facilities serving a home or the building in which the home is located and any
other facilities that are vital to the health and safety of the owners prior to
closing title to the first home. If the municipality permits occupancy and the
sponsor escrows funds for completion, closing may occur if such facilities are
not vital to the health and safety of the owners.
(9) For offering plans involving any
construction or rehabilitation, state that the sponsor agrees to deliver a set
of "as-built" plans of common property improvements to the board of directors,
including specifications of roads, sewers and/or water lines and a
representation that the plans or specifications are in substantial compliance
with the disclosure in the offering plan. If the plans or specifications, as
built, are not in substantial compliance with the disclosure in the offering
plan, the plan must be amended and rescission must be offered to all purchasers
and members.
(10) 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
obligation to complete construction of HOA property. If no security is
furnished, highlight as a special risk.
(11) State that if the sponsor is in control
of the board the sponsor shall procure fire and casualty insurance for the HOA
property pursuant to an agreed amount replacement cost policy or in an amount
sufficient to avoid co-insurance, as reflected in Schedule A.
(12) State that in the event of the
dissolution or liquidation of the sponsor or the transfer of three or more
homes or lots to a purchaser who is not purchasing for occupancy by the
purchaser or one or more members of his or her immediate family, the principals
of the sponsor will provide financially responsible entities or individuals who
at the time of engaging in sales activity will assume the status and all of the
obligations of the sponsor for those transferred homes or lots under the
offering plan, applicable laws or regulations. State that if the original
sponsor is dissolved or liquidated, the principals of the original sponsor will
guarantee the obligations of the new sponsor.
(13) As long as sponsor has unsold homes or
lots which are offered for sale pursuant to the offering plan, sponsor shall
amend the plan whenever there is a change in the budget or when one year has
passed since the budget was last updated. The prior year's certified financial
statements for the HOA must be included even if sponsor assumes responsibility
for all HOA operating expenses. The financial statements shall comply with
subdivision (h) of this section and be submitted within three months of the end
of the latest fiscal year of operation of the HOA.
(14) State that at or prior to the transfer
of the HOA property to the HOA, sponsor will assign any manufacturer's
warranties with respect to equipment and appliances installed in the HOA
property to the board of directors.
(15) If sponsor has a right of access to
complete construction of the HOA property or homes to be built in conjunction
with the HOA, describe sponsor's obligation to repair damages and the extent to
which sponsor can interfere with the members' use.
(16) State that title to HOA property will be
insured at closing by a title company that is authorized to do business in the
state where the HOA is located. State the amount of coverage or how the amount
will be derived.
(17) State that
any mortgages or liens which remain on the property after closing on the first
home or lot shall be subordinate to the declaration.
(18) State sponsor's obligation with respect
to common charges and assessments on unsold lots or homes in conformity with
paragraph (p)(3) of this section. Sponsor must represent that it has the
financial resources to meet its obligations with respect to unsold lots or
homes and state the means by which it will fund these financial obligations. If
the funding source is stated as income from projected sales, disclose whether
other sources of funding will be utilized if such projected sales are not
made.
(19) If roads and/or sewer,
and/or water lines are to be constructed in accordance with local government
specifications (for public roads), state that sponsor will amend the plan after
completion of such amenities, but prior to conveyance of the common property to
the HOA, to include a certification by an engineer or architect (who must be
registered as an architect or be licensed to practice as a professional
engineer in the jurisdiction where the HOA is located) stating that the roads,
and/or sewers, and/or water lines have, in fact, been constructed in accordance
with such local government specification, and indicating the date of
completion. In the alternative, and/or if the construction of the roads and/or
sewers, and/or water lines has not been completed prior to conveyance to the
HOA, sponsor must post a bond or escrow funds or provide other adequate
security in an amount to be determined by a licensed engineer which amount
shall not be less than the amount required to complete such construction to the
required specifications.
(o)
Control by the sponsor.
Describe the extent to which sponsor will or may control
the board of directors after the closing of the first home or lot 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 directors
for more than five years after the closing of the first home or lot or after 50
percent of the minimum number of lots or homes have closed, whichever is
sooner. Specify the manner and timing in which the sponsor will relinquish
control of the board of directors. 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 A, 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) Highlight as a special risk if 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 more than
five years after the closing of the first home or lot or whenever the unsold
homes or lots constitute less than 25 percent of the minimum number of homes or
lots, whichever is sooner.
(4)
State that while sponsor is in control of the board of directors, no mortgage
liens will be placed on the HOA property without the consent of at least 51
percent of the home or lot owners, excluding sponsor or sponsor's
nominees.
