When Your Neighbor Renovates, How Do You Protect Your Home?

Herrick litigation partner, Andrew J. Wagner, was quoted in The New York Times "Ask Real Estate" column where he discussed legal protections available to the neighbors of buildings undergoing renovation.

The article noted that if renovations of a building require entrance to a neighboring property, the owner of the building can pursue a license in court that allows them access. This license also sets conditions such as insurance, safety and compensation. It also would apply to the landlord and address any damage caused by the work, said Andrew.

The article explained that a cost-effective and faster alternative to pursuing a license through the courts is a private access agreement. "While the adjoining property owner is entitled by law to do the work," Andrew said, "it must be conditioned upon them paying a reasonable license fee to the building owner and the tenant."

Read the full article in The New York Times "Ask Real Estate" column here. Access may require a subscription.