STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A recently signed law in New York state would open access to adjoining properties during construction or repairs.
On Dec. 5, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law that would provide homeowners access to adjoining properties while making repairs or improvements under certain circumstances.
First introduced in January, the law would “establish a framework for property owners to make improvements and repairs that require access to adjoining property,” according to an explanation of the legislation.
The newly-signed bill also outlines the rights of adjoining property owners during this process, according to the explanation.
In a sub-section of the text of the bill, the law also states that adjoining property owners would have to be compensated for the “loss of use and enjoyment” of the adjoining property during construction.
The homeowner initiating the construction or repairs would also be liable for any damages made to the adjoining property, according to the bill.
In justifying the new legislation, the sponsors of the bill acknowledged that there are some instances where improvements or repairs must spill over onto adjacent properties, and that sometimes an agreement cannot be reached without going to court.
The law, according to the sponsors, would create a “more predictable framework” in these instances to make sure that the projects can be completed “safely and efficiently while protecting the rights of adjoining owners.”
“My bill, A357B is now law—making home and building repairs faster, safer, and easier for everyday New Yorkers,” Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, the lead sponsor of the legislation in the state Assembly, wrote in a social media post celebrating the signing.
“This law creates a clear process for accessing a neighbor’s property when necessary, protecting everyone’s rights and preventing costly delays,” the Democrat representing Queens continued. “A win for homeowners, tenants, and safer communities!”