new york’s property boundary law: the doctrine of ... · new york’s property boundary law: the...

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New York’s Property Boundary Law:The Doctrine of Practical Location

and Related Doctrines

Laura E.Ayers, Esq.

The Law Offices of Laura E.Ayers, Esq.

434 Main Street – P.O.Box 237

Schoharie,NewYork 12157

(518) 456-6705

www.lauraayerslaw.com

Introduction

Overview of the Course

Order of Precedence

Practical Location

Boundary byAgreement

Boundary by Estoppel

Adverse Possession

Encroachments

Judicial Determination of

Boundaries

Surveyor’s Responsibility

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Order of Precedence of Locative Calls in Deed Descriptions

Rule of Construction:

Generally

Grants are made with aview of the premises

Intentions of the partiescontrols

That which is moredefinite will yield to thatwhich is less definite

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Order of Precedence

Real Property Law 240(3)

Every instrument creating, transferring,assigning orsurrendering an estate or interest in real property mustbe construed according to the intent of the parties, so faras such intent can be gathered from the wholeinstrument,and is consistent with the rules of law.

The Order of Precedence

① NATURAL OBJECTS OR LANDMARKS

② ARTIFICIAL MONUMENTS

③ ADJACENT BOUNDARIES

④ COURSES AND DISTANCES

⑤ QUANTITY

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The rule is well settled that a conveyance is to

be construed in reference to its visible locative calls, as

marked or appearing upon the land, in preference

to quantity,course, or distance; and any particular may be

rejected, if inconsistent with the other parts of the

description,and sufficient remains to locate the land

intended to be conveyed. '

Robinson v. Kime, 70 N.Y. 147, 154 (1877) citing toHathaway v. Power, 6 Hill [453], 454 ; Drew v. Swift, 46N.Y. 204 .


Natural ObjectHenry v. Malen, 263 A.D.2d698 (3rd Dept 1999)

“Although there was conflictingtestimony as to whether thebrook or the stone wallmarked the boundary line,since the brook is a naturalobject,under the rules ofconstruction for discrepanciesin deed calls, the brook woulddesignate the boundaryline…. As such, it appears thatthe phrase "following the fencealong the Brook as it nowruns" acts as a directional aidrather than a boundary line.“

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Lewis v.Clark, 133 N.Y.S.2d 880(Sup. Ct.Ontario Co. 1954) Artificial Monument

“It is true there is a strongelement of danger over acourse of years in anchoringa conveyance to a perishableobject. But here we areconcerned with the briefspan from 1941 to 1951 andthe uncontradicted evidenceis that this willow has stoodthere during all that timeand to the present.”


ADJACENT BOUNDARIES:

Requires surveyor to obtain deeds to adjoining lands anddetermine the client’s property lines by another’s title.

The boundaries of adjacent lands may be treated asmonuments when they can be competently determined.See Robinson v. Kime, 25 Sickels 147 (1877).

A surveyor’s map is his or her interpretation of the deeddescription applying the rules for construction

They are an expression of an opinion,and opinions mayvaryboundary line dispute

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Highways

Centerline presumption

Bashaw v. Clark, 267A.D.2d 681 (3d Dept1999)


Water andWatercourses

Centerline presumption

Knapp v. Hughes,19 NY3d672 (2012)

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Order of Precedence

Courses and Distances

Course and a Distance

N 12º09’00” E – 88 feet

Order of Precedence Courses and Distances: Arcane Units of Measurement: Perch- As a unit of length-- equal to 5.03m or 5.5 yards As a unit of area—equal to 25.3m² or 30.25 sq. yards

Rood- A unit of area 1 rood =1/4 acre = 1,011.7 sq m

Often mis-read in old deeds for a “rod” which is a linearmeasurement of 16.5 feet

Rod- A unit of length equal to 16.5 feet

One rod is equal to 1/320 of a mile

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Order of Precedence

Courses and Distances:Arcane Units of Measurement

Chain unit of length equal to 22 yards or 66 feet

Fathom unit of length equal to six feet used tomeasure depth of water

Furlong unit of distance equal to 220 yards

Hide old unit of land area equal to 120 acres

Link unit of length used by surveyors, equal to 7.92inches;100 links equals one chain

Pole unit of area equal to a square rod


Metes Bounds

Starts at a Point ofBeginning

Travels around theproperty’s perimeter topoints at corners

Ends at the Point ofBeginning creating aclosed figure

Describes the property bythe adjoining land owner’sproperties in the fourdirections of the compass

Surveyor must acquire andinterpret the deeds of theadjoining landowners

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QUANTITY: least definitedescriptive element

Often see deeds state theuncertainty of the quantity

Example:containing 50Acres, more or less


Reference to a Map or Plat

Maps referred to in a deedmay control the descriptionwhere the conveyance is bylots and reference to themap.

In such cases the mapcontrols the dimensions inthe deed

The map controls evenover a positively statedarea.

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Exceptions:

Monuments controlcourses and distances,except when they don’t.

“The rule that monumentscontrol courses anddistances is merely a ruleof construction toascertain the intention ofthe parties. If thatintention is otherwiseplainly manifested, it neednot be ignored in blindadherence to such a rule."

