In this neighbor dispute, air-purifier maker clears the air

They say good fences make good neighbors, but in one New York City apartment building, an air-filtration system was key to keeping the peace.

The dispute became known last winter after news stories reported that a couple, lawyers who live in an upscale Upper West Side apartment building, had sued a neighbor on their floor because cigarette smoke was wafting from her condominium into the common hallway. The plaintiffs have a young son whose health, they claimed, was being affected by the secondhand smoke.

New Yorkers love a good real-estate dispute, and this one had the makings of a reality-TV classic (the defendant had also been accused of having her dog urinate on a the plaintiffs’ stroller). But the parties settled the matter out of court, thanks in part to the third-party efforts of Aerus, which makes vacuums and air purifiers.

Shortly after the suit was filed, Aerus offered to install an air-filtration system for free in the defendant’s apartment to help capture the smoke from her cigarettes. In a New York Times article, Joseph P. Urso, chief executive of Aerus, said the filtering system was instrumental to reaching a settlement.

We’re currently working on a story on neighborly disputes, and would love to hear your stories about any nuisances you’ve had to deal with, including issues related to topics like noise, fences, trees, boundaries/property lines, safety, and esthetics.

If you have a compelling tale to tell, send us an e-mail with all the details. As always, we’ll respect your privacy—read our privacy policy—and will keep your information confidential. Please indicate if you’re willing to be contacted by a reporter working on this story.—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: When you’re in the market for an air purifier, read our latest report on these devices and follow our advice to determine whether you need one and to choose the right model for your home. Ratings of room and whole-house models are available to subscribers.

Comments

[Cynthia Riley]

We own a 28 year old house in southern Ontario. The front cement porch has had cracks in it, which we fixed. We are now going to purchase interlocking brick for a sidewalk. In order to have more curb appeal we would like to refinish the cement porch. The only product that I know about is "Hard Rock". A roll on 3 step process that gives a rough surface. Will this product be durable? Has anyone used this product?

[Barbara Staib]

Additional problems that people have with their neighbors are annoying dog barking and neighbor’s dogs or cats getting into their yard. One possible way to deal with this problem is installing a pet repeller. This electronic device sends ultrasonic tones to either keep animals out of your yard or to stop a nearby dog from barking. Although the sound is irritating to animals, it is humane and painless.

[Air Purifiers]

Fascinating case. Smokers should be encouraged to heal those neighborly relationships by getting air purifiers... there's always a solution for those who seek...

[The Unit]

This seems like such a touchy subject since the smokers were within their private residence and the smoke drifted into the hall. It's not like the smoke was purposely blown into the hall and into the other person's apartment. That's what happens when you live in a residence like this. You have to give up some of your privacy and liberties.

[Cecille Freilich]

We are having a very difficult situation. My daughters own a 2 bedroom condo in South Boston. About 6 weeks ago they noticed a smell of cigarette smoke in parts of the apartment. This has now gotten to the point that the whole apartment smells except for one bedroom even though we have tried to caulk and cover all possible outlets and pipes coming out of the wall (The smell was worse under the sink and in the bathrooms). At that time, 2 people moved in to an apartment below who are heavy smokers. My daughters spoke to the people without much response and are in the process of getting the condo association involved to mediate although this is occurring at snails pace. My daughter's asthma is aggravated and she has been forced to sleep at friends's houses as a result. My second daughter has developed headaches and basically stays there as little as possible. It is obvious that the source is that apartment as the hallway outside their apartment reeks of smoke. This is an expensive condo building and we are concerned that not only is this a health issue but that the resale value will be affected (They planned to sell this year because of the change in their life situation) Do you have any suggestions. Thank you Cecille Freilich

[Denise]

I am also having issues with a neighbor who smokes-a lot- and has no concept that others do not keep the same hours as she does. Her doorway is 6+ feet away from mine, this is a 3 story bldg., 2 units per floor. I have talked to her twice now, spoke to management the first time and got a snotty letter under my door from her-she is probably 21-22 if that, and blissfully unaware or concerned with making an effort to be more respectful of when she comes in after 11 pm. I have lived here 6 years and have had 4 neighbors live across from me , none like her. I now have to talk to her again-3rd time- about these issues, and have a migraine from not only the smoke that leaks into my apartment but the fact that once again the noise level and her friends leaving woke me up 3 times, her actions are affecting my work due to the fact of sleep loss. Also, I have to put a towel at the bottom of my doorway to help keep the smoke from coming in. I thought of knocking on her door at 5:30 AM, waking her, when I had get up but I'm an adult and won't go there, although it is tempting. I am a fairly tolerant person, but how do you deal with someone that has no common sense or respect for others?

[HB in New York City]

I've lived in my New York City pre-war apartment building nearly 10 years. About 3 years ago, my downstairs neighbors moved out, & new tenants moved in. When winter rolled around, their disgusting cigarette smoke began seeping into our apartment, especially my bedroom. I tried sealing every crack with expanding foam, which was completely useless. I contacted the building management who asked them to open windows to vent the smoke, which helped a great deal. Unfortunately, there is a new roommate down there who refuses to now acknowledge that anyone down there smokes. I personally find that behavior very selfish. Why should I have to purchase an air purifier and have the extra expense of electricity, which is very expensive in NYC when I have neighbors like that?