NY A03157

Creates the Office of the Cooperative and Condominium Ombudsman within the Department of Law, headed by an ombudsman appointed by the Attorney General with expertise in real estate, cooperative and condominium law, and alternative dispute resolution.

Grants the office authority to educate residents and board members on legal rights, provide mediation and arbitration services, monitor elections, subpoena witnesses, and refer complaints to law enforcement agencies.

Establishes a principal office in New York City and satellite offices in locations with significant cooperative or condominium housing concentrations.

Imposes an annual fee of six dollars per residential unit on cooperative housing corporations and homeowners associations, with all revenue directed to the Office of the Cooperative and Condominium Ombudsman Fund.

Creates a dedicated special fund in the State Comptroller's custody to be used exclusively for staffing and administration of the ombudsman office, with funds kept separate from other state monies.