Green v. Horn, 207 N.Y. 489(1913).

Boundary Lines by Acquiescence or Practical Location

Good fences make good neighbors

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MendingWall

Robert Frost

…But at spring mending-time we findthem there.I let my neighbor knowbeyond the hill;And on a day we meet towalk the lineAnd set the wall between usonce again.We keep the wall between usas we go…

He only says, 'Good fences make goodneighbors'.Spring is the mischief in me,and I wonderIf I could put a notion in hishead:'Why do they make goodneighbors? Isn't itWhere there arecows?But here there are nocows.Before I built a wall I'd ask toknowWhat I was walling in or wallingout,And to whom I was like to giveoffence.Something there is that doesn'tlove a wall,…

Boundary Line by Acquiescence

The doctrine of practicallocation was originallyderived from a longacquiescence by theparties in a line knownand understood betweenthem, for such a period oftime as to be identicalwith "time immemorial"or "time out of memory.”Adams v.Warner, 209A.D.394 (3d Dept, 1924).

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Boundary Line by Acquiesence

“The doctrine as to the practical location of a boundaryline is well settled in the courts. It was adopted as a ruleof repose with a view of quieting titles, and rests upon thesame ground as the statute in reference to adversepossession which has continued for a period of twentyyears. ( Baldwin v. Brown, 16 N.Y. 359 ;Adams v. Rockwell,16Wend.285 .)

It applies not only to cases of disputed boundary,but tothose about which there can be no real question.”

Sherman v. Kane, 86 NY 57 (1881)


Elements:

① An act of the Parties

② Mutual so that bothparties are affected by it

③ A line definitely known,understood and settled

④ For a long period oftime

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Act of the Parties

ExpressAct Fence for many years,

afterward a post remainedand both parties maintainedtheir properties (plantingflowers) up to the post oneither side of an imaginaryline running to the back ofthe property. VanDusen v.Lomomanco,24 Misc. 2d878 (Sup. Ct. Madison Co.1960).

ImpliedAct

Old stone wall and pipeswhich once supported awire fence located betweentwo known end pointmonuments.Markowski v.Ferrari,174 AD2d 793 (3rd

Dept 1991)


Mutual so both partiesare affected by it

In Adams v.Warner209A.D. 394 (3rd Dept1924) there was nocertain visible known linethat both parties hadacquiesced to since theplaintiff's lands weretimber lands, unfenced,unoccupied and unused.

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Mutual so both parties are affected by it

A line of trees marked in the woods with paint andrandom posted signs were insufficient to demonstratemutual acceptance of a division line between theproperties. Riggs v. Benning 290A.D.2d 716 (3d Dept2002).


Mutual so both partiesare affected by it

Use of the disputed area fordecades as a part of a goatfarm is insufficient evidenceof mutual agreement in theabsence of a cleardemarcation of a boundaryline. Kennedy v. Nimons, 2014NY Slip Op 07036 (3d Dept2014).

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A line definitely known,understood and settled

Fences

Hedge rows

Plants

Posts

Pipes


“Here,defendants submitted proof that former owners of theirproperty and neighbors always assumed the trees were ondefendants' property, and plaintiff has failed to allege facts thatwould support that the trees in question were mutuallyunderstood to reflect the boundary line and that such anunderstanding persisted for more than 10 years .”McMahon v.Thornton,69 A.D.3d 1157 (3d Dept 2010).

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Practical Location fixesthe location of theboundary line EVEN if theboundary line described inthe deed can bedefinitively located in thefield

Bell v. Hayes, 60 A.D. 382(2d Dept 1901)

Baldwin v. Brown, 16 N.Y.359 (1857)

Kaneb v. Lamay, 58 A.D.3d1097 (3d Dept 2009)


For the Statutory Period

Precludes all evidence tothe contrary as to thelocation of the boundaryline other than the lineacquiesced to by theparties.

Reed v. Farr,35 N.Y. 113(1866)

For less than theStatutory Period

Is conclusive evidence ofthe boundary linebetween the properties.

Markowski v. Ferrari,174AD2d 793 (3rd Dept 1991)

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PARTIES BOUND:

“a boundary,once located and openly adhered to bycontiguous owners, cannot be disturbed and re laid by asubsequent owner”

Fisher v. MacVean,25 AD2d 575 (3d Dept., 1966)


Baldwin v. Brown, 16 N.Y. 359 (1857)

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Boundary Line by Acquiescence: CaseStudies

Adams v.Warner 209 A.D. 394 (3rd Dept 1924)


Markowski v. Ferrari,174 AD2d 793 (3rd Dept 1991)

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Boundary Line by Acquiescence: Case Study

VanDusen v. Lomomanco, 24 Misc. 2d 878 (Sup. Ct.Madison Co. 1960).


Jakubowicz,v Solomon, 107 A.D.3d 852 (2d Dept 2013).

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Gibbs v.Porath,2014 NY Slip Op 07030 (3d Dept 2014).


Kennedy v.Nimons,2014 NY Slip Op 07036 (3d Dept 2014).

