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June 25, 2009
Dealing with Bad Neighbor?
My parents' basement has been flooding when it rains. The source of the water seems to be a wall shared with a vacant house that was recently purchased by an investor. There is no plumbing on my parent's side of the wall, but the neighbor's basement sewer pipe runs along the wall.
My parents have called the owner to try to confirm the source of the flooding and to ask that he make the necessary repairs. They have received no response.
How should my parents proceed? Will the city allow a plumber to access the property by forcing the door? Any other ideas?
Comments
If you suspect a water leak from plumbing, City can come in and shut the water off. This happened while the flipper we bought from was still "renovating" our house (long before closing,but that's another story). Pipes froze and burst and next door neighbors called 311. FDNY broke down door and shut the water off. Do your parents hear any running water?
Posted by: slopefarm at June 25, 2009 9:53 AM
Sorry, I read your post really poorly. If you are getting no response from the owner, start memorializing the problem in letters to the owner, keep a log, keep records, and call DOB to complain. I don't think DOB will break in, however.
Posted by: slopefarm at June 25, 2009 11:22 AM
It's my understanding that DOB cannot enter unless invited in. Never a good thing to do on your own property.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 25, 2009 1:19 PM
"It's my understanding that DOB cannot enter unless invited in."
Thus confirms my hypothesis that the DOB are blood sucking vampires.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 25, 2009 1:47 PM
If you're having trouble reaching the owners and days/weeks have passed, time to get a lawyer, call in favors, definitely document EVERYTHING.
Posted by: Joe from Brooklyn at June 25, 2009 1:54 PM
I was waiting for someone to say that. (the vampire comment)
Posted by: Joe from Brooklyn at June 25, 2009 1:56 PM
if you can't get satisfaction from the neighbor, call 311 and file a complaint. it will be investigated, no one has to break in.
Posted by: raphael9 at June 25, 2009 7:01 PM
Thanks all for the tips!
I was really hoping that they would not have to resort to an attorney -- much expense and hassle for all. We will try 311 first.
Posted by: butterfingers at June 26, 2009 7:14 PM
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