If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
Abutting owner installs, repairs, maintains the adjoining sidewalk (§19-152).
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | NYC Admin Code §19-152: "Property owners are responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining sidewalks adjoining their properties." Liability for injuries also owner-side per §7-210. |
| City / public agency | DOT inspects, issues violations, and can perform work and bill the owner; certain 1-3 family owner-occupied exemptions apply under §7-210 (verify at review). |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Aug 21, 2026.
Property owners are responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining sidewalks adjoining their properties.
the owner of real property abutting any sidewalk, including, but not limited to, the intersection quadrant for corner property, shall be liable for any injury to property or personal injury, including death, proximately caused by the failure of such owner to maintain such sidewalk in a reasonably safe condition.
City rules rest on state law. Read New York's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sidewalk repair in New York, NY?
The property owner. NYC Admin Code §19-152: "Property owners are responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining sidewalks adjoining their properties." Liability for injuries also owner-side per §7-210.
What does the city cover in New York, NY?
DOT inspects, issues violations, and can perform work and bill the owner; certain 1-3 family owner-occupied exemptions apply under §7-210 (verify at review).
What is this based on for New York, NY?
This verdict is sourced to NYC DOT: Sidewalks (Admin Code 19-152) and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- NYC DOT: Sidewalks (Admin Code 19-152)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- NYC Administrative Code §19-152 (American Legal Publishing)official · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- § 7-210 Liability of Real Property Owner for Failure to Maintain Sidewalk in a Reasonably Safe Conditionordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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