When winter hits, snow and ice can create hazardous conditions for tenants and visitors. But who is responsible for clearing it—tenant or landlord? The answer often depends on the terms of your lease, local laws, and the type of rental property.
Check Your Lease Agreement
Your lease is the first place to look for snow removal responsibilities. Many landlords include specific clauses outlining who is responsible.
- Single-Family Homes: Tenants are often responsible for snow removal, as they maintain the property like a homeowner.
- Apartment Complexes: Landlords or property managers typically handle snow removal in shared spaces, such as parking lots, walkways, and stairs.
For example, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, large apartment buildings often have contracts with snow removal services to ensure compliance with city ordinances.
Understand Local Laws
Snow removal responsibilities can also be dictated by state or municipal laws. Some jurisdictions explicitly assign responsibility:
- New York City: Landlords must clear sidewalks within four hours after snowfall ends during the day or by 11 a.m. if snow stops overnight.
- Denver, Colorado: Property owners (landlords or tenants, as specified in the lease) have 24 hours to clear sidewalks.
Failure to comply may result in fines, so it’s crucial to know your area’s regulations.
Responsibility for Safety
Even if tenants are tasked with clearing snow, landlords may still hold liability for accidents on the property. For example:
- Ice in Parking Lots: Landlords must ensure that shared spaces remain safe and accessible.
- Uncleared Snow on Roofs: Falling snow or ice could lead to injuries, making it the landlord’s responsibility.
In cases like these, landlords in Chicago, Illinois, may hire professional services to mitigate risks.
What Tenants Should Do
If snow removal is your responsibility:
- Get the Right Tools: Keep shovels, ice melt, and snow blowers handy.
- Act Quickly: Clear snow as soon as possible to prevent ice buildup.
- Document Your Work: Take photos of cleared areas to protect yourself from liability.
What Landlords Should Do
If landlords are responsible, they should:
- Hire Professionals: Contract reliable snow removal services.
- Communicate Clearly: Inform tenants about the timeline and areas covered.
- Inspect Regularly: Ensure thorough snow and ice removal in high-traffic areas.
Shared Responsibility in Some Cases
In some situations, snow removal might be a shared responsibility. For instance:
- Tenants in suburban Boston rentals may be asked to clear personal driveways, while landlords handle common areas.
- In Seattle, Washington, tenants might clear private patios, while landlords address walkways.
Conclusion
Landlord responsibility for snow removal depends on lease agreements, local laws, and the nature of the rental property. To avoid misunderstandings, tenants and landlords should clarify responsibilities before winter arrives. Ensuring safe and accessible pathways is not just about compliance—it’s about maintaining a good tenant-landlord relationship.