(5) State that while
sponsor is in control of the board of directors, certified financial statements
will be provided each year to members.
(p)
The association.
(1) Summarize the important provisions of the
declaration of covenants, restrictions, easements and liens including the
following:
(i) Sponsor must record and file
the declaration prior to closing title to any home or lot.
(ii) Describe the purpose of the HOA, and the
easements created by the declaration. State that membership in the HOA is
mandatory for home or lot owners. State the minimum number of homes or lots
that will be part of the HOA and the maximum number of homes or lots that may
be part of the HOA, and any time limits within which the sponsor has the option
to include additional homes.
(iii)
State the expiration date of the convenants and restrictions and whether the
provisions of such covenants and restrictions will be extended
thereafter.
(iv) Describe any
restrictions on who may become a member of the HOA; restrictions on exterior
architectural changes, design, color, landscaping or appearance; restrictions
on occupancy density; restrictions on the kind, number or use of vehicles;
restrictions against renting, mortgaging or conveying property; restrictions on
commercial activity; or any other restrictions. If there are any occupancy
restrictions based on age, or family composition, these must be highlighted as
a special risk and a counsel's opinion with regard to the legality of such
restriction pursuant to Federal and state law must be included in the
plan.
(v) State that any land or
construction loan mortgage on any part of the planned development will be
subordinate to the declaration, or include a convenant which insures the HOA's
and/or the home or lot owner's undisturbed use of the premises for the purposes
described in the plan even in the event of foreclosure.
(vi) Describe any requirement of members to
maintain fire or other insurance on homes and the consequences if a member does
not do so.
(vii) State whether the
declaration allows the sponsor to annex other real estate, and describe the
effect of further annexation.
(viii) Describe any provisions that do not
apply to the sponsor or to a mortgagee who takes title by deed in lieu of
foreclosure or by foreclosure.
(2) Describe the management, operation and
membership of the HOA.
(i) State the date or
projected date and statutory authority under which the HOA was or will be
incorporated.
(ii) State the number
and composition of the board of directors, eligibility requirements, elections
and when the first meeting will be held. Highlight as a special risk if the
first meeting of the board of directors will not be held within six months of
the first closing. State whether and under what circumstances officers and
directors may be removed.
(iii)
Describe voting procedure, the vote needed to amend the HOA's declaration or
bylaws and the vote needed for extraordinary items such as capital
improvements.
(iv) State the names
and business addresses of the existing officers and directors of the HOA and
their relationship, if any, to sponsor, sponsor's principals or sponsor's
attorney.
(v) State when
association charges will first be levied against owners, how the charges can be
increased or decreased, how charges and delinquent charges will be collected,
whether unpaid charges bear interest and the rate, whether unpaid charges will
be a lien on a member's property, whether members will be assessed with late
charges and/or attorney fees for collecting unpaid charges, whether the lien
for unpaid charges will be subordinate to a first mortgage, whether a member
with unpaid charges can use HOA property other than property for ingress and
egress from his or her home. Highlight as a special risk if voting rights may
be suspended for nonpayment of assessments. State whether fines or other
penalties will be levied for violation of rules and regulations promulgated
from time to time by the HOA.
(3) After the first closing has occurred,
sponsor's obligation for association charges for unsold homes or lots shall be
not less than an amount calculated in accordance with one of the following
provisions:
(i) sponsor will be obligated for
association charges including supplemental charges on all unsold homes or lots;
or
(ii) sponsor will be obligated
for the difference between the actual Association expenses including reserves
applicable to completed improvements as provided for in the association's
budget, and the association charges levied on owners who have closed title to
their homes or lots as projected in Schedule A of the offering plan which shall
be paid to the association on a monthly basis.
(q)
Opinions of counsel.
(1) Counsel for sponsor or independent
counsel must render an unqualified signed opinion on firm letterhead as to
whether under present law, regulations, rulings and decisional law and based on
the terms of the offering plan:
(i) The
declaration of covenants, restrictions, easements and liens when recorded will
be legal and valid, including specific reference to age restrictions, if
any.
(ii) Members of the HOA will
or will not be entitled to deduct any portion of Association charges for
federal or state income tax purposes.
(iii) The HOA will qualify as a tax-exempt
organization under Internal Revenue Code section 528. If applicable, describe
the extent of the exemption from income taxes for an HOA that elects to be
treated as a tax exempt organization under section
528 of the Internal Revenue Code. If
applicable, discuss Internal Revenue Code section 277.
