What to Do? - Gut Renovation Next Door Causing Havoc & Damage

[Daniel C.]

We recently purchase a multifamily property in Brooklyn New York. As luck would have it, the property next door was sold days later. The owner, listed as an LLC, has begun doing a major gut renovation (expansion and construction). Our tenants on the 1st floor have recently reported issues, among them lots of heavy dust in their apartment even though the windows are closed; and hearing mice / rats behind the walls. Although these are some of the issues expected when a full renovation and construction is happening right next door to an attached house; it is an extreme inconvenience to a family who recently moved in.

We are trying to speak with the workers doing the work next door and trying to reach out to the owner / developer. Someone also suggested installing electronic pest repellents to help ward off the mice behind the walls or getting a professional exterminator.

Looking for recommendations on a good moderately priced attorney in the Brooklyn, NY (or surrounding areas).  Thank you.

[Ericka G.]

Daniel C. Had a similar situation TWICE once in Manhattan/Harlem and once in Atlanta so I feel your pain. Both times the tenants hung in there with me. The main thing is to be proactive and transparent- hire an exterminator to come and secure the property from any intrusions and set traps as a precaution (be proactive - rats and mice will always find a way in if there is one).

Try to get an idea of when construction will end or at least when the demo phase will end. The good thing is that construction always ends eventually. In my 2 prior situations it was 2-3 months of annoyance and then all was fine - with a lovely, improved property next door. If needed, offer to give them a bit of break on the rent for the couple of demo months to make up for the inconvenience.

Honestly though, you shouldn’t have to do that. Any tenant in NYC should be willing to roll with a few punches for a good place in a good location with a good, proactive landlord. Let them know you are doing what you can to make things as comfortable as possible for them and keep them in the loop on your efforts and they should hang in there with you. Good luck!