A family looking for a condo in Staten Island once turned away just before signing a contract due to their large dog. The building's regulations (CC&Rs) limited pet weight to 25 pounds. It's not uncommon for people to check only the maintenance fees and find out about pet regulations later, but it's worth noting that these rules are also determined by the HOA (Homeowners Association).

In terms of maintenance fees, Staten Island is considered a place where you can find condos at a similar level with relatively lower HOA and co-op costs compared to areas like Brooklyn Heights (bhuiyanproperties.com). Given that the average condo maintenance fee in New York City is $653 per month, Staten Island is likely to have lower fees than this average, which is a favorable aspect. However, just because the fees are low doesn't mean the building regulations are lenient, which can be a concern.

The maintenance fees cover building exterior maintenance, master insurance, common area management, landscaping, garbage collection, and reserve fund contributions, along with detailed regulations regarding pets, rentals, and renovations (CC&Rs, bylaws). For families with pets, it's important to check not only weight limits but also breed restrictions and the number of pets allowed, as these can vary by building, so obtaining and reviewing the regulations before signing a contract can be helpful.

To summarize the items to check, there are three main categories. First is the maintenance fees and their components, second is the reserve fund and financial health, and third is the living regulations represented by the CC&Rs. Among these, the reserve fund is directly related to the risk of special assessments. Buildings with insufficient reserve funds may impose sudden special assessments on residents when major repairs, such as roofing or plumbing, are needed.

New York State does not have a separate state-level mandatory regulation regarding condo reserve funds. There is an exception in New York City ordinances that require 3 percent of the sale price to be set aside as a reserve fund during condo conversions, and a bill (A8945/S7600) to mandate a 30-year reserve fund plan has remained in committee as of mid-2026 (propfusion.com). Mortgage lenders are stricter; Fannie Mae has required that more than 10 percent of maintenance fee income be allocated to the reserve fund, and starting January 4, 2027, this requirement will increase to 15 percent (governingdocs.dev). Buildings that do not meet these standards may be classified as non-warrantable condos, making loans more difficult to obtain.

The national average HOA maintenance fee ranges from $200 to $400, while buildings with more amenities can exceed $500 to $1,000 (nar.realtor, realtor.com). Staten Island has a relatively higher number of small to mid-sized buildings compared to new condos in other New York City boroughs, so while maintenance fees may be lower, there is also a possibility of encountering buildings with lower reserve fund capacity.

Families moving from other states may set their budgets based on property taxes or insurance rates from their previous residences, potentially overlooking the unique cost structure of New York City. If you are looking in areas with school districts preferred by Korean families, it is beneficial to check the school district ratings along with pet regulations and maintenance fee levels. School district boundaries change frequently, so be sure to verify the specific address before purchasing.

Items to check before signing a contract include:

• Pet, rental, and renovation regulations in the CC&Rs
• Recent financial statements and reserve fund ratios
• Whether a reserve study has been conducted
• Percentage of delinquent units and litigation history
• Non-warrantable status and loan availability

While low maintenance fees are certainly advantageous, checking the regulations and reserve funds is essential to gauge actual living satisfaction and resale potential. Taxes and regulations can vary by building and county, so be sure to verify based on individual listings. This article is not investment or legal advice, and consulting a professional before signing a contract is recommended.