Neighboring violations recorded against our property

All of the rowhouses on our street are set up so that the door is on the right side of the building, the cellar hatch is on the left, and the trash cans are to the far left of the building. So our right-side neighbor’s trash cans sit right next to our door (as with all the other buildings on the street). A person could be mistaken for thinking the trashcans were ours, except they are within the gate of the adjacent property, and have their house number on them. Our own trashcans are within the gate of our property to the far left and have our house number stenciled on them.

Now the adjacent property recently changed hands, and the new landlord to the right doesn’t take care of the trash properly, so it has recently started to overflow and provide a disgusting feast for the rats. Huge health hazard, obviously, in addition to being just generally gross.

We and others in our neighborhood have called it into 311 a number of times. Only come to find out that it is OUR building that is having the violations recorded against it! I’ve now had 2 violations (one from He alth and Human Svcs and another from a different city entity) for things related to the trash and presence of rat feces. This is all occurring on our neighbor’s property, but right next to our door (which is itself super pleasant!) Of course I only found out about it when the violation was mailed out to me, so I couldn’t take pictures the day of the event to definitively prove that the mess and trash did not belong to our building.

Of course I will contest this, but what evidence should I bring to prove it’s not our building, apart from pictures? Anyone have any experience with this or advice about how to approach this?

I am irritated about the whole thing, but also further irritated with the time-suck of 2 mornings off work having to deal with this matter, in addition to the daily annoyance of a negligent landlord next door.

notfromny

in General Discussion 8 years and 6 months ago

10

Please log in, in order to post replies!

10 replies

Newest Oldest

notfromny | 8 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5057 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5045 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176968"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "notfromny"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BJdTq6e17SHNB6Es.G7kQ0IdU4RrYo/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "notfromny"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "jbethc@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(50) "http://www.brownstoner.com/forums/users/notfromny/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "notfromny"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176968)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thank you @Guarachon. That is incredibly helpful advice.

Guarachon | 8 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5056 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5055 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "21053"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "Guarachon"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BTF4qXeBQgXjgBVNAIw3LI1ssZ6hUo."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "guarachon"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "guarachon63@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(26) "/forums/users/guarachon63/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:16:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "Guarachon"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(21053)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

this summer I had a similar (though not identical) circumstance that was remedied quickly by Dawn Summerson at the DOB, I suggest you give DOB a call and ask for her or send an email to DSummerson (at) buildings (dot) nyc (dot) gov

yudashasom | 8 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5052 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5058 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194528"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BKrcOOJj2qysH3kdOE3mMqxeyqPZ1m0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "yudashasom@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:07:32"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(29) "Dasha Sominski Dasha Sominski"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194528)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Even if you don’t have burrows or conditions attracting rodents, if DOH finds feces, you’re getting a warning or violation for active rat signs. Most types of violations can be fought online.

Calling the city for something like this is not a “low” move. Noise complaints, construction, damage, etc is completely different where it would be better to talk with the owner directly.

Keep your area clean. Hose it from time to time and sweep often.

Guest User | 8 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

oy vey. sorry to hear all that. best of luck!

notfromny | 8 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5060 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5061 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176968"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "notfromny"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BJdTq6e17SHNB6Es.G7kQ0IdU4RrYo/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "notfromny"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "jbethc@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(50) "http://www.brownstoner.com/forums/users/notfromny/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "notfromny"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176968)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks. Just fyi, I had already tried addressing it directly. Thanks to shell companies, etc. no way of knowing who the landlord actually is. The longstanding tenants had no way to contact him/her, the management company was not doing its job, and continued not to after I called them multiple times. And the tenants themselves are in a fight with the management company (perhaps why the trash build-up) because the new owner is trying to incentive them to move out so he can reno & increase the rents, but he is lowballing them with cash incentives, so they are at an impasse. Lovely situation to be caught in the middle of.

Will report back after my hearings!

Guest User | 8 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

Oh, and get into the habit of documenting the conditions in your neighbor’s trash area for future reference.

Guest User | 8 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

To answer your actual question, my advice would be to bring photos that show the whole setup in one shot if possible (your trash, your door, their trash, their door) and a printout of the property map that you mark up with the location of trash, etc. I’m afraid you might not be successful on the “rat feces” condition because it’s likely that due to the condition on your neighbor’s property you might have them on your property as well. You might check with an exterminator to see how much it would cost to put a couple bait stations on your property just so you can demonstrate to the city that you are taking action (if they don’t agree to dismiss the violation altogether). And yeah, talk to your neighbor.

mozeeatupu | 8 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5065 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5020 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176749"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BHO3bQekVGtCrXmPMzpkzkalt5eAQl/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "grandzu@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/mozeeatupu/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176749)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You should only complain to the city after a couple of times talking with the problem neighbor and it’s apparent they won’t remedy the issue.
Calling the city first is a low first move.

MDR | 8 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5052 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5019 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "170560"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(3) "MDR"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$E2IUy4L5ZL27qD/ERi/qhemuGuLM0Nh4BCJTwaz2kXT3LOMdk2Khi"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(3) "mdr"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "jtkoelbel@verizon.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(18) "/forums/users/mdr/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:24:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(3) "MDR"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(170560)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It was perfectly reasonable for you to make a complaint but I think you have to be careful in making complaints to the city. Someone complained about a broken sidewalk on our block and when the inspectors came they gave a sidewalk violation to nearly every house on the block. It made me wonder if they may do that to discourage people from making vindictive complaints against their neighbors.

BedStuyGuy | 8 years and 6 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5066 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5063 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1165"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "BedStuyGuy"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "BedStuyGuy"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(40) "b327e83d6234394801edd79dd27dba260db8310d"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2006-09-20 17:22:45"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "BedStuyGuy"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1165)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We have a camera set up in the front of our property which records for 30 days, before looping back. You can search by date and time and then easily download onto a usb drive. Something like this could come in very handy for you in the future.