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Boundary Lines by Acquiescence

Boundary Lines by Acquiescence

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Boundary Lines by Agreement


ParolAgreement

1. Adjoining Landowners

2. Uncertain or disputedcommon boundary

3. ParolAgreement as tothe boundary

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General Obligations Law § 5-703.Conveyances and

contracts concerning real property required to be in writing

1.An estate or interest in real property, other thana lease for a term not exceeding one year, or any trust orpower, over or concerning real property,or in anymanner relating thereto, cannot be created, granted,assigned, surrendered or declared, unless by act oroperation of law, or by a deed or conveyance inwriting, subscribed by the person creating, granting,assigning,surrendering or declaring the same, or by hislawful agent, thereunto authorized by writing….

Boundary Line by Agreement


The parties themselves ought to be the best judges of theboundaries of their own lands; and after they havedeliberately settled a boundary line between them, itwould give too much encouragement to the spirit oflitigation to look beyond such settlement, and break upthe lines so established between them.

Jackson v.Van Corlaer, 11 Johns. 123 (1814).

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Boundary Lines by Parol Agreement

Where there is a disputed,indefinite,or uncertainboundary line betweenadjoining proprietors, theymay,by parol agreement,or by arbitration,fix upona line between themselves.

Wood v. Layfayette, 46N.Y. 484 (1871)

“Upon actual survey thetrue location can beascertained apparentlywith absolute certainty.There is not the slightestroom for the applicationof the doctrine….”

Adams Supra.


Terry v. Chandler, 16 N.Y. 354 (1857)

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Wood v. Lafayette, 46 N.Y. 484 (1871)

Comparison with Practical Location

Practical Location:

It doesn’t matter if theline described in the deedis ascertainable uponactual survey or not,either way the lineacquiesced to by theparties is the trueboundary line

ParolAgreement:

The line described in thedeed has to be uncertain,questionable,unresolvedor disputed for the oralagreement to be binding

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Boundary Line by Agreement

“...that the subject deeds contain no specific bearings ordirectional calls and set forth only the vaguest descriptionof the intended boundary line between the land originallyconveyed to plaintiff and Laight. Indeed, Langdon opinedthat the deeds in question were "so bad” that a boundaryline could not be established absent either a boundaryline agreement, which the parties apparently were unableto forge,or judicial intervention.”

Gibbs v. Porath, 2014 NY Slip Op 07030 (3d Dept 2014).


WrittenAgreements:

A conveyance to adjustthe location of theboundary line

To conform with theparties longstandingrecognition of theboundary line betweentheir properties

To demonstrate aperfected adversepossession

To adjust for anencroachment

Fix an ambiguousdescription

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Boundary Lines By Agreement

Town of Colonie Zoning & Subdivision Code

18,000 Square feetminimum lot size forSingle Family ResidentialZoned Lots

Both lots wereapproximately 13,000 sq.feet

§190-59 Classification

(C) Subdivision amendment:

(2)Transfer of real propertyfrom one parcel of land toan adjoining parcel such thatno new lots are created,where any of the affectedparcels is shown on apreviously filed subdivisionmap.

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Boundary Lines By Agreement


Legal Descriptionsprepared by LandSurveyors

Only Licensed NY LandSurveyors can ascertainboundary lines (notengineers)

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Release of Part ofMortgaged Premises

Boundary Lines by Estoppel

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Elements:

Entering the lands in accordance with an agreement,indications or representations made as to location ofboundary lines and

Making improvements thereon in accordance with suchagreement, indications or representations, which in equitywould be unfair to have the party who made theimprovements, remove.


'The presumption is, that every person is acquainted withhis own rights, provided he has had reasonableopportunity to know them; and nothing can be moreliable to abuse, than to permit a person to reclaim hisproperty,in opposition to all the equitable circumstanceswhich have been stated, upon the mere pretence that hewas at the time ignorant of his title. Such an assertion iseasily made, and difficult to contradict.’

Lavalle v. Jaccard 27 N.Y.S.2d 671(Sup Ct. Richmond Co.,1941).

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If the map line differedfrom the line ofoccupation,the lattermust control.

Burke v. Henderson,54 A.D.157 (4th Dept 1900)

house and fence over theboundary line

Boundary lines by estoppel

Burke v. Henderson

P and D’s lots shared acommon boundary line

P Bounded by Union Streetand Coleman Street,

D bounded by ColemanStreet and being 90 feetdistance from Union Street

Deeds referenced a filedmap (not a subdivision map)

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Burke v. Henderson

Orleans Street wassurveyed and the ROWfound to be 11 feet distantfrom the opened and usedStreet

D claimed 11 feet of P’slot on the opposite side ofthe fence between theirlots

“To conclude, I treat thewest bounds of Unionstreet as used and existingas a monument on theground,and I hold that theparties contracted withreference to thatmonument as a matter offact, and that if the mapline differed from the lineof occupation, the lattermust control in view ofthe authorities just cited.”


NY Central & Hudson River RR Co. v.The City of Buffalo,85 Misc. 78 (Sup. Ct. Erie Co. 1914)

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Adverse Possession

A doctrine of repose to quiet title.

