Nobody buys a home thinking they will end up in a fight over where their property ends and their neighbor’s begins. But it happens all the time, especially in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, where properties are packed close together, and a lot of the paperwork goes back decades.
Maybe a neighbor put up a fence in the wrong spot. Maybe a survey came back during a sale, showing a problem nobody knew about. Maybe someone’s been using a slice of your land for years and now thinks it is theirs. These things have a way of turning into real legal headaches if they are not handled the right way.
What Usually Causes Property Disputes
A lot of boundary disputes come down to old, inaccurate records. The lot lines in these boroughs were drawn up long ago, and they do not always match what is on the ground today. Some of the most common issues include:
- A fence, driveway, or structure that crosses onto your property
- A neighbor claiming they have the right to use part of your land
- Title problems that show up when you’re trying to sell or refinance
- Survey results that conflict with what the deed says
None of these fix themselves. And the longer they sit, the harder they usually find it to resolve.
What Happens When It Goes to Court
If an agreement can not be reached, boundary litigation in New York goes through the Supreme Court in whichever county the property is in, Kings, Queens, or Bronx. The court looks at deeds, surveys, and the history of the property to figure out what it is.
It can take a while and cost more than people expect. That is why it is worth talking to an attorney before things get to that point.
The NYC Department of Finance property records portal and the NY State court system’s real property page are good places to start if you want to see what is on file for your property.
How We Can Help
Warren S. Dank, Esq., P.C., works with property owners in Queens, Brooklyn, and The Bronx on boundary disputes, encroachments, easement issues, and title problems. The goal is always to get things resolved as cleanly and quickly as possible.
If something’s come up with your property, do not wait to get it looked at. Reach out to Warren S. Dank, Esq., P.C. at wsdanklawfirm.com to talk through your situation.