New York courts enforce prior written notice rules strictly: the notice generally must be in writing, describe the actual defect location and condition, and reach the official designated to receive it. In NYC the rule lives in § 7-201(c)(2) and applies to claims that still run against the City, such as falls next to exempt owner-occupied small homes. A 311 call alone may not qualify. Private property owners get no such protection, which is one more reason commercial and multi-family owners should treat visible sidewalk defects as urgent rather than waiting for a complaint.
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