Adverse Possession

Common Law Elements:

1) Hostile and Under a claim of right

2) Actual

3) Open and Notorious

4) Exclusive and

5) Continuous for the Statutory Period

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Adverse Possession

Requirement that adverse possession be hostile andunder claim of right, actual,open and notorious, exclusiveand continuous means nothing more than that there mustbe possession in fact of a type which would give theowner a cause of action in ejectment against theoccupier throughout the prescriptive period.

Brand v. Prince,1974,35 N.Y.2d 634,364 N.Y.S.2d 826,324 N.E.2d 314

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Adverse Possession The essential elements of an effective adverse

possession are that the possession be hostile andunder claim of right, actual, open and notorious,exclusive and continuous, and if any of theseconstituents is wanting the possession will not effecta bar of the legal title.

Belotti v. Bickhardt, 1920,228 N.Y. 296, 127 N.E. 239. See, also, South Atlantic Realty Co. v. Caruselle, 1953,

119 N.Y.S.2d 218; Times Square Properties v.Alhabb Realty Corp., 1952,

117 N.Y.S.2d 901; Evans v. Francis, 1950,101 N.Y.S.2d 716; Laudati v. State, 1941,30 N.Y.S.2d 267.

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Adverse Possession

Mere possession of land without any claim of right, nomatter how long it may be continued,gives no title underdoctrine of adverse possession.

MAG Associates, Inc. v. SDR Realty, Inc. (2 Dept. 1998)247A.D.2d 516,669 N.Y.S.2d 314.

Adverse Possession

Statutory Elements:

Before July 7, 2008

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OLD NY RPAPL § 501

71

Action after entry

An entry upon real property is not sufficient or valid as a claimunless an action is commenced thereupon within one yearafter the making thereof and within ten years after the timewhen the right to make it descended or accrued.

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Adverse Possession RPAPL § 511.Adverse possession under written

instrument or judgment

Where the occupant or those under whom he claims enteredinto the possession of the premises under claim of title,exclusive of any other right, founding the claim upon a writteninstrument,as being a conveyance of the premises in question,or upon the decree or judgment of a competent court,andthere has been a continued occupation and possession of thepremises included in the instrument, decree or judgment, or ofsome part thereof, for ten years, under the same claim, thepremises so included are deemed to have been held adversely;except that when they consist of a tract divided into lots, thepossession of one lot is not deemed a possession of any otherlot.

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Adverse Possession RPAPL § 512.Essentials of adverse possession under written

instrument or judgment

For the purpose of constituting an adverse possession by a person claiminga title founded upon a written instrument or a judgment or decree, land isdeemed to have been possessed and occupied in either of the followingcases:

1.Where it has been usually cultivated or improved.

2.Where it has been protected by a substantial inclosure.3.Where,although not inclosed, it has been used for the supply of fuel orof fencing timber,either for the purposes of husbandry or for the ordinaryuse of the occupant.

Where a known farm or a single lot has been partly improved, the portionof the farm or lot that has been left not cleared or not inclosed,accordingto the usual course and custom of the adjoining country, is deemed to havebeen occupied for the same length of time as the part improved andcultivated.

Adverse Possession

RPAPL §521Adverse possession under claim of title notwritten

Where there has been an actual continued occupation ofpremises under a claim of title, exclusive of any other right, butnot founded upon a written instrument or a judgment ordecree,the premises so actually occupied, and no others, aredeemed to have been held adversely.

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Adverse Possession

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RPAPL § 522.Essentialsof adverse possessionunder claim of title notwritten

For the purpose ofconstituting an adversepossession by a personclaiming title not foundedupon a written instrumentor a judgment or decree,land is deemed to have beenpossessed and occupied ineither of the following cases,and no others:

1.Where it has been usuallycultivated or improved.2.Where it has beenprotected by a substantialenclosure.

Walling v. Pryzblo

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Adverse Possession

2008Amendments to the Statute

Apply to all claims for Adverse Possession filed on orafter July 7, 2008

Chapter 269 Section 9 of the Laws of 2008

NEW NY RPAPL § 501

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Adverse possession; defined

For the purposes of this article:

1. Adverse possessor. A person or entity is an "adverse possessor"of real property when the person or entity occupies realproperty of another person or entity with or without knowledgeof the other's superior ownership rights, in a manner that wouldgive the owner a cause of action for ejectment.

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NEW NY RPAPL § 501 (Cont.)

79



2. Acquisition of title. An adverse possessor gains title to theoccupied real property upon the expiration of the statute oflimitations for an action to recover real property pursuant tosubdivision (a) of section two hundred twelve of the civil practicelaw and rules, provided that the occupancy, as described insections five hundred twelve and five hundred twenty-two of thisarticle, has been adverse, under claim of right, open andnotorious, continuous, exclusive, and actual.

New NY RPAPL § 501 (Cont.)

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3. Claim of right.A claim of right means a reasonable basis for thebelief that the property belongs to the adverse possessor orproperty owner,as the case may be. Notwithstanding any otherprovision of this article, claim of right shall not be required ifthe owner or owners of the real property throughout thestatutory period cannot be ascertained in the records of thecounty clerk, or the register of the county, of the county wheresuch real property is situated, and located by reasonable means.

