Who Is Responsible for Sidewalk Repairs in the Bronx?

If you live in the Bronx, chances are you’ve seen cracked or uneven sidewalks. But what if the damage is right outside your home or shop? Who’s supposed to fix it, you or the city?

According to the New York City Administrative Code §19-152, the property owner is responsible for keeping the sidewalk safe and in excellent condition. So, if the sidewalk in front of your building has cracks, holes, or uneven slabs, you’re required by law to repair it.

The city created this rule to make sure sidewalks stay safe for everyone who walks on them. Broken sidewalks can cause people to trip and get hurt, and that could even lead to lawsuits.

So while the city owns the sidewalks, it’s your duty as a property owner to maintain them. The goal is simple: keep all sidewalks smooth, clean, and safe to use.

Does the City Ever Fix Sidewalks?

Yes, but only in some cases.

If your home is a one-, two-, or three-family house that you own and live in, and your sidewalk was damaged by the roots of a city-owned tree, the City of New York will repair it for free.

This rule is part of the Tree-Related Sidewalk Repair Program, which helps homeowners when city trees cause the damage.

However, if the sidewalk is cracked because of age, water, weather, or soil movement, you’ll have to handle the repair yourself.

Also, if you rent out part of your house, you may lose the free repair benefit. You can check your eligibility by calling 311 or visiting the NYC Parks Department website.

Who Pays for Sidewalk Repairs at Rental or Commercial Properties?

If you own a multi-family rental, apartment building, or storefront, then you are fully responsible for fixing the sidewalk in front of your property.

This includes:

• Filling cracks or gaps.
  
  
• Replacing broken or uneven slabs.
  
  
• Clearing snow, ice, and trash.
  
  

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) regularly inspects sidewalks. If they find unsafe areas, they’ll send a violation notice. You’ll have 75 days to repair the damage.

If you don’t, the city will hire a contractor to do it and then send you the bill, often at a higher cost. The amount can also become a lien on your property tax, which can cause bigger financial issues later.

Tip: Fix small cracks early. It’s cheaper, safer, and prevents injury-related lawsuits.

What About Condos and Co-ops?

If you live in a condo or co-op, things work a bit differently.

For condos, the Homeowners Association (HOA) usually takes care of sidewalk maintenance as part of shared property management.

That means:

• The board or property manager hires licensed contractors.
  
  
• Costs are covered by monthly association fees.
  
  
• Every owner pays their share.
  
  

For co-ops, the co-op board manages common areas, including sidewalks. Repairs are paid for through monthly maintenance fees or special assessments.

If you’re not sure, check your building’s bylaws; they’ll spell out who’s responsible for outdoor repairs like sidewalks or driveways.

What If You’re a Renter?

If you rent your home or shop, you usually don’t have to worry about sidewalk repairs; that’s your landlord’s job.

However, commercial renters (like shops or restaurants) should read their lease carefully.

Many leases have a “sidewalk maintenance” clause that says tenants must:

• Keep the sidewalk clean.
  
  
• Remove snow or garbage.
  
  
• Fix small issues caused by their business activities.
  
  

If you’re unsure, ask your landlord before you sign. For regular residential tenants, the landlord is almost always responsible for major repairs.

Who Fixes Sidewalks Near City Property?

If the sidewalk is next to public property, the government agency that owns the building must maintain it.

Here’s how it usually works:

• The Parks Department repairs sidewalks near city parks.
  
  
• The Department of Education (DOE) handles sidewalks near public schools.
  
  
• The Housing Authority (NYCHA) maintains sidewalks around public housing.
  
  
• The MTA or DOT may handle sidewalks near subways, bridges, or tunnels.
  
  

So, if the sidewalk next to a park or school is cracked, the city must fix it.

What About Corner Properties?

If your property sits on a corner, you’re responsible for both sidewalks, the one along the main street and the one along the side street.

That means double the area to maintain and double the chance of getting a violation if you ignore one side. So, keep an eye on both sections and fix any cracks early.

What If a Tree Damages the Sidewalk?

Tree roots can be a big problem in the Bronx. They push up slabs and create trip hazards.

Here’s how the city decides who repairs it:

• If the tree is city-owned and your home is a 1-, 2-, or 3-family owner-occupied house, the City will repair it for free.
  
  
• If the property is commercial, rental, a condo, or a co-op, you must repair it, even if the tree belongs to the city.
  
  

Never try to cut or remove a city tree yourself; that could lead to heavy fines. Instead, report the issue by calling 311 or requesting an inspection through NYC Parks.

Conclusion

Even though the city owns the sidewalks, property owners are usually the ones who must maintain and repair them.

Keeping your sidewalk in good shape isn’t just about following the law, but it’s about keeping your neighborhood safe and welcoming. Whether you own a home, run a business, or manage a condo, regular sidewalk maintenance helps you avoid fines, prevent accidents, and improve curb appeal.

If you find cracks or uneven slabs, don’t wait. Reach out to a licensed sidewalk repair contractor in the Bronx who knows city regulations and can handle permits properly. A smooth sidewalk doesn’t just protect your property,  it keeps your community strong and safe.