You might be thinking about how to handle the responsibility of snow removal if you own a rental property in an area with snowy winters. Snow removal for rental property owners is governed by several restrictions, many of which are complex. This is why, long before the first snowflakes fall, you need to distribute snow removal responsibilities properly. Who is responsible for this task – you or your tenant? This is contingent upon several aspects, which are elaborated on further below.
Local Ordinance
To start with, examine your local ordinance to comprehend your snow removal responsibilities. In several but not all places, local laws encourage property owners to remove snow from adjacent public sidewalks and driveways, usually within a given period of time (usually 24 to 48 hours). Nonetheless, certain local ordinances go beyond simply requiring snow removal. In addition, they could stipulate 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 public areas next to their properties. Others may limit where you can pile the snow (pitching snow in the road is against the law in many towns) or how tall you can pile snow up along a walkway. Some may even limit what types of road salt or other deicing materials you can utilize on your walkways and driveways.
Whichever the local ordinances state, avoiding getting hit with fines for improper snow removal is critical.
Property Type
The allocation of snow removal responsibilities is contingent upon the type of rental property you possess. For illustration, multi-family property owners are usually responsible for snow removal. Yet, for single-family rental homes, the majority of owners and landlords can allot the task of snow removal to the tenant.
In many scenarios, this situation can work, particularly if your tenant already handles yard maintenance and other significant duties. It is essential to acknowledge that the local ordinances remain in effect, so you must educate your tenant on necessary snow removal practices to avoid breaking local laws.
Tenant Ability
Another essential consideration is the tenant’s ability to perform snow removal tasks promptly and effectively. If your tenant isn’t physically able to execute these obligations or is classified as a member of a protected class under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may need to make other arrangements. A lack of consideration for your tenant could seriously damage tenant relations, even if it is theoretically permissible to mandate a disabled tenant to perform snow removal. Hiring a professional property manager to oversee tenant affairs, or alternatively, self-managing, may sometimes be the most ethical and profitable option in several circumstances.
Lease Documents
Lots of single-family rental property owners insist their tenants handle snow removal. And if you want to do the same, it’s important to incorporate clear language in your lease that describes your tenant’s responsibilities related to that duty. Another ideal approach is to provide any useful data from local ordinances if your tenant needs to follow certain regulations. Proper lease documents can help your tenant understand their snow removal responsibilities and can be an invaluable resource in the event of an argument.
Moreover, if you plan to provide snow removal, include it in the leasing agreement. You should also include expectations regarding that service, such as moving cars or not parking on the street when snow removal services are being operated.
Hiring a property management company like Real Property Management Complete has several benefits, including assistance in determining the optimal approach for handling weather-related maintenance at your rental property. Contact us or call 757-937-2964 right now to learn more about our range of property management services in Virginia Beach and surrounding regions.
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