\

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NY RPAPL § 511

The old law

Adverse possession under written instrument orjudgment

Where the occupant or those under whomhe claims entered into the possession of thepremises under claim of title, exclusive of anyother right, founding the claim upon a writteninstrument, as being a conveyance of thepremises in question,or upon the decree orjudgment of a competent court, and there hasbeen a continued occupation and possessionof the premises included in the instrument,decree or judgment,or of some part thereof,for ten years,under the same claim, thepremises so included are deemed to havebeen held adversely;except that when theyconsist of a tract divided into lots, thepossession of one lot is not deemed apossession of any other lot.

The new law

Adverse possession under written instrument orjudgment

Where the occupant or those under whomthe occupant claims entered into thepossession of the premises under claim ofright, exclusive of any other right, foundingthe claim upon a written instrument, as beinga conveyance of the premises in question,orupon the decree or judgment of a competentcourt, and there has been a continuedoccupation and possession of the premisesincluded in the instrument,decree orjudgment,or of some part thereof, for tenyears,under the same claim, the premises soincluded are deemed to have been heldadversely;except that when they consist of atract divided into lots, the possession of onelot is not deemed a possession of any otherlot.

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NY RPAPL § 512

The old law The new law

Essentials of adverse possession under writteninstrument or judgment For the purpose of constituting an adverse

possession by a person claiming a title foundedupon a written instrument or a judgment ordecree, land is deemed to have been possessedand occupied in either of the following cases:

1. Where it has been usually cultivated orimproved.

2. Where it has been protected by a substantialinclosure.

3. Where,although not inclosed, it has beenused for the supply of fuel or of fencingtimber,either for the purposes of husbandryor for the ordinary use of the occupant.

Where a known farm or a single lot has beenpartly improved, the portion of the farm or lotthat has been left not cleared or not inclosed,according to the usual course and custom of theadjoining country, is deemed to have beenoccupied for the same length of time as the partimproved and cultivated.

Essentials of adverse possession under writteninstrument or judgment

For the purpose of constituting an adversepossession , founded upon a written instrument or ajudgment or decree, land is deemed to have beenpossessed and occupied in any of the followingcases:

1. Where there has been acts sufficiently open to put areasonably diligent owner on notice.

2. Where it has been protected by a substantial enclosure,except as provided in subdivision one of section fivehundred forty-three of this article.

3. Where, although not enclosed, it has been used for thesupply of fuel or of fencing timber, either for the purposesof husbandry or for the ordinary use of the occupant.

Where a known farm or a single lot has been partlyimproved,the portion of the farm or lot that has beenleft not cleared or not enclosed, according to the usualcourse and custom of the adjoining country, is deemed tohave been occupied for the same length of time as thepart improved and cultivated.

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NY CLS RPAPL § 521


Adverse possession underclaim of title not written Where there has been an

actual continuedoccupation of premisesunder a claim of title,exclusive of any other right,but not founded upon awritten instrument or ajudgment or decree,thepremises so actuallyoccupied,and no others,are deemed to have beenheld adversely.

Adverse possession notunder written instrumentor judgment

Where there has been anactual continued occupationof premises under a claim ofright,exclusive of any otherright, but not founded upon awritten instrument or ajudgment or decree,thepremises so actually occupied,and no others, are deemed tohave been held adversely.

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NY CLS RPAPL § 522


Essentials of adversepossession under claim of titlenot written For the purpose of constituting

an adverse possession by aperson claiming title notfounded upon a writteninstrument or a judgment ordecree, land is deemed to havebeen possessed and occupied ineither of the following cases,and no others:

1. Where it has been usuallycultivated or improved.

2. Where it has beenprotected by a substantialinclosure.

Essentials of adverse possession notunder written instrument orjudgment For the purpose of constituting an

adverse possession not founded upon awritten instrumentor a judgment ordecree,land is deemed to have beenpossessed and occupied in either of thefollowing cases,and no others:

1. Where there have been actssufficiently open to put areasonably diligent owner onnotice .

2. Where it has been protected by asubstantial enclosure,except asprovided in subdivision one ofsection five hundred forty-threeof this article.

84

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ALL NEW: NY RPAPL § 543

85

Adverse possession;how affected by acts across aboundary line

1. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article,the existence of de minimus [de minimis] non-structural encroachments including,but not limitedto, fences,hedges,shrubbery,plantings,sheds andnon-structural walls, shall be deemed to bepermissive and non-adverse.

2. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article,the acts of lawn mowing or similar maintenanceacross the boundary line of an adjoining landowner'sproperty shall be deemed permissive and non-adverse.

Cases After the Amendment

Franza v. Olin, 73 A.D.3d 44 (4th Dep’t 2010)

The plaintiff commenced her action 6 weeks after 7-7-08amendments went into effect

The ten year period of plaintiff ’s adverse possession wasbetween 1975 and 1985

“It therefore follows that, where title has vested byadverse possession, it may not be disturbed retroactivelyby newly-enacted or amended legislation.”

“Thus inasmuch as title to the disputed property wouldhave vested prior to the enactment of the 2008Amendments,we conclude that application of thoseamendments to plaintiff is unconstitutional.”

