Sidewalk Repairs in New York City: Property Owners Responsible for Maintaining

Concrete sidewalks seem to be everywhere, from trace parking lots of commercial businesses to lead through parks and other common areas. These man-made surfaces which tend to wear out with time, are an integral part of many hardscapes around residential, business, and even public places. It is important then for the maintenance to be carried out to reduce the risks of falling or allow disabled individuals to take part in a community actively.

But what kind of care one might need to keep in good shape? What should a good concrete sidewalk look like? What if the sidewalks are not maintained and someone in the wheelchair encounters them? The same features that make streets more walkable, like a safer and more attractive design, make well-maintained sidewalks safe and bring vibrancy back to the property and neighbors.

Sidewalk Repairs: The Responsibility of Property Owners in New York City

Cracked concrete can crumble, making it difficult for the passersby to walk. For instance, when a pedestrian is injured on a sidewalk, by tripping over a cracked or broken section, the legal responsibility hinges on the status of the sidewalk is in question.

The repairs and maintenance of sidewalks, whether public or private, vary from city and town. For instance, in some cities and towns, the maintenance and upkeep are the responsibility of local authorities as sidewalks are public property. However, in New York City, sidewalks are still a public property but the maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of property owners. That is, it is ultimately the responsibility of homeowners for clearing the sidewalk, keeping it free of snow and debris, and be financially responsible for repairs and maintenance, regardless of who installed them.

For saving yourself from legal liabilities, it is important to hire a reliable contractor who is well-versed in sidewalk violation protocols and removal. Here are some points to note:

1. If the sidwalk is adjacent to the property or adjoins the private property, then it is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain it.
2. In addition to the sidewalk, it is important to keep a check and maintain the landscaped area between the sidewalk and curb as well as check for the trees.
3. Plus, private sidewalks are generally the responsibility of the adjacent homeowners, which could include individual, business, or homeowner associations.

Repairs and Maintenance: Keeping your sidewalk safe and clean

There are a few basic steps to ensure that your concrete sidewalks have a long life. Of all the wear and tear, these humble surfaces see, it can be easy to overlook most of the basic care they need which can lead to common defects including separation, cracks, or elevation changes. Of primary importance, these are the things that can cause people to trip, fall, or stub toes. Here is how you can maintain your sidewalks, and save yourself from liabilities:

• At times, you just need to maintain the sidewalks like cleaning on the surface. From the wear and tear the concrete has to go through, basic cleaning can help to restore the fresh look that the material had when it was first poured.
• If the problem is bigger and deeper, it doesn’t make much sense just to clean it from the surface. You would need the help of a professional in extreme cases and rectify the underlying issue. To address a particular hazard or issue, they will inspect your sidewalks and determine the right solution.
• Work with a reliable and experienced contractor, they will make sure the necessary repairs are performed without compromising on the quality while saving you from liabilities.