If you own a rental property in an area with snowy winters, you may be asking how to take on the responsibility of snow removal. Laws regarding snow removal for rental property owners are surprisingly diverse and confusing at times. Therefore, snow removal responsibilities must be assigned far in advance of the first flakes falling. But who should be doing it – you or your tenant? That is dependent on a number of factors, which we will cover in greater detail below.
Local Ordinance
First, consult your local ordinance to figure out your snow removal responsibilities. In most but not all areas, local laws demand property owners to remove snow from adjacent public sidewalks and driveways, typically within a particular period (usually 24 to 48 hours). But in certain areas, local ordinances go beyond simply requiring snow removal. They may also specify where the removed snow can and cannot be piled up.
Some cities may require property owners to remove snow from fire hydrants, benches, or common areas close to their property. Others may limit where you can pile the snow (throwing snow in the road is against the law in numerous municipalities) or how high you can pile snow up along a walkway. Some may even prohibit the sort of road salt or other deicing materials you can utilize on your walkways and driveways.
Irrespective of what the local ordinances indicate, avoiding getting hit with fines for improper snow removal is imperative.
Property Type
When splitting up snow removal responsibilities, who is given the responsibility varies according to the type of rental property you own. For illustration, multi-family property owners are almost always responsible for snow removal. Nevertheless, for single-family rental homes, most owners and landlords can delegate the task of snow removal to the tenant.
This arrangement can work in a variety of situations, particularly if your tenant already handles yard maintenance and other basic responsibilities. However, it’s imperative to remember that the local ordinances are still in effect, so you should educate your tenant on the right snow removal practices to avoid breaking local laws.
Tenant Ability
Another consideration is your tenant’s ability to perform snow removal activities appropriately and promptly. If your tenant isn’t physically able to fulfill such obligations or is considered a member of a protected class under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may need to make other arrangements. While expecting a disabled tenant to perform snow removal is not strictly prohibited, a lack of consideration for your tenant could severely damage tenant relations. In these situations, you may discover hiring a professional property manager to do it for your tenant or simply doing it yourself is a more ethical and profitable option.
Lease Documents
Many single-family rental property owners expect their tenants to handle snow removal. And if you intend to carry out the same, you should add clear language in your lease that defines your tenant’s responsibilities for those duties. Another good idea is to add any pertinent data from local ordinances if your tenant is required to follow specific rules. Proper lease documents can help your tenant understand their snow removal responsibilities and can be an invaluable resource in the event of a disagreement.
On the other side, if you plan to provide snow removal, indicate that in the lease as well. You should also include expectations associated to that service, such as moving vehicles or not parking on the street during snow removal service times.
One advantage of hiring a property management company like Real Property Management Keystone is that we will advise you on how to best handle weather-related maintenance at your rental property. Contact us or call 412-385-2300 today to discover more about our property management services in Pittsburgh and the vicinity.
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