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Franza v. Olin, 73 A.D.3d 44 (4th Dep’t 2010)

“The amendments abrogate the common law of adversepossession and define as "permissive and non-adverse”actions that, under the prior statutory law andlongstanding principles of common law, were sufficient toobtain title by adverse possession.”


First Department

Bronx

NewYork County

Second Department

Dutchess

Kings

Nassau

Orange

Putnam

Queens

Richmond

Rockland

Suffolk

Westchester

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Cases after the Amendment Third Department Albany

Broome Chemung Chenango Clinton

Columbia Cortland Delaware Essex

Franklin Fulton Greene Hamilton

Madison

Montgomery Otsego

Rensselaer St.Lawrence Saratoga Schenectady

Schoharie Schuyler Sullivan Tioga

Tompkins Ulster Warren Washington


Fourth Department

Allegany

Cattaraugus

Cayuga

Chautauqua

Erie

Genesee

Herkimer

Jefferson

Lewis

Livingston

Monroe

Niagara

Oneida

Onondaga

Ontario

Orleans

Oswego

Seneca

Steuben

Wayne

Wyoming

Yates

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First Department

Has not had any adversepossession cases since theamendment

Fourth Department

Has never applied the newlaw


Second Dept.Applied the New Law 3x Old Law 8x

On March 29, 2011 the Second Department decidedMaya’s Black Creek, LLC v.Angelo Balbo Realty Corp., 82AD3d 1175.

In Maya the Court stated under either the new orold standard for Adverse Possession, the Plaintiff hadstated a cause of action for Adverse Possession.

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Second Dept. Applied the New Law 3x Old Law 8x

May 3, 2011 the Second Department decided Hartman v.Goldman,84 AD3d 734

In Hartman the Court applied the new law despite the factthat the plaintiff began maintaining the disputed property in1987,claiming that the lawyers did not dispute that the newlaw applied. Plaintiff’s plantings of foliage and shrubbery,landscaping and lawn maintenance were considered deminimus and deemed permissive and non-adverse. (2 drivewaylights, a six inch driveway edge and a bed of shrubs.

Cases after the Amendments

July 19, 2011 the Second Department decided Hogan v. Kelly,86 AD3d 590

In Hogan,the Court applied the old law because title byadverse possession had vested in 2006 despite the actionbeing commenced after 7-7-08. The Second Departmentexplicitly stated it agreed with theThird and FourthDepartments that the amendments cannot be retroactivelyapplied to deprive the claimant of a property right that vestedbefore the enactment. The Court explained away its decisionsin Maya and Hartman as the issue of a vested property rightwas not before them in either case.

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▫Calder v. 731 Bergan, LLC, 83 A.D.3d 758 (N.Y.App. Div. 2dDep't 2011)

The new law was applied, even though rights would haveallegedly vested prior to enactment of the amendments. Thefacts would have satisfied the “claim of right” requirementunder prior law as well, yet the Court specifically applied thenew legal requirement of a reasonable basis for a claim ofright.


The Split Second Department decisions have resulted inSupreme Court Decisions in the Second Department (10counties) that are all over the board

Some lower courts refuse to apply the 2008AmendmentsRetroactively and cite to Hogan

Some Lower courts apply the the 2008Amendmentsretroactively and cite to Hartman

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Third Department

Applied the new law 2x

Since the FourthDepartment decidedFranza v.Olin, the 3rd Depthas applied the old law

Adverse Possession: Unresolved Ambiguities

Claim of Right v. Claim of Title

Legislature removed claim of title and inserted claim ofright

A claim of right is defined as “a reasonable basis for thebelief that the property belongs to the adversepossessor”

A claim of title included title acquired by adversepossession (intentional hostile take over), as well as bydeed,map or mistake therein.

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Actual Possession

“Usually cultivated and improved” and “protected by asubstantial enclosure” were removed

“Acts sufficiently open to put a reasonably diligent owneron notice” and“protected by a substantial enclosureexcept as defined by §543” were inserted.

What acts of ownership are going to suffice?

Visible acts?

Paying taxes won’t count anymore?


Retroactive or Prospective Requirements

Courts have repeatedly stated that the adverse possessorbecomes the owner immediately upon the expiration ofthe statute of limitations

A quiet title action only serves to confirm that outcome.

Second Department is all over the boardCourt ofAppeals will have to settle the discrepancies between theAppellate Divisions.

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Encroachments

Encroachments

Less than 6 inches

1 year Statute ofLimitations

Implied prescriptiveeasement after thelimitations period runs

See Sova v. Glasier, 192A.D.2d 1069 (4th Dept1993) and

NY RPAPL 611(2)

More than 6 inches

10 year Statute ofLimitation

NY RPAPL 871:Removalof Encroaching Structures

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Encroachments

Remedies under RPAPL871:

Removal of the Structure

Damages

Encroachments: Christopher v. Rosse

“the court determinedthat the easterly wall ofthe Rosse houseencroached a maximum ofone and three-quarterinches over the westerlyboundary of theChristopher property, andthe eaves of the roofencroached from 16inches to 25.2 inches overthe westerly line of theChristophers.

