Snow Removal
In light of the news of the snowy Nor’easter and a quiet Sunday afternoon I have a question...
In Richmond we have an ordinance that requires the homeowner to clear the snow/ice from any adjoining public sidewalk. We rarely have enough of either for it to be an very big issue. I only know of one instance where an owner received a fine in Richmond. And there’s always the issue of insurance liabilities.
But I was wondering how our fellow investors handled this in the more snowy climates that have similar laws. I’m sure you’re much better prepared for this than we would be. Is this something that is just assumed will be done by the tenant or owner? Do you put it in your leases? Are there active enforcements by the snow police?
This may seem a frivolous question but I would think that it could be a significant expense in areas that have lake effect snows or constant precipitation and freezing weather.
Jim
Funny.
I include in my lease that the tenant is responsible for following all state, county, and local laws and ordinances. If I ever get fined (which I never have) I will pass it on. I treat my tenants like homeowners.
Today I sit over here in Denton, Md. enjoying that I am snowed-in in a new house and that cable was hooked up last w/e. I bought a mult-use (1 business, 2 apts) in this town last summer. It sits near the county seat offices. I am wondering who/if they are clearing which/their walkways. I will wait until tomorrow to go see. I guess I am just used to the suburbs! smile.
I take care of shoveling and deicing because I am ultimately responsible. If the municipality wants to issue a fine it comes to me, not the tenant and pulling that extra $100 or so out of a tenant would be next to impossible. Also, if someone slips and falls I am the one in trouble. All that said, we waited until about lunch time yesterday and the tenants had basically taken care of their own walks - we just finished completely clearing curb to grass line and a few paths through to the street from the walk.