If you own a rental property in a location with snowy winters, you might be questioning how to take the responsibility of snow removal. Snow removal for rental property owners is governed by a confusing set of guidelines. For this reason, well in advance of the first snowfall, it is important to divide up the snow removal responsibilities. But should you or your tenant deal with this? That depends on a couple of things, which we discuss in more detail below.
Local Ordinance
Your snow removal responsibilities can be better understand by checking the relevant local ordinance. Local laws typically ask property owners to remove snow from nearby public sidewalks and driveways within a specific period (usually 24 to 48 hours). However, this is not always the scenario. But in some areas, local ordinances go beyond simply requiring snow removal. Moreover, they could outline specifically where the removed snow can and cannot be piled up.
Some cities may require property owners to remove snow from fire hydrants, benches, and communal places next to their properties. Others may limit where you can pile the snow (tossing snow in the road is against the law in numerous areas) or how high you can pile snow up along a walkway. Some may even restrict what kinds of road salt or other deicing materials you can utilize on your walkways and driveways.
Irrespective of what the local ordinances say, avoiding getting hit with fines for improper snow removal is essential.
Property Type
Depending on the type of rental property you have, snow removal responsibilities might be distributed accordingly. For example, multi-family property owners tend to be responsible for snow removal. However, for single-family rental homes, most owners and landlords can delegate the task of snow removal to the tenant.
If your tenant already handles yard maintenance and other basic errands, this situation can work in numerous cases. To avoid breaking local laws, it is important to keep in mind that the local ordinances still exist and that you should educate your tenant on suitable snow removal practices.
Tenant Ability
Another crucial factor to consider is your tenant’s ability to perform snow removal operations promptly and effectively. If your tenant isn’t physically able to complete such duties or is believed to be a member of a protected class according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may need to make other arrangements. While it is not explicitly illegal to request a handicapped tenant to do snow removal, a lack of consideration for your tenant may severely damage tenant relations. In situations like this, you may discover the more ethical and profitable option to hire a professional property manager to do it for your tenant or simply perform it alone if you want.
Lease Documents
Several single-family rental property owners necessitate their tenants to handle snow removal. If you want to do this as well, you must involve clear language in your lease that indicates your tenant’s responsibilities related to that duty. Another excellent suggestion is to provide any pertinent information from local ordinances if your tenant is required to abide by particular rules. In the event of a disagreement, detailed lease documents can help your tenant understand their snow removal responsibilities and can be an invaluable resource.
On the other hand, if you plan to provide snow removal, specify that in the lease as well. You ought to also include expectations related to that service, such as moving vehicles or not parking on the street during snow removal service hours.
Hiring a property management company such as Real Property Management Ambassadors has the benefit that we can help you find the ideal approach to handle weather-related maintenance at your rental property. Contact us or call 701-970-2600 immediately to acquire more information about our range of property management services in Fargo and neighboring areas.
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