When you own rental properties in regions with a lot of snow, you have to plan for snow removal before the first flakes fall. When you create a lease for your rental property, it’s crucial to determine who is responsible for maintaining snow removal. That said, it’s different depending on what type of property you are renting out. If you’re curious about who is responsible for snow removal at a rental property, keep reading as we go over a few scenarios.
Main Takeaways
- Snow removal responsibilities should be clearly outlined in the lease agreement to help prevent confusion and reduce liability during the winter months.
- Responsibility for snow removal often depends on the type of rental property, local ordinances, and the terms of the lease.
- Whether handled by the landlord, tenant, or a contractor, prompt snow and ice removal helps keep rental properties safe and compliant with local requirements.
Who is Responsible for Snow Removal at a Rental Property?
Although nobody likes bundling up to shovel the driveway during a cold and snowy day, it’s necessary for winter property maintenance. That said, rental owners must determine who is responsible for removing snow from the sidewalks, pathways, and driveway early in the season.
If you own a rental property, it’s also a good idea to stay up to date on local maintenance requirements and consult a trusted Baltimore property management company if you have questions.
Figuring out who is responsible for snow removal at a rental property may depend on what type of home it is. Similarly, it may depend on local jurisdictions regarding snow removal. So with that, let’s go over who is responsible for removing snow at a single-family rental and a multi-family rental property.
Removing Snow at a Single-Family Rental
For many single-family rental homes, tenants may be responsible for snow removal if the lease clearly assigns that responsibility and local laws allow it. Before including a snow removal clause, landlords should review applicable state and local requirements. Sidewalks, pathways, and the driveway should be clear of snow and ice. Having a clear walkway will minimize the risk of slipping and falling on the ice.
Some communities offer assistance programs or accommodations for residents who are unable to safely remove snow. Requirements and available programs vary by jurisdiction. In this case, tenants and landlords should work together to figure out an alternative snow removal method. For example, it may be helpful to work out an agreement with a neighbor or hire a snow removal service.
Either way, landlords must make sure winter responsibilities are taken care of. If a tenant is not keeping up with snow removal, don’t wait to take action. Failing to address snow and ice promptly can increase the risk of slips, falls, and potential liability.
Snow Removal at a Multi-Family Property
With multi-family properties, a lot of responsibilities fall on the landlord. Property owners must keep up with local ordinances and keep pathways and walkways clear of ice and snow.
Responsibilities may vary depending on local laws and the terms of the lease, but landlords are generally responsible for maintaining common areas. That said, it may be helpful to hire a vendor for this service.
Setting up a contract or agreement for snow removal early in the year is crucial. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out how to remove snow at your rental property. That said, make sure you hire a reputable company to clear snow during the winter. For this process, it’s helpful to look at online reviews and compare companies before deciding on one.
Incentives for Tenant Snow Removal
Many landlords can work out a deal in the rental contract so that tenants are in charge of shoveling snow. This may include additional incentives like a lower rent price during winter months or other tenant benefits.
Before assigning snow removal responsibilities, ensure the lease clearly outlines those obligations and that the arrangement complies with applicable law. Similarly, landlords should periodically check up on the property to make sure specific local ordinances are being met. Remember to make sure that everything is written in the rental contract to avoid any misunderstandings later on.
What Are the Local Laws Regarding Snow Removal?
The laws around snow removal are essential in areas that get a lot of snow because it can be a safety concern for landlords. In addition, falls and injuries due to ice and snow are a huge liability and account for millions of dollars in claims every year.
Many local ordinances require sidewalks and walkways to be cleared within a specified timeframe after snowfall. Property owners should review local requirements to ensure compliance.
Regardless of who is in charge of removing snow at a rental property, it must get done either way. Now, let’s go over a few other maintenance basics that landlords and tenants should be aware of:
- Local ordinances may specify minimum clearance widths for sidewalks and walkways.
- Snowbank piles may have height limitations depending on local ordinances.
- Snow removal may be time-sensitive.
- Avoid dumping snow into the street, curbs, or public property.
