landlord new-york-state tenant construction-law
Are there limitations to construction a landlord can do during working hours?
<p>New York State.</p>
<p>If a tenant works from home, are there any limitations on construction being done on the adjacent apartments during working hours which create a very difficult working environment?</p>

<p>This is determined at the municipal level via noise ordinances. <a href="https://ecode360.com/7683700" rel="nofollow noreferrer">In Albany</a>, construction and power equipment noise is prohibited between 10:00pm and 7:00am. There are various noises that are are just plain illegal (gong or siren whistle similar to that used on ambulances or vehicles of the Police and Fire Departments). The general noise limit is that</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause or
permit to be made or continued any unreasonable, unnecessary or
unusual noise, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., which
either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose,
health, peace or safety of a reasonable person of normal sensitivities
or to make, continue or cause to be made or continued, between the
hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., whether in the operation of any
machine or the exercise of any trade or calling or in the use of or
operation of any radio, receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph,
television set or other machine or device for the production or
reproduction of sound or otherwise, any noise which either annoys,
injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health or safety of a
reasonable person of normal sensitivities, unless the making and
continuing of the same shall be necessary for the reasonable
protection or preservation of life or property or for the health,
safety or life of some person or made in connection with governmental
functions or activities conducted in furtherance of the public health,
safety, welfare or convenience.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Usually, construction noise can be annoying but it is reasonable, necessary or usual. You can always complain to the authorities, and they can determine if the noise is unreasonable etc. Seattle (not in NY) has an ordinance that limits construction noise to 75 decibels, averaged over a one-hour period and measured 50 feet away, so that is the kind of ordinance that would most likely work to your benefit.</p>
