Practice point: A property owner may be liable where, during renovation, the party wall is altered to the detriment of the adjoining property owner. Where it is alleged that the damage was to the structural aspect of the wall, the property owner could be liable for weakening the wall, regardless of any care in performing the work. In addition, the property owner causing the alterations may be liable for trespass where the wall is penetrated.
Case: Ehrenberg v. Regier, NY Slip Op 05938 (1st Dep't September 1, 2016)
Here is the decision.
Tomorrow's issue: A claim of retaliation under the State and City Human Rights Laws.
