Co-op law that flopped in NYC, soars in Suffolk

A set of co-op board anti-discrimination standards that failed to obtain New York City Council approval three years ago has found new life in Suffolk County, where co-op approval boards will now be required to provide a list of reasons for not accepting potential tenants. The law also requires that co-op boards provide the same application materials and information to all applicants. A similar law failed to take shape in New York City, even though more than half of the City Council was originally in support of the bill. While some groups, including the New York State Association of Realtors, have been long-time supporters of a disclosure legislation imposed on co-op boards, influential city groups, such as the Real Estate Board of New York, have emerged as vociferous opponents. Marolyn Davenport, senior vice president of REBNY, said that the board’s stance on the matter was resolute. “We’ve opposed any legislation that would require co-op boards to disclose their reason for refusal,” Davenport said.