In a co-op in places like White Plains, or New Rochelle in Westchester County, the monthly maintenance fee is a bundled payment that covers many of the building’s operating costs. It’s often higher than a condo’s HOA fee because several expenses are combined into one monthly bill.

What Co-op Maintenance Usually Covers

Most co-op maintenance fees typically include:

1. Property Taxes

• Your share of the building’s real estate taxes.

• The co-op corporation pays the entire tax bill and distributes the cost among shareholders through maintenance.

2. Building Staff and Operations

• Superintendent

• Porters and maintenance staff

• Doorman (if applicable)

• Payroll and benefits for employees

3. Building Utilities (sometimes)
Many co-ops include some utilities such as:

• Heat

• Hot water

• Water/sewer

• Sometimes gas or electricity depending on the building

4. Building Insurance

• Master insurance policy covering the building structure and common areas.

• (You still need your own “walls-in” homeowner policy for your unit.)

5. Building Maintenance and Repairs

• Hallway cleaning

• Elevator service

• Landscaping and snow removal

• Repairs to common areas (roof, boiler, lobby, etc.)

6. Management and Administrative Costs

• Property management company

• Accounting and legal services

• Building management operations

7. Reserve Fund Contributions

• Money set aside for future repairs or capital projects (roof replacement, façade work, etc.).

8. Underlying Building Mortgage (if the building has one)

• Some co-ops have a mortgage on the building itself, and maintenance includes your share of those payments.

What Maintenance Usually Does NOT Cover

You typically still pay separately for:

• Your personal mortgage (share loan)

• Electricity in your apartment

• Internet, cable, phone

• Interior repairs or appliances inside the unit

• Parking or storage fees if applicable

Important for buyers in Westchester:
Co-op maintenance can look high because it often includes property taxes and sometimes heat, while condos list those separately. That’s why comparing condo HOA vs co-op maintenance can be misleading unless you break down what’s included.