If you own a rental property in a snowy winter place, you might be eager to explore the best approaches to managing the responsibility of snow removal. Directions about snow removal for rental property owners are surprisingly diverse and can be quite complex. Therefore, it’s critical to assign snow removal responsibilities well in advance of the first flakes falling. Who is the more suitable candidate for this – you or your tenant? The outcome is contingent upon many intriguing circumstances, which will be examined in further detail below.
Local Ordinance
To begin with, inspect your local ordinance to discover your snow removal responsibilities. In numerous places, local laws urge property owners to remove snow from adjacent public sidewalks and driveways, normally within the prescribed period (usually 24 to 48 hours). But in some regions, local ordinances go beyond simply requiring snow removal. They could specify the areas where removed snow can and cannot be piled up.
Certain cities may require property owners to remove snow from fire hydrants, benches, or communal places adjacent to their property. Others may limit where you can pile the snow (hurling snow on the road is against the law in many municipalities) or how high you can pile snow up along a walkway. There may be rules on the types 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 vital.
Property Type
The assignment of snow removal responsibilities can vary depending on the type of rental property you own, making it an interesting contemplation. For instance, multi-family property owners are generally responsible for snow removal. However, for single-family rental homes, the majority of owners and landlords can entrust the task of snow removal to the tenant.
This scenario has great potential, particularly if your tenant already handles yard maintenance and other essential duties. However, you need to keep in mind that the local ordinances still in place, so you have to educate your tenant on accurate snow removal practices to avoid breaking local laws.
Tenant Ability
Another vital consideration to keep in mind is your tenant’s ability to perform snow removal duties effectively and consistently. If your tenant isn’t physically able to take on such duties or is regarded as a member of a protected class under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may need to make other arrangements. Although requesting a disabled tenant to perform snow removal isn’t technically unlawful, a lack of consideration for your tenant could greatly damage tenant relations. In these occurrences, you may find that hiring a professional property manager can be an ethical and profitable option for your tenant, or you may elect to undertake the responsibility yourself if you want.
Lease Documents
Most single-family rental property owners encourage their tenants to handle snow removal. And if you want to do the same, it’s great idea to enter clear language in your lease that specifies your tenant’s responsibilities related to that task. Another helpful suggestion is to provide pertinent information from local ordinances to ensure your tenant is informed of any specific regulations they must adhere to. Thorough lease documents can help your tenant understand their snow removal responsibilities and can be an invaluable resource should a problem occur.
Alternatively, if you plan to provide snow removal, be sure to state that in the lease. It is also important to include expectations connected to that service, such as moving vehicles or not parking on the street during snow removal service times.
One great aspect of hiring a property management company like Real Property Management Capital City is that we will assist you in determining the best approaches to handle weather-related maintenance at your rental property. Contact us or call 512-572-6799 today to get more data about our range of property management services in Bee Cave and its vicinity.
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.
