NYC Co-op Board Move Requirements You Should Know

Moving into a New York City co-op is fundamentally different from relocating to a rental apartment. Co-op boards enforce strict regulations to protect the building, minimize resident disruption, and maintain property values.  Violating these requirements can result in significant fines, denied access, or rescinded move-in approval. Why Co-op Boards Enforce Strict Moving Rules When you purchase a co-op, you are buying shares in a corporation that owns the building rather than the real estate itself. The board acts as the governing body with broad authority to regulate building use, including the logistics of moving. These strict rules are not arbitrary. Co-op buildings face substantial costs when moves go poorly. Damaged elevator doors can cost $15,000 to replace, while scratched lobby floors require professional refinishing.  Moving-related insurance claims also impact the building's premiums. Boards implement these requirements to prevent such expenses and enforce them strictly. The Certificate of Insurance (COI) Requirement Every co-op board requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your moving company in NYC. Most boards will refuse entry to any movers without this document. Standard COI requirements typically include: •  General Liability Coverage: Minimum of $1 million, though many boards now require $2 million. •  Workers' Compensation: Coverage for all crew members involved in the move. •  Additional Insured Status: The co-op corporation must be named as an additionally insured party on the certificate. •  Current Dates: Insurance must be active specifically on your move date. Most boards require the COI to be submitted five to ten business days before your move. It is recommended to request this document from your movers at least three weeks in advance to resolve any errors, such as incorrect building names or inadequate coverage limits. Elevator Reservations and Logistics Co-op elevator reservations are typically first-come, first-served and can be booked months in advance. Most buildings require a minimum of two to four weeks' notice, though summer moves may require six to eight weeks. Buildings often require the exclusive use of a service elevator in specific four-hour blocks. Boards may also mandate professional padding installation to protect the elevator interior or the presence of a building porter during the reservation. Competition for these slots is intense at the end of the month, so scheduling mid-month or mid-week can help secure a preferred time. Restricted Moving Hours Co-op moving hours are strictly enforced and vary by building. Typical restrictions include: •  Weekdays: Moves are generally allowed between 9 AM and 5 PM, though some buildings restrict starts until 10 AM or require completion by 3 PM. •  Weekends: Saturdays are often permitted with weekday hours, but Sundays are frequently prohibited. •  Holidays: Moves are rarely allowed on holidays or the day before major holidays. Violating these hours can lead to an immediate stop-work order or fines ranging from $500 to $2,000. Because a typical two-bedroom move takes six to eight hours, these constraints require precise planning to avoid running over the allotted time. Building Protection Standards Co-op boards hold residents financially responsible for any damage caused during a move. To prevent this, boards require comprehensive protection measures, including: •  Floor Runners: Heavy-duty protection like Ram board on lobby floors and hallways. •  Wall Padding: Corner guards and wall protection in tight hallway clearances. •  Door Jamb Protection: Padding around apartment and common area entry doors. Managing agents often conduct before-and-after inspections of common areas to document existing conditions. Professional moving crews should arrive with these materials and install them before any furniture is moved. This is especially critical in pre-war buildings with historic finishes that are expensive to repair. Move-In and Move-Out Deposits Many co-ops require a security deposit before allowing a move to proceed. These deposits, ranging from $500 to $2,000, protect the building against potential damages or cleanup costs. Deposits are typically due one to two weeks before the move and are refunded within 30 to 60 days following a successful damage inspection. Some buildings may retain a non-refundable portion for cleaning or inspection fees. Timeline for Compliance Successful co-op moves require following a specific documentation sequence to avoid postponement: •  Six to Eight Weeks Prior: Hire your movers, request the COI, and submit an elevator reservation request. •  Two to Three Weeks Prior: Submit the completed move application and the COI to the managing agent. •  One Week Prior: Pay the move deposit and confirm the final schedule with building staff. Experience with specific buildings is invaluable when navigating these requirements. Professional movers who understand co-op compliance instinctively will maintain the proper documentation, arrive with the correct protection materials, and respect the strict timeline constraints that ensure a successful move.