Have you ever wondered if you can legally paint your neighbor’s fence — or even remove it — if it crosses onto your land? Or whether you can sue your neighbor for water runoff that damages your property?
Here in New York, property lines matter, especially in the suburbs, and frustration over issues with neighbors can turn into a search for legal options.
Read below to find out what New York state law allows regarding security cameras, fences, stray cats and more.
Can I sell part of my land to my neighbor in NY state?
This question can arise in amicable situations, such as a homeowner who needs a few feet of land for a swimming pool or something else, and a neighbor who is willing to enter into an agreement. It also comes up as a way to resolve neighbor disputes about a lot line, fence or other issue.
Can I remove my neighbor’s fence if it’s on my property? What New York state law allows
Fences don’t just define where a yard ends, but often define relationships between neighbors, too.
Every so often, a homeowner discovers that a fence, shed or landscaping from the next property is actually sitting on their land. And when that happens, it’s natural to ask: Can I take it down?
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Can my neighbor film me on my own property?
While New York state law doesn’t ban neighbors from taking video of you on your property, legal lines are drawn when privacy can be reasonably expected.
Can I sue my neighbor for stray cats on my property?
Neighborhood cats can be a nuisance. In a state with strong animal protection laws and a growing network of community cat programs, figuring out your rights may not be as simple as chasing the cats away.
Can I shoot my neighbor’s chickens if they’re on my property?
If you live in rural New York, or even the suburbs, you may have seen a neighbor’s chickens wander off their property. If they wander onto your property, you could have a problem.
Can I sue my neighbor for water runoff that damages my property?
Digging ditches or adding pipes and drains to redirect stormwater onto a neighbor’s property could land you in hot water.
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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Can my neighbor do that? What New York state law allows if you have issues with neighbors
Reporting by Staff Reports / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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