(iv) The HOA property and homes sold in
conjunction with the HOA, if built in accordance with the plans and
specifications, will conform to applicable zoning ordinances and statutes. This
opinion may be included by amendment to the plan before the first closing
occurs.
(v) The HOA will be liable
for sales, corporate or franchise taxes pursuant to state or local
law.
(2) Tax counsel's
opinion may not contain a general disclaimer of liability. It may limit
liability if the facts represented by sponsor were not true or if there are
changes in the applicable law and regulations, decisional law or Internal
Revenue Service rulings. It may state that it is an opinion, not a guarantee of
outcome.
(3) Suggested language for
the disclaimer of liability is set forth below:
This opinion is based solely on the facts and documents
referred to above. No warranties are made that the tax laws upon which counsel
bases this opinion will not change. In no event will the sponsor, the sponsor's
counsel, the counsel to the HOA, the selling agent or any other person be
liable if by reason of future changes in fact or applicable law, regulation,
decisional law or Internal Revenue Service rulings, the tax status should cease
to meet the requirements contained in this opinion.
(r)
Local government
approval.
If applicable, state when the local government approved any
zoning changes or plans and drawings. Furnish a preliminary subdivision map or
a legal opinion as to why a subdivision map is not necessary. Represent that
sponsor will furnish a filed subdivision map when received. If use or ownership
of waterways, wetlands or other environmentally sensitive areas are involved,
fully disclose government jurisdiction, permits required, and restrictions on
use, if applicable.
(s)
Reserve fund and/or working capital fund.
The offering plan shall state in two separate sections of
the plan whether the HOA will have funds for working capital and/or as a
reserve for capital expenditures. The offering plan shall 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; any restrictions on the use of each fund;
and when the funds will be available to the HOA. If a fund is called a reserve
fund, it may be used only for capital expenditures, and the HOA'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 HOA
operation.
(1) The plan shall provide
that while the sponsor is in control of the board of directors, the reserve
fund or working capital fund may not be used to reduce projected maintenance
charges, or sponsor's obligation to pay a deficit. Disclose for what purposes
the working capital fund, if any, can be used.
(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) Discuss the HOA's
available means and options to finance needed capital expenditures such as
renewal or replacement of HOA property components or systems or to remedy major
building defects.
(4) 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.
(t)
Management agreement, contracts and leases.
(1) Summarize the important terms of the
management agreement, if any, 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 association charges are provided;
(v) the obligation, if any, of the HOA 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;
(vii) the
right of the board of directors 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 HOA including the name of the contractor, the
services rendered or received, the annual income or cost and the expiration
date of the contract.
(3) Highlight
as a special risk if any contract is binding on the HOA for more than five
years after the anticipated closing date for the first home or lot unless it is
customary to enter into a long-term contract for the service rendered. Note
whether the contract is with a business affiliate or principal of the
sponsor.
(4) Disclose the material
terms of all leases with the HOA, 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, 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) the lease generates or
is expected to generate less income than the pro rata share of expenses
attributable to the leased space; or
(c) 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 HOA 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 director'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
character of the development, and barring offensive uses. State whether consent
of the board of directors is required before a lessee can assign or sublet
space, change the current uses, alter the structure, or perform work that may
result in mechanics' liens.
(u)
Identity of parties.
(1) State the names, business addresses,
backgrounds and experience of sponsor, and principals of sponsor as defined in
section 22.1(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 the
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 HOA subsequent to the
commencement of HOA 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.
(v)
Reports
to members.
State that it is the obligation of the board of directors
of the HOA to give all HOA members annually:
(1) a financial statement of the HOA 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
directors;
(2) prior notice of the
annual home or lot owners' meeting; and
(3) a copy of the proposed annual budget of
the HOA by a specified number of days prior to the date set for adoption
thereof by the board of directors; while the sponsor is in control of the board
of directors such budget shall be certified in compliance with section
22.4(d) of this
Part.
(w)
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 directors a copy of all documents filed with the
appropriate recording office at the time of the closing of the first home or
lot.
(x)
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 HOA or the operation of
the HOA.
(2) Disclose whether the
property was the subject of any prior cooperative, condominium or HOA
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
22.5(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.
(y)
Sponsor's statement of specifications or building condition.
If applicable, include the following provisions:
(1) Sponsor must adopt the description of
property and specifications or 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 HOA 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 home or lots
offered is identical to the number of homes or lots stated in the approved site
plan, and whether the proposed use of the buildings constructed on HOA property
is the same as the use indicated in the certificate of occupancy for the HOA
property.
(4) Note any official
inspection reports reflecting upon the 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) 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.