You may be pondering how to approach the responsibility of snow removal if you own a rental property somewhere with snowy winters. The regulations regarding snow removal for rental property owners are surprisingly complicated and wide-ranging. This is why it is crucial to allocate snow removal responsibilities in a thoughtful manner prior to the first flakes fall. However, who should be responsible for this task – you or your tenant? This is contingent upon a few factors, which we will elaborate on in the following section.
Local Ordinance
First, search your local ordinance to find out your snow removal responsibilities. Local laws call for property owners to remove snow from public sidewalks and driveways adjacent to their properties, typically within a specified time frame (usually 24 to 48 hours). However, this is not always the case. But in some regions, local ordinances go beyond simply requiring snow removal. Moreover, they may specify the locations where the removed snow can and cannot be piled up.
Some cities may require property owners to remove snow from communal areas, such as fire hydrants and benches that are adjacent to their property. Others may limit where you can pile the snow (throwing snow in the road is against the law in lots of communities) or how high you can pile snow up along a walkway. Some may even limit what kinds of road salt or other deicing materials you can use on your walkways and driveways.
No matter what the local ordinances suggest, avoiding getting hit with fines for improper snow removal is significant.
Property Type
It also varies depending on the type of rental property you own and how snow removal responsibilities are divided. For example, multi-family property owners are typically responsible for snow removal. However, for single-family rental homes, most owners and landlords can outsource the task of snow removal to the tenant.
This scenario might be feasible in a number of instances, mostly if your tenant already handles yard maintenance and other uncomplicated responsibilities. However, it’s vital to keep in mind that the local ordinances continue to be in effect, so you should educate your tenant on proper snow removal practices to avoid breaking local laws.
Tenant Ability
Another critical aspect to remember is your tenant’s ability to perform snow removal errands properly and on time. If your tenant isn’t physically able to complete such responsibilities or is classified as a member of a protected class under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may need to make other arrangements. Even though it is not strictly illegal to require tenants to do snow removal, a lack of consideration for your tenant could significantly damage tenant relations. Hiring a professional property manager to handle it for your tenant or performing the task independently if you want is possibly the more ethical and profitable option.
Lease Documents
Most single-family rental property owners request their tenants to handle snow removal. And if you want to do the same, you need to incorporate clear language in your lease that defines your tenant’s responsibilities related to that task. An additional recommended method is to incorporate any related information from local ordinances if your tenant needs to follow certain rules. Clear lease documents can help your tenant understand their snow removal responsibilities and can be an invaluable resource should a dispute arise.
Additionally, if you plan to provide snow removal, include that information in the lease as well. Include expectations for the service, such as the relocation of vehicles or the prohibition of parking on the street during snow removal service times.
One advantages about hiring a property management company like Real Property Management Last Frontier is that we will assist you in identifying the most effective approach to handle weather-related maintenance at your rental property. Contact usor call 907-268-4779 today to obtain additional information regarding our range of property management services in Chugiak and nearby.
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