In March 2026, the New York City and New York State Bar Associations approved a new form of alteration agreement for condominium units. The form is not mandatory, but it was developed to promote a more uniform and predictable process for reviewing apartment renovations in condominium buildings.
This client alert addresses the changes to the most recent form of alteration agreement for condominium boards. The final version of the form can be found HERE.
Background
Condominium alteration agreements have long served as an agreement between a condominium board and a unit owner undertaking renovation work. In practice, these agreements typically address plans, insurance, contractor qualifications, building protections, work hours, and responsibility for damage to common areas and neighboring units.
Until this year, there was no New York City Bar Association form for condominium alterations. There was, however, a form of alteration agreement for cooperative buildings which was last updated in 2010. The new condominium alteration agreement was developed over several years by the City Bar’s Committee on Condominium & Cooperative Law and through collaboration between the City and State Bars.
What The New Form Covers
The City Bar’s notes accompanying the new form which can be found HERE explain that it is intended to address a number of issues that had been handled unevenly from building to building. Among other things, it distinguishes between “Proposed Plans” and “Approved Plans,” expands the list of materials the unit owner must submit with the agreement, and clarifies that signing the alteration agreement does not, in itself, authorize work to begin.
The form also sets out a more formal approval sequence by requiring a board consent letter and specified pre-conditions before work starts, including contractor agreements, insurance, governmental approvals, and at least 10 business days’ prior written notice. In addition, it gives the board inspection rights during the work and permits the board to halt further work if it believes unsafe conditions exist or the work is not proceeding in accordance with the approved plans, governing documents, or applicable law.
It is important to note that the new form is designed as an industry template rather than a one-size-fits-all document. Condominium boards may find it useful as a framework, but most buildings will still need revisions to reflect their own house rules, staffing, construction policies, and insurance requirements.
The foregoing is not intended to be comprehensive nor constitute legal advice. If you would like to discuss your specific circumstances or would like more information, feel free to contact us at (212) 625-8505.