Who Should Remove Snow and Ice?

We're in the winter season and as snow accumulates you might be wondering who is technically responsible for shoveling the snow - landlord or renter? We've outlined the basics for you to reference, but you should always check with your lease agreement first.

Generally, the owner of the property is responsible for snow removal. However, if you are a tenant in a single family home, it's best to check your lease agreement to find out if snow removal is your responsibility or the landlord's responsibility. Be sure to read your lease agreement carefully and follow the guidelines outlined in it. If you have any questions, it's best to contact your landlord to clarify any confusion.

If you live in an area that experiences snowfall often, it is important to be aware of your local laws and regulations regarding snow removal. Depending on your state or city, you may be legally required to remove snow and ice within a certain amount of time. In some places, this could be as soon as a few hours after the snowfall or as late as 24 to 48 hours. To ensure you are following all applicable laws, it is important to check with your local municipality or other relevant authorities. Additionally, it is always wise to take extra precautionary measures to keep your driveway, sidewalks, and other areas around your property safe for pedestrians.

Public agencies should ensure that streets, curbs, and sidewalks are kept clear of snow and ice according to the requirements of the American Disabilities Act (ADA). This is an important step to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their ability or disability, have safe and unobstructed access to public spaces.

As a landlord or property manager, it is important to understand your legal responsibility to keep the property reasonably safe and free of danger. In order to protect yourself from liability, it is important to clearly state in the lease who is responsible for snow and ice removal.

As a property owner, it's important to be aware of the risks that come with not removing snow and ice from your property. Not only could you face fines from your local government, but you could also be held liable for any accidents that may occur due to the hazardous conditions. Additionally, if you said in your lease agreement that you are responsible for snow and ice removal, you could face legal trouble with your tenants if you fail to do so. Developing a plan can help you keep your residents safe all winter long. Here are some tips for snow removal:

1. Choose the right tools: Select the appropriate tools for snow removal, including shovels, snow blowers, snow plows, and salt or sand.
2. Establish a snow removal plan: Set a plan for snow removal and designate specific areas to be cleared first. Make sure to include areas that are most commonly used like driveways and parking lots.
3. Monitor the weather conditions so that you know when it's time to start clearing the snow.

Following these tips can help you and your tenants enjoy a safe and comfortable winter season.

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