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Encroachments: Christopher v. Rosse

We disagree with the trial court in its reliance upon theprovisions of RPAPL 611(subd 2) in granting the easementto defendants for the reason that minor encroachmentsof a structure on adjoining property,where no otherstructure is involved, are not subject to the provisions ofthat section.” (internal citations omitted)

Christopher v. Rosse, 91 A.D.2d 768 (3rd Dept 1982)

Encroachments: Damages

Christopher v. Rosse

an appropriate award ofdamages to plaintiffs wouldbe more equitable than adirection to remove theencroaching eaves togetherwith a conveyance byplaintiffs to defendants oftitle to a six-inch strip ofland along the westerlyboundary of plaintiffs'property for maintenanceand repair of the previouslyexisting encroaching building

Monetary damages in anencroachment action aremeasured by the differencebetween the value of theplaintiff's property subject tothe alleged encroachmentand the value of theproperty absent theencroachment.”

Paluccio v.Thatcher 42 Misc.3d 134(A) (Appellate Term,Second Dept. 2014)

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Judicial Determinations ofBoundaries

Questions of Law and Fact

Questions of Law

Determined by the Judge

Interpretation of a deed isa question of law whenthere are no ambiguities inthe description

Four Corners of thedocument

Intentions of the Parties

Questions of fact

Determined by the trierof fact, either the Judge ina bench trial or the Jury

Indefinite boundary lines

Disputed boundary lines

Conflicting evidencewhether the line has beenacquiesced in by theadjoining owners

Conflicting evidence of aparol agreement

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Role of the Court

What boundaries are is aquestion of law

Where boundaries are is aquestion of fact

Evidence Ancient Maps & Deeds

Agreements

SurveyorTestimony:expert and factual

Current and Past ownertestimony

Other neighbors

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Surveys and field notes

Field notes of the original surveyor are generally regardedas the primary evidence of the true location of theboundaries

Proof of identity, competency and authority of thesurveyor in the particular case and

The purpose of the survey

Survey Maps

Critical pieces of evidence in a property dispute “Indeedsurvey’s give reasonable support to a claim and, if based onmonuments,are entitled to great weight in a boundarydispute.”

1 NY Jur2d Adjoining Landowners §143

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Authentication of Surveys

Proof of identity,competency and authorityof the surveyor in theparticular case and

The purpose of the survey

Resurvey not shown to bebased upon the originalsurvey is inconclusive indetermining boundaries

Maps

Maps may be admittedinto evidence if they aresupported by proof ofauthenticity

Examples:

Map attached to the deed

Map referred to by thedeeds

Maps made for otherpurposes are notadmissible to proveboundaries

Examples:

Published county maps

Tax maps

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Ancient Maps

Civil Practice Laws and Rules 4522:

All maps, surveys and official records affecting realproperty,which have been on file in the state in the officeof the register of any county, any county clerk, any courtof record or any department of the city of NewYork formore than ten years, are prima facie evidence of theircontents.

A “practical location long recognized by parties in interestwill prevail over even old surveys, the accuracy of whichis assumed.” Van Dusen v. Lomonaco, 24 Misc. 2d 878 (Sup.Ct. Madison Co. 1960)

Testimony of Surveyors

ExpertTestimony FactualTestimony

Original Surveyor whoestablished the line

May use his or her map torefresh his or her memory

Testimony by a surveyorof marks left by a priorsurveyor is merelytestifying as to facts fromhis personal knowledge

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That the courses and distances are incongruous

That all the lines indicated by the monuments differ inlength from the deed

As to the Location of great lot lines and subdivision lines

As to Original line of a highway


Kattimbang v. 719 OceanView Avenue, LLC 13 Misc. 3d1215(A) (Sup.Ct Kings Co. 2006)

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Towner v. Jamison 98 A.D.2d 970 (4th Dept 1983)

Best Evidence Rule

Whenever a party seeks to prove the contents of awriting, they must produce the original or satisfactorilyaccount for its absence.

Certified Copies from the County Clerk’s office suffice asduly authenticated copies.

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Client’sProperty

Client’sProperty

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I.P.F. = Iron Pin Found

Clients property

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Role of the Court

Apply the various laws to the facts of the case

“The value of the land in dispute is less than twenty dollars. It is much to be regretted thatso serious a litigation should originate from such a small affair; but the question must bedecided the same as if affecting important rights.” Judge MartinGrover, Wood v. Lafayette,46 N.Y. 484 (1871).

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Surveyor’s Responsiblity

New York Education Law §7203

Definition of Practice of Land Surveying

The practice of the profession of land surveying isdefined as practicing that branch of the engineeringprofession and applied mathematics which includes themeasuring and plotting of the dimensions and areas of anyportion of the earth, including all naturally placed andman- or machine-made structures and objects thereon,the lengths and directions of boundary lines, the contourof the surface and the application of rules and regulationsin accordance with local requirements incidental tosubdivisions for the correct determination,description,conveying and recording thereof or for the establishmentor reestablishment thereof.

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Rules of the NYS Board of Regents Part 29:Unprofessional Conduct

§29.3(a)(9)

In the profession of land surveying, the revision, alterationor update of any existing boundary survey withoutadequate confirmation of boundary lines and monuments.To be adequate,such confirmation shall include areasonable field verification and shall be sufficientlyreasonably ensure the accuracy of the revision, alterationor update as appropriate to the circumstances of therevision,alteration or update.

