"Private Outdoor Space" listings

Because random person off the street cannot use it. Not public, hence private. Duh!!!!

there's also a grayer world of coop space a particular shareholder has exclusive use of but which the coop reserves certain rights to. For example, only PH1 can use a portion of the roof (which is separated by a trellis say) but for building maintenance the coop can stage scaffolding and materials on this roof space and at the same time not permit the shareholder to withhold any portion of maintenance. Such could go on for a 2 year facade project for instance. It is private space to the extent the shareholder can sunbathe alone on it, but the shareholder cannot exclude the coop corporation from using it too if necessary. Also, roof space or a patio that is for only adjoining units (say 3 apartments) may be "private" for all 3 to use together, but not private in the sense that one shareholder has exclusive use. In sum, the term "private' carries no inherent meaning and must otherwise be defined.

If you are being serious then they should list the "private hallways", "private elevator" or "private stairwell". Spaces that only you can use should be labeled "super extra private".

inonada
about 2 hours ago

Because random person off the street cannot use it. Not public, hence private. Duh!!!!

The accuracy of the "private outdoor space" designation (or any description of the property) is up to the listing broker. You might not have noticed, but some brokers are given to exaggeration, while others do not vet their entries for accuracy. There yet others who are just plain idiots - they believe that any space not on the street is private. Along the same line, you may notice some units described as being in "move-in condition" that are actually terrible, scary wrecks, and many so-called "spacious apartments" are the size of medium dog crates.
The funny thing is that you'll also see listings that really do have outdoor space, but don't list it, thus not showing up in your search. The only consistent thread here is that many brokers are quite stupid, and often work against their own interests.

"The funny thing is that you'll also see listings that really do have outdoor space, but don't list it, thus not showing up in your search. "

VERY true! This is the case in my building, where they used Citi as the broker (owner paid fee.) They had several units with terraces but DID NOT ADVERTISE THEM! Ditto for my last doorman bldg in BPC. I was SIGNING the lease for a non-terrace apt when I overheard an agent on the phone saying they had one with a terrace left...which they had not shown me. Which I took.