co-op board restrictions on a renovation

[penpod]

We are trying to add a bathroom to our apartment. the co-op board is requiring that we have every single owner apt. line below us indemnify us in case of leaks. we are on the 6th floor, so we would be responsible for any leak that occurs between any floors below us. they also want this indemnity to apply to all future buyers of our apt in perpetuity. this seems outrageous to us. we are wondering if this is even legal and enforceable.
any advice would be greatly appreciated.
thank you.

 

[dee_dub]

I think you mean to say the board wants you to indemnify every single owner below you in case of leaks, not the other way 'round.

It's probably legal and enforceable if you agree to it. They can't force you to do anything - you have the option of not installing the bathroom. I agree, it's pretty onerous on you - so negotiate something more reasonable. Indemnifying everybody underneath you in case of leaks actually seems reasonable - they're the ones at risk. But presumably the risk is that the bathroom will leak because the work or parts are shoddy. So see if they'll agree to you guaranteeing that it'll be built to code, and putting a time limit on your liability: full indemnity for 2 years or something.