Anyone familiar with New JERSEY sidewalk laws?

Of course, I had to buy the corner house, on an irregular lot that is 165x61 of sidewalk space.

Many areas of the sidewalk are in BAD shape. I even tripped while walking along the side of the house.

The best repair estimate I got was $6,000. Our attorney said the seller's will never pay it because in NJ, unless a homeowner modifies the sidewalks, if someone trips and falls, the homeowner is NOT responsible.

So, if I leave my dilapidated sidewalks as-is and someone falls, I can't be held responsible.

However, if I put in all new sidewalks and THEN someone falls on my new sidewalks, I WILL be liable since I'd be the one who modified the sidewalks.

My lawyer insists this is the case and that this is the explanation I'll receive when the seller's turn down my request for the $6,000 repair credit. I guess I was hoping for a second opinion.

HELP!

Re: Anyone familiar with New JERSEY sidewalk laws?

First things first, that estimate seems high, real high..... I would get another estimate and as far as whether or not to put new sidewalks in, that is personal preferance..... can you live with crap sidewalks????????

Re: Anyone familiar with New JERSEY sidewalk laws?

I'm a transplant but DH told me that it varies from town to town.

I'd call the muncipal building and ask them that question. The reason the realtor gave seems off to me.