A property survey is important evidence, but it does not automatically determine ownership rights. In New York, surveys sometimes conflict with deeds, title records, easements, or neighboring surveys, creating uncertainty about where property lines actually exist. When a survey creates a dispute, courts may need to determine ownership through real estate...
Quiet Title Actions in New York: How Boundary Disputes Get Resolved in Court
A quiet title action is a lawsuit used to resolve disputes over property ownership or boundary lines. In New York, courts may determine who has legal rights to disputed property when neighboring owners disagree over boundaries, encroachments, easements, or competing ownership claims. These cases often require deed analysis, surveys, historical records,...
What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses to Make Repairs in New York
If your landlord refuses to make necessary repairs in New York, you may have legal options, including filing complaints, withholding rent in limited circumstances, or pursuing claims in housing court. Landlords must maintain safe and habitable living conditions under New York law. When they fail to do so, tenants can take...
How to Protect Your Security Deposit in New York When Moving Out Early
If you move out early in New York City, you can still protect your security deposit by following lease terms, documenting the unit’s condition, and understanding your legal rights under New York law. Landlords cannot automatically keep your deposit simply because you left before the lease ended. Disputes often turn on documentation,...
When Online Reviews Become Defamation Under New York Law
Online reviews become defamation under New York law when they contain false statements of fact that harm a reputation, rather than protected opinions. To be actionable, a review must assert a specific, provable falsehood, such as accusing a business of a crime or fabrication, rather than subjective dissatisfaction. However, New York’s expanded...
How Long Does the Foreclosure Process Take in New York?
In New York, the foreclosure process typically takes between 12 and 24 months, though some cases last longer depending on court schedules, defenses raised, and whether the homeowner contests the action. Because New York is a judicial foreclosure state, lenders must file a lawsuit and obtain a court judgment before selling the...
How to Challenge an Unfair Non-Compete Agreement in New York
In New York, non-compete agreements are not automatically enforceable and may be invalid if they are overly broad or unnecessary to protect legitimate business interests. Courts closely scrutinize these clauses and often refuse to enforce restrictions that unfairly limit a person’s ability to work. If you are being threatened with a...
Personal Liability Risks in New York Commercial Litigation
In New York commercial litigation, business owners, executives, and managers can face personal liability despite operating through a corporation or LLC. Courts may allow claims against individuals based on contract terms, personal conduct, or misuse of the business entity. Understanding when personal exposure exists helps you respond quickly and protect both...
What to Do When a Contractor Abandons a Construction Project in New York
When a contractor abandons a construction project in New York, property owners can pursue legal remedies, including breach of contract claims, recovery of financial losses, and hiring replacement contractors to complete the work. New York law allows owners to seek damages, enforce contract terms, and hold contractors accountable through litigation or...
How to Enforce or Challenge a Non-Compete Clause in New York
A non-compete clause is a contractual restriction that prevents a former employee, partner, or business owner from competing in a specific market or for a specific period. In New York, these agreements are only enforceable when they protect legitimate business interests and are reasonably limited in scope. When a dispute arises,