If you own a rental property in a snowy winter location, you may be wondering how to deal with the responsibility of snow removal. Rules about snow removal for rental property owners are surprisingly diverse and can be quite interesting to navigate. For this reason, it’s great to assign snow removal responsibilities well in advance of the first flakes falling. But who is the best fit for this – you or your tenant? That depends on a few exciting factors, which we will explore in more detail below.
Local Ordinance
First, verify your local ordinance to discover your snow removal responsibilities. In numerous locations, local laws encourage property owners to remove snow from adjacent public sidewalks and driveways, typically within the prescribed period (usually 24 to 48 hours). But in certain regions, local ordinances go beyond simply requiring snow removal. They could additionally determine the areas where removed snow can and cannot be piled up.
Some cities may require property owners to remove snow from fire hydrants, benches, or public places adjacent to their property. Others may limit where you can pile the snow (throwing snow in the road is against the law in many towns) or how high you can pile snow up along a walkway. There may be guidelines on the types of road salt or other deicing materials you can use on your walkways and driveways.
No matter what the local ordinances say, avoiding getting hit with fines for improper snow removal is vital.
Property Type
The assignment of snow removal responsibilities can vary based on the on the type of rental property you own, making it an interesting consideration. For example, multi-family property owners are almost always responsible for snow removal. However, for single-family rental homes, most owners and landlords can pass the task of snow removal to the tenant.
This situation has great potential, mostly if your tenant already handles yard maintenance and other basic duties. However, it’s great to remember that the local ordinances still in place, so you should educate your tenant on correct snow removal practices to avoid breaking local laws.
Tenant Ability
Another critical element to keep in mind is your tenant’s ability to perform snow removal duties efficiently and consistently. If your tenant isn’t physically able to take on such responsibilities or is considered a member of a protected class under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may need to make other arrangements. Although asking a disabled tenant to handle snow removal isn’t technically against the rules, a lack of consideration for your tenant could greatly damage tenant relations. In these instances, you might discover that hiring a professional property manager can be an ethical and profitable option for your tenant, or you could choose to take on the task yourself if that suits you better.
Lease Documents
Most single-family rental property owners motivate their tenants to handle snow removal. And if you plan to do the same, it’s great idea to include clear language in your lease that outlines your tenant’s responsibilities related to that task. Another effective tip is to give any relevant data from local ordinances to ensure your tenant is aware of any specific rules they need to follow. Clear lease documents can help your tenant understand their snow removal responsibilities and can be an invaluable resource should a problem happen.
Alternatively, if you plan to provide snow removal, be sure to mention that in the lease too. It is also critical to include expectations connected to that service, such as moving vehicles or not parking on the street during snow removal service times.
One wonderful aspect of hiring a property management company like Real Property Management Solutions is that we will assist you in figuring out the best methods to handle weather-related maintenance at your rental property. Contact us or call 503-224-3002 today to know more about our range of property management services in Beaverton and neighboring areas.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
