Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey
Complaining Neighbors, what can we do?
I hope someone out there can offer much needed advice on this� My husband and I recently purchased a home in Piscataway NJ. Last month our neighbor who lives directly across the street from our home, came over and requested that my husband replace a recently installed garage light bulb, because the wattage from the bulb shined too brightly on her home. My husband explained to her that the previous owner had never installed a light bulb fixture, and being that the area in front our home is quite dark, he installed the correct wattage bulb to provide effective lighting and security during the night. Before the week had ended, the neighbor made a formal complaint to our township and in turn a violation officer visited our home to inspect the light. At the conclusion of the visit the violation officer informed us that our light was the correct wattage and in compliance with township regulations. The neighbor complained more than a dozen times since the initial complaint and now the violation officer has informed us, that although we are in compliance, the neighbor can obtain legal counsel and take us to court.
My question is can our neighbors take us to court for this even though we are in compliance? What are our rights, and is th
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Complaining Neighbors, what can we do?
Anybody can sue. The courts are our system for the peaceful resolution of disputes and we would rather have the neighbor sue than to start shooting. I doubt that the neighbor would win such a suit. Your strategy should be oriented to giving yourself the best chance to recover your costs. For that, you will need for a court to characterize the suit as frivolous litigation. That is often a difficult job, but if it works at all, it will depend on the neighbor being informed (preferrably by the Township) that you are in conformity with the Township Code. It will also depend on you acting reasonably at all times. So, if you are on firm ground there and still shakey about things, a polite letter from your lawyer may be the next step.
My firm handles matters of this type. If I can be of further help to you, call or email.
See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm
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