Page 4 - NJ Cooperator Spring 2020

4 THE NEW JERSEY COOPERATOR —SPRING 2020 NJCOOPERATOR.COM COVID-19 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Th e COVID-19 pandemic has brought apartment number of the resident should unique and challenging situations to each not be disclosed to the other residents. If a of us. Our cooperative and condominium board learns someone has decided to self- clients, and their managing agents, have quarantine, the board should not disclose been working diligently to keep pace as this this. People self-quarantine for many rea- crisis unfolds. First and foremost, we hope sons, and may not pose an immediate or to visit their elderly parent who lives alone. be dependent on fi nishing a project so they that you and all of your families are safe imminent danger. Regardless of what the While boards may ban large gatherings, can reside in the apartment, etc. Boards and well. We have been advising our clients on act appropriately: wash hands with soap of- particular situations as they arise and will ten, use disinfectant on surfaces, and keep we have seen no such governmental guide- continue to be available to do so. Below hands away from their mouth, nose, and lines which recommend limiting all guests in the building or did not stop building- are our thoughts on issues which have eyes. arisen repeatedly over the past few days. Of course, boards need to use their best judg- ment for their particular building. We are here to answer any questions you have. Q. If a resident tests positive for COVID-19, or is self-quarantined, should we tell the other residents and sta ? A. Residents should be notifi ed if the vice calls be suspended. Emergencies must board or management receives notifi cation be dealt with individually. that someone tests positive for COVID-19 in the building. However, the name and residents are told, they must continue to or limit the number of people who will be could be subject to damages for stopping Q. Should employees make service calls inside apartments? A. Before making a service call, staff is it certainly would be prudent, but boards permitted to ask residents if they are sick or must consider each on a case-by-case basis have been exposed to the virus. We believe based on a number of considerations. that, rather than put staff in that position, the board may want to direct that all ser- Q. Can we ban all non-residents from the building? A. It is very impractical to ban all non- residents. For example, a child might want may have contracts with their contractor, permitted into an apartment for an event, projects and disrupting the lives of owners, to multifamily dwellings. However, encour- aging residents not to invite non-residents which contracts have already been signed into the building is certainly a sensible or that are legally mandated, we suggest idea. As to banning certain non-residents you discuss the consequences with counsel (such as dog walkers, tutors, nannies, etc.), before suspending operations. Q. Should our building immediately stop all renovation projects in the building? A. We believe a board may have the ages in the lobby or outside of the building. right to stop renovations during this time, but doing so is not without risk. While a board could waive any monies to which it is entitled in its alteration agreement with the owner due to a delay in a project, the owner especially if the board allowed other guests wide projects. As to building projects for Q. What should we do about deliveries? A. We recommend that no delivery per- sonnel be permitted past the entrance of the building and that in most cases resi- dents pick up their packages or food pack- Looking for a NJ Property Management company that takes as much pride in your prop- erty as you do? Tired of being underserved and overcharged? With decades of experience, our team of experts is committed to providing superior service for properties of all sizes. Your Home is Our Priority! our Home is Our Priority! Superior Service * Communication * Transparency * Technology Y Call for a free Quote 888-315-7773 www.denalipm.com continued on page 19 COVID-19 For Condos, Co-ops & HOAs BY ANDREW P. BRUCKER, PETER MASSA, AND DALE DEGENSHEIN Q A& Keeping up with the Crisis