washer/dryer prohibited - written in stone?

speak to the super. there are many things that are written that are not followed. if you really want to have it, i would have it in the contract.

Anything a seller's broker says should be independently verified. They are salespeople, after all, and salespeople have been known to gild the lily. Not that all do, by any means, but some do.

No matter what anyone tells you, broker, super etc I wouldn't buy the apartment if a w/d is a HAVE to HAVE for you. If its a "nice to have" that's a different story. Its true that some buildings that officially ban w/ds are really "don't ask don't tell". My old building was like that, even Board members--especially Board members--had w/ds even though they were officially prohibited. By if its technically "illegal" you are subject to having to remove it and/or securing Board approval that is never guaranteed. Its the same thing with "no pets" policy, if you have a pet don't move into a "no pets" building even if you are consistently told its a "wink wink" rule.

Sorry, meant to say "But if its technically illegal".

How big of a building? In smaller buildings, the building may never have gotten around to updating the documents.

My building's official documents say no. The real estate agent said yes. The questionnaire that the board filled out for our attorney said yes, with board approval. We asked for clarification and got told yes again.

When asked in our board interview whether we were planning renovations, we said that we would like to follow the proper board procedures to install a washer and dryer. Most agents would advise answering this question with "no" or in a vague manner. We chose to answer honestly because we would have rather been rejected than buy into a building with no laundry facilities and no ability to install. I also felt it would set me up as less than trustworthy to say I was not planning renovations only to submit plans for a renovation a few months later.

My building doesn't even have an alteration agreement (don't get me started). Once we were "in" and had plans ready, I made the sure the board minutes (at least we do that!) indicated that we were approved to install a washer/dryer just in case any dispute ever arises. The president of the co-op also had to sign the renovation plans that were filed with the city, but I'm not sure all W/D installs require filing. (We were doing more than just that.)

I'm on a separate mission to document and update my building's policies, some of which I believe are not legal and/or enforceable due to a combination of lack of documentation, poor wording, ignorance of the laws that apply, and decisions made by the board that technically required shareholder vote. Fortunately, none of these policies impact me -- at least that I know of -- but my effort is not exactly making me the most popular person right now :o. The joys of a small building....

I'd proceed with caution. The bylaws will trump any back-channel deal you make with the super, and it is not likely the board will allow something that is expressly prohibited in the bylaws. If having a dishwasher is important to you I would look elsewhere.

Sorry--meant washer/dryer ^^^

Thanks for all feedback. Lad, Sounds like you covered yourselves. In our case, in this market especially, we are so out of options that we'll take our chances and explore post closing. It was important to us, but if necessary, we'll get to know the laundry room (or have the cleaning woman more often in all honesty). Thanks.