Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

I live in Pennsylvania. My neighbor has redirected groundwater from his property onto mine to within ten feet of my foundation. There's almost no slope to the street. The rainwater used to drain slowly but nowit's pooling and backing up on my side.

He built a berm alongside his property between our houses to swale the water onto our property. He has also run downspout extensions over the top of the berm to drain onto our side. He's not interested in negotiating.

I'd like to know if he can do this legally. I called our township and they told me to hire a lawyer. Can you help?


Asked on 10/23/11, 3:31 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

The neighbor should not be doing this. The township probably has no basis to become involved. You should get a local real estate lawyer to assist you as soon as possible.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 10/23/11, 7:39 am


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