Yes, for co-ops and condos the subleasing regs are part of the by-laws and the lease signed by the tenant owner of each apartment. For most a limited number of sublets - one or 2 over all or one every 5 years - is allowed - but the time period is limited (usually 6 weeks would not be allowed - more like 6 months to a year) and the subletter has to provide detailed financial info, including tax forms, and references to the board - usually as well as going through a board interview.

Interesting clarifications, I enjoyed ready the replies.

I think the complexity of the co-op systems are astonishing to anyone outside them. It's not a criticism and I understand the potential benefits or even the necessity of these restrictions, but sometimes it's astonishing to those of us who are not New Yorkers, for example the restrictions on pied-a-terres etc. Or maybe it's because I'm just not that familiar with condos, coops or flats. I guess it all depends on how flexible the board is when you come to them with a request as sf7307 did for the summer lease? I remember the issues/hassles well when we sold my father-in-law's place on the UWS.We ended up selling to the brother-in-law of the Board President, no surprise why that sale worked out!

<The subletter has to provide detailed financial info, including tax forms, and references to the board - usually as well as going through a board interview.>

The tedium and hassle of these applications, financials, interviews, tax forms etc for a sic month rental would be enough to put me off - even though I've proved to be a good sublet tenant in the past, always paid the rent, deposits, quiet, been respectful of the rules and the neighbors etc.

<As for the measure that just failed in San Francisco, it failed for a host of reasons> I agree entirely.

And board members often think very highly of themselves.

When one buys into a co-op one is not buying a specific apartment - just shares in the corporation equivalent to the size of the apartment. That means that the finances of each owner can have a significant affect on the finances of other owners - including making it difficult for prospective owners to get a mortgage or even significantly reducing the value of the property - which for most owners is their single greatest asset. And if any owner doesn;t pay their maintenance long term the money comes out of the pockets of other owners.

Most co-ops are NOT the Park Ave multi-million $ apts that try to keep out minorities or "undesirables". Most co-ops are full of middle class people who want to live with other people who will be pleasant neighbors, follow the rules, and have sufficient assets to pay their bills. If one can afford the apartment it is quite rare that an applicant for an apartment is turned down. In all the years I have lived in co-ops (about 25) only two applicants were refused - both for significant lies in their application.

One was the owner of a cash business whose financials looked dicey and a little research showed he was many years behind on alimony and child support for two wives and multiple kids. there is no way the co-op could mix itself up in that mess. The other case was a wealthy couple who said they wanted a pied a terre - but questioning revealed the apt was for their college freshman daughter (and unknown roommate) who refused to provide any info on themselves or turn up for an interview.

When my Mom was buying her coop in Bronxville PO in cash, the board interview was disturbingly invasive. I think a lot of people that take the time to be on a coop board are nosy busy bodies.

I have to say I'm happy that my neighbors don't have any knowledge about my "financials" - and I'm glad not to know about theirs .

But then we're not in a shared financial arrangement.

Perhaps I wasn't clear. Your "neighbors don't get to review your financials. Co-op boards use managing agents or other specialist companies to review the detailed financials (and financial and criminal histories) or each potential tenant. They do not provide details to the board and copies of tax statements are not handed around to anyone.

All the managing agent does is match the finances of the potential buyer against the co-op's standards for the number of shares they are buying - both the initial purchase price and the monthly maintenance. The board gets a negative report only if the prospective owner's income is too small - or not stable - or they have a criminal record. Details are not provided to the board unless the potential owner protests and requests the board to reconsider the information.

And really this is no different than buying a house - the financial information is similar to what a bank requires to approve a mortgage. And in fact this has saved a number of people from getting in over their heads - since unlike banks the board wants the applicant to be able to easily afford the shares - a failure due to overextending credit is not a benefit to the board the way it is to a bank. So with co-ops you don't see a bunch of foreclosure the way you do with many mortgaged private homes.