- Some municipalities encourage or require property owners to keep nearby fire hydrants accessible.
- Sand or salt may be required to prevent slips and falls.
Most cities, especially ones that house a lot of people, take these requirements quite seriously. That said, rental property owners should do the same. If not, landlords may face fines for non-compliance. To avoid any maintenance issues, it’s crucial for landlords to keep up with property maintenance all year round.
Snow Removal Tips and Solutions for Rental Properties
When professional snow plowing services are unavailable, landlords and tenants must take action to keep walkways safe. If you own a rental home in an area that accumulates a lot of snow each winter, investing in snow removal equipment or hiring a snow removal contractor may be beneficial. Otherwise, using a shovel to remove snow is a quick and easy way to clear walkways as well.
Safety While Shoveling
Shoveling is relatively a safe activity, but going out in cold temperatures and removing ice can sometimes be dangerous. That said, there are certain precautions that landlords and tenants should take while removing snow on the property. Let’s go over a few:
- Wear appropriate footwear, like warm boots or durable shoes
- Wear warm, breathable clothing that allows your body’s temperature to regulate
- Use a durable shovel meant for snow removal
- Bend at the knees while lifting snow to avoid hurting your back
- Remove snow in sections, keeping it away from the road and walkways
- Stay hydrated before and after shoveling
- Take breaks if you need to, try not to overwork yourself
Although it seems quite simple, winter property maintenance is a critical aspect of owning a rental home. Keep these tips in mind while preparing for snow removal at your property over the winter.
FAQs About Snow Removal at Rental Properties
Snow removal can raise a lot of questions for both landlords and tenants, especially when winter weather arrives unexpectedly. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about snow removal responsibilities at rental properties.
Who is responsible for snow removal at a rental property?
It depends on the type of rental property, the lease agreement, and local laws. In many single-family rentals, tenants may be responsible for removing snow, while landlords often handle snow removal at multi-family properties and common areas.
Can a landlord require a tenant to shovel snow?
Yes, in many cases, landlords can assign snow removal responsibilities to tenants through the lease agreement. However, the arrangement must comply with any applicable state and local laws.
Are landlords liable for slip-and-fall accidents caused by snow or ice?
Potentially. Liability depends on the circumstances, including who was responsible for snow removal under the lease and whether local snow removal requirements were followed. Promptly clearing snow and ice can help reduce safety risks.
Should snow removal responsibilities be included in the lease?
Yes. Clearly outlining who is responsible for removing snow, applying ice melt, and maintaining walkways during winter can help prevent misunderstandings and protect both landlords and tenants.
What is the safest way to remove snow from a rental property?
Use the proper equipment, wear appropriate winter clothing and footwear, clear snow as soon as possible after it falls, and apply salt or ice melt where needed to reduce slippery conditions. If heavy snowfall is expected, hiring a professional snow removal service may be the safest option.
Tips for Managing Your Rental Property
Keeping up with all the tasks and responsibilities of a rental property can be a lot for one landlord. Luckily, property management companies like Bay Property Management Group are here to help you keep track of it all.
Whether you own one property or many, our professional management services can help you with various property tasks. For example, if you’re unsure of who is responsible for snow removal at a rental property, Bay Property Management Group can assist you. Some of the other services our full-service leasing team offers include:
- Tenant Screening
- Move-In and Move-Out Reporting
- Maintenance Staff
- Monthly Rent Collection
- Eviction Services
- Lead Paint Compliance
- Rental Registration
- Monthly and Annual Financial Reports
Need Help Managing Your Rental Property?
Managing a rental property involves more than collecting rent. From coordinating seasonal maintenance and responding to repair requests to keeping up with local requirements, staying on top of everything can quickly become time-consuming. Planning ahead for responsibilities like snow removal is just one way to help protect your property and your tenants.
At Bay Property Management Group, we help landlords handle the day-to-day responsibilities of rental ownership. Whether you need help coordinating maintenance, screening tenants, collecting rent, or managing your property year-round, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of property management. We offer full-service property management in Baltimore, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, and surrounding counties.
