If you own a rental property in a place with snowy winters, you may be curious how to deal with the responsibility of snow removal. Guidelines about snow removal for rental property owners are shockingly fluctuated and sometimes confusing. Consequently, it’s essential to split up snow removal responsibilities accordingly long before the first flakes fall. Who should be responsible for its execution – you or your tenant? This depends on two or three factors, which we will discuss in further detail below.
Local Ordinance
At first, you need to check your local ordinance to grasp your snow removal responsibilities. In several but not all places, local laws require property owners to remove snow from adjoining public sidewalks and driveways, typically within a specific period (usually 24 to 48 hours). But in certain places, local ordinances go beyond simply requiring snow removal. They may also explain where the removed snow can and cannot be piled up.
A few cities may require property owners to remove snow from fire hydrants, benches, or common areas beside their property. Others may limit where you can pile the snow (tossing snow on the road is against the law in numerous towns) or how tall you can pile snow up along a walkway. Some may even confine what sorts of road salt or other deicing materials you can use on your walkways and driveways.
Regardless of what the local ordinances say, avoiding getting hit with fines for improper snow removal is imperative.
Property Type
When splitting up snow removal responsibilities, who gets allocated to the tasks also relies upon what type of rental property you own. For example, multi-family property owners are often responsible for snow removal. However, for single-family rental homes, most owners and landlords can distribute the task of snow removal to the tenant.
These conditions can be effective in various scenarios, particularly if your tenant already handles yard maintenance and other essential tasks. Nonetheless, it’s essential to recognize that the local ordinances still apply, so you should educate your tenant on appropriate snow removal practices to avoid breaking local laws.
Tenant Ability
Another significant factor to consider is your tenant’s ability to perform snow removal activities efficiently and punctually. If your tenant isn’t physically able to meet such duties or is viewed as a member of a protected class under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may need to make other arrangements. Mandating snow removal from an incapable tenant is not inherently illegal, but a lack of consideration for your tenant could significantly damage tenant relations. In such cases, you may find the more ethical and profitable option to hire a professional property manager to handle the responsibilities for your renter or, alternatively, to undertake the tasks yourself if preferred.
Lease Documents
Most single-family rental property owners expect their tenants to handle snow removal. If you plan to proceed the same way, it is imperative to put clear language in your lease that delineates your tenant’s responsibilities connected with that task. Another excellent practice is to integrate relevant data from local ordinances if your renter must adhere to certain regulations. Precise lease documents can help your tenant understand their snow removal responsibilities and can be an invaluable resource in the event of a disagreement.
Alternatively, if you plan to provide snow removal, include that in the lease as well. You should also include expectations connected with that service, such as moving vehicles or not parking on the street during snow removal service times.
An exceptional aspect of hiring a property management company like Real Property Management Enterprises is our assistance in determining the best strategy for handling weather-related maintenance at your rental property. Contact us or call 405-463-0040 today to learn about our property management services in Edmond and surrounding areas.
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