Landlord Of A Multifamily Unit? Prepare For Winter & Snow Removal
Posted on: 19 October 2018
If you are the landlord of a multifamily property, you have the legal obligation to ensure the property is safe for tenants and visitors. When it comes to snow accumulation, this typically means that you are responsible for snow removal, particularly when common entrances and means of egresses are shared. Preparing for winter and snowfall ahead of time is essential in ensuring your requirements are met. Here's what you need to do.
Understand the Laws and Ordinances
It is vital that you understand the local laws and ordinances for snow removal of multifamily properties. Many states have specific snow removal laws, and some municipalities have additional requirements. There may be specific time requirements to fulfill, such as in Virginia where property owners are required to remove snow from public means of egresses within 72 hours and in Morgantown, West Virginia, which requires sidewalks to be cleared within 24 hours of snowfall.
Hire a Snow Removal Service
Some areas of the United States can see measurable snow in October, but some cities in the Rockies and the far northern states can see snow accumulations as early as September. Since you don't want to risk being caught off-guard, hire a snow removal service, such as Seattle Snow, as soon as possible in late summer or early fall. That way, you have a greater chance of finding a snow removal service that isn't already completely booked and one that has the appropriate snow removal equipment to tackle the particular needs of your property as well as enough personnel to do so. Stipulate in the contract that you want snow removal to begin early in heavy-accumulation snow events with continual visits throughout the day or night.
Develop Plans for Medical Emergencies
Sometimes, Mother Nature blows a large amount of snow in a very short amount of time, which can make snow removal extremely difficult and downright dangerous should a tenant have a medical emergency. If a tenant is pregnant or has a serious medical condition, inform the snow removal service so your property can be placed high on their priority list. Specify particular parking spots close to the parking lot exit to be used by tenants with special medical needs and ask the snow removal service to clear that part of the parking lot and exit first, just in case a medical emergency arises.
Include Tenants' Responsibilities in Lease Agreements
Depending on the local laws and ordinances, your tenants may have some responsibilities for clearing snow from their private entrances and sidewalks. If so, be sure to include this information in detail within the lease agreements. Use the legal requirements to specify time frames for snow removal and where heavy accumulations of snow should be placed. You should also include stipulations regarding the clearing of their private vehicles if there is a tenant's parking lot on your property. Explain in the lease agreement that snow removal services will clear the parking lot but not vehicles.
Prevent Ice From Forming
After a snow event, there's usually a risk of ice forming on the hard surfaces as temperatures fluctuate and cause melting and refreezing. Of course, there's also a risk of ice storms that can make parking lots, sidewalks, and walkways extremely hazardous. You'll need to do as much as possible to prevent ice from forming or accumulating. Some snow removal services also spread rock salt, calcium chloride, or other de-icers to reduce ice formation, yet some do not. If the snow removal service you hire provides this additional service, request it. If not, place several large containers with rock salts on the property for your tenants to be able to use when necessary.
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