Neighbor's Huge Tent
My neighbor put up a tent that is almost the size of the entire yard, has a pitched roof, so goes over 6 feet, and is one foot from my property line. He is a renter. The landlord is unresponsive. Is this legal per zoning laws. It is an eyesore and he will be partying…
My neighbor put up a tent that is almost the size of the entire yard, has a pitched roof, so goes over 6 feet, and is one foot from my property line. He is a renter. The landlord is unresponsive. Is this legal per zoning laws. It is an eyesore and he will be partying all the time.
I pitched a huge tent this morning. I did not receive any complaints…
Clearly, this homeowner is not the most respectful or desirable neighbor either. I am wondering why there was a need to emphasize the point that the person putting up the tent is a renter. As a homeowner and a renter I understand well both sides of the coin. Thankfully, I do not have attitude about renters, but that does not mean I cant read between the lines. What can I say, I dislike short sighted snobs more than smokers. I find it very revealing BB finds excuses for not utilizing a rational, neighborly approach immediately prior to beginning a new sentence complaining about the renter smoking in his own home. I mean really, let a man live! Why not better serve your neighbors and humanity by joining the pickets outside big tobacco companies – Hint Hint – who is the bully here? Talk about a coward with no regard for being a good neighbor – whew! As for the tent being illegal or a fire hazard – sure – if that is the case address the issue but BB’s greatest concern was regarding the tent being an eyesore. Hmmmm – BB does not sound like the kind of homeowner I want to live near. If you ask me BB is a controlling domineering type whose house is probably just as cute as an easter egg. No one on this blog knows a thing about this renter, yet the man is being characterized as a prick. Nice – keep listening to BB. Frankly, If I were BB I would be more concerned with finding a Slander defense attorney than dreaming up a million ways to ruin this neighbors life.
boofer,
It’s not illegal for your neighbor to keep rotting rolls of carpet and computer towers and an old toilet in their yard because those items do not pose safety hazards. However, constructing a tent in a rear yard may violate NYC code if it is erected without necessary permits and without adhering to the size and setback limitations set forth by the code. It’s all about fire safety, and the OP is perfectly within his/her rights to research, complain, and challenge the erection of the tent if it does not comply.
I highly doubt that a tent of the magnitude you describe, requiring a cement foundation, cost $47 or $67. I don’t think you could purchase a tarp that size for that price. Since some posters are quick to call tent guy a prick, let’s play devil’s advocate for a second. Did you ever think that he got the tent to create some privacy? Perhaps he was hoping it would create a sound and smoke barrier in response to your complaints. Maybe it is temporary and he is the poster looking for a large tent for a wedding.
You have to realize that, as others have said, this is NYC. There are millions of people living here and they do not all work a 9 to 5 job or keep “normal” hours. In this city outdoor space is coveted and some people like to sit in their yard with friends and have a drink and smoke cigars. Maybe this guy rented this apartment just because it had a backyard where he could entertain and his hopes were squashed when he discovered his neighbor was sensitive to noise and smoke. Maybe the OP is the prick for seeking counsel because someone put up a tent on their own property? My neighbor likes to keep rotting rolls of carpet and computer towers and an old toilet in his yard, all in plain view from my deck. I pray everyday that he will erect a tent so I don’t have to look at it anymore, but maybe I should just hire an attorney.
In a novel approach, I am going to ANSWER THE OP’S QUESTION. Ira Levine on Court Street is a great real estate attorney. I don’t know if he specializes in the areas you need, but I bet he can point you to to a good local lawyer who does.
Good luck.
You shouldn’t be dealing with the tenant. You should be contacting the owner.
Well, then, if that’s true it probable won’t last that long.
Another neighbor told me that the tent was purchased for something like $47 or $67.
I’m with orestes on this. I mean if they didn’t have a tent you would just be looking directly at them smoking and drinking. I don’t get the anti-tent thing. Maybe it’s one of those cultural clashes so common in our multi-cultural city.
Maybe the tent reminds the tenant of evenings spent in the old country. Greeks love their tents. so do Spaniards and most everybody from a country that fronts on the Mediterranean. It comes in handy when it rains too.