The owners of a New York City luxury condominium sued their neighbor for cigarette smoke drifting into their unit. The court found that the condominium rules are silent about smoking in residences but that the rules prohibit any objectionable odors or activity, which interfere with the “rights, comforts, or conveniences” of other owners. The court allowed the owners’ claims for negligence and nuisance to move forward. The court also found it was permissible for the owners to sue their neighbor without involving the condominium association in the lawsuit.
An individual or organization may seek civil damages against a tobacco company based on the claim that the use of tobacco products causes disease or death. Some of these cases will relate to general tobacco products, while others will relate to specific subcategories of tobacco products--for example, light or low products, menthol or other flavored products. Additionally, there may be cases relating to exposure to secondhand smoke.
A claim for violating a law protecting tenants or home owners, such as the covenant of quiet enjoyment, the warranty of habitability, constructive eviction, or trespass. For example, a tenant could sue a neighbor or the property owner when exposed to drifting secondhand smoke in their home.
The owners of a New York City luxury condominium sued their neighbor for cigarette smoke drifting into their unit. The court found that the condominium rules are silent about smoking in residences but that the rules prohibit any objectionable odors or activity, which interfere with the “rights, comforts, or conveniences” of other owners. The court allowed the owners’ claims for negligence and nuisance to move forward. The court also found it was permissible for the owners to sue their neighbor without involving the condominium association in the lawsuit.