Standard of Care A surveyor "must exercise

that degree of care which acivil engineer or a surveyorof ordinary skill andprudence would exerciseunder similar circumstances,and he may be heldresponsible for suchdamages as are sustaineddue to his negligence andlack of skill.”

R.H. Bowman & Associates,Inc.v. Danskin, 72 Misc. 2d244 (Sup. Ct. SchenectadyCo. 1972)

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Standard of Care

“What are the professional standards required of asurveyor? It appears that a surveyor is not necessarily aninsurer of the accuracy of his work unless he soundertakes.”

R.H. Bowman, Supra


To collect evidence of past boundaries described indocuments

To collect evidence of possession and use and

To create new evidence to be left for future surveyors torecover.

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Original Survey: Create the boundary,by describing theparcel of land

Re-tracement:the boundary created must be relocatedand identified at some time

The surveyor must take the description and using the words,locate it on the ground

The surveyor may disagree with peers as to what the wordsmean or what the evidence indicates

Lines of Occupation

Have to be shown

May be evidence of Acquiescence or Adverse Possession

May be evidence of encroachments

Surveyor alone cannot determine that the lines ofoccupation are the boundary line

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Lines of Record

Locating a natural or artificial monument research andthen searching in the field

Record monumentobtain a copy of the recorddescribing the monument and then locate the boundariesin accordance with the monument

Apply the priority of calls, or order of precedence

Depends on the quality of the original measurements and the

Quality of the original description

Unauthorized Practice of Law

§478 of the Judiciary Law

It shall be unlawful for any natural person to practice orappear as an attorney-at-law or as an attorney andcounselor-at-law for a person other than himself in acourt of record in this state, or

to furnish attorneys or counsel or an attorney andcounsel to render legal services,

or to hold himself out to the public as being entitled topractice law as aforesaid,

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Avoiding the Unauthorized Practice of Law

or in any other manner,

or to assume to be anattorney or counselor-at-law,


or to assume, use, or advertise the title of lawyer, orattorney and counselor-at-law,or attorney-at-law orcounselor-at-law,or attorney,or counselor, or attorneyand counselor, or equivalent terms in any language,insuch manner as to convey the impression that he is alegal practitioner of law

or in any manner to advertise that he either alone ortogether with any other persons or person has, owns,conducts or maintains a law office or law and collectionoffice,or office of any kind for the practice of law,

without having first been duly and regularly licensed andadmitted to practice law in the courts of record of thisstate, and without having taken the constitutional oath.

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Judiciary Law §484 None but attorneys to practice in thestate

No natural person shall ask or receive, directly orindirectly, compensation for appearing for a person otherthan himself as attorney in any court or before anymagistrate,


or for preparing deeds, mortgages, assignments,discharges, leases or any other instruments affecting realestate,wills, codicils, or any other instrument affecting thedisposition of property after death, or decedents' estates,or pleadings of any kind in any action brought before anycourt of record in this state,

or make it a business to practice for another as anattorney in any court or before any magistrate

unless he has been regularly admitted to practice, as anattorney or counselor, in the courts of record in thestate…

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In the Matter of the NewYork County LawyersAssociation vs. Bernard Bercu, 273AD 524 (1st Dept1948)

Issue: whether the professional practice in whichrespondent is admittedly engaged (accounting)constitutes the practice of law.

Respondent was an accountant.He gave certain advice tothe Croft Company on a tax question.


Matter of Bercu cont.

Respondent researched case law for an exception to arule and then wrote a memorandum to the client basedupon his research of cases and gave advice that theclients’ situation was similar to a case and would have asimilar result.

The Court said that the accuracy of the advice was notrelevant and that “The decision must rest on the natureof the services rendered and on whether they wereinherently legal or accounting services.”

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The Lawyers Association asserted “that tax law entersinto accounting and accounting into tax law and that it isa proper function of an accountant to prepare taxreturns,which work requires a knowledge and applicationof the law, but contends that giving advice with respect tothe tax law, unconnected with work on the books or taxreturns, is giving legal advice and practicing law.”



“It is not expected or permitted of the accountant,despite hisknowledge or use of the law, to give legal advice which isunconnected with accounting work.That is exactly what thisrespondent did…In short, legal advice was sought and given ona question of law.”

“When,however, a taxpayer is confronted with a tax questionso involved and difficult that it must go beyond its regularaccountant and seek outside tax law advice, the considerationsof convenience and economy in favor of letting its accountanthandle the matter no longer apply, and considerations of publicprotection require that such advice be sought from a qualifiedlawyer.At that point, at least, the line must be drawn.”

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Avoiding theUnauthorizedPractice of Law

Use Disclaimers.

Don’t give advice about

questions of law.

Refer clients to a qualified

Real PropertyAttorney


Disclaimer Example:

This (note, survey, article) is provided for generalinformational purposes only. It should not be construedas legal advice and is not intended to be substituted forlegal counsel. Persons requiring legal advice should retaina properly licensed lawyer.

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Questions

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