Are Landlords Responsible for Snow Removal?

It’s becoming snow time again for many in Virginia, Maryland, and other parts of the country. Preparing yourself for the cold and snow is an annual task this time of year. As the Boy Scouts say, be prepared. For landlords and tenants, that means understanding what to be prepared for and what not to be prepared for. If it is your first winter in a new location, you might be wondering: are landlords responsible for snow removal? Who is responsible exactly? Good question!

As a reliable property management company in Fairfax and neighboring areas, we know a lot about the regular maintenance tasks that are continually involved in managing property. We also know that it can vary from one state or locality to the other. In this article, we will address the following:

• Are Landlords Responsible for Snow Removal? – Let’s make sure we answer the question, even though it can vary some by location.
• Tips for Snow Removal – Then let’s go over some broad tips and advice for snow removal.
• Hire the Pros for Property Management Services – Finally, we will address how hiring a property manager might be the best thing for you.

Are Landlords Responsible for Snow Removal?

The answer to this question varies by state and location. In Virginia, landlords are legally required to remove snow and ice from entrances and common areas within a reasonable time after the snowfall stops. So, at least in the case of Virginians, the answer is yes.

This responsibility in Virginia is part of premises liability laws, which try to make sure that property owners maintain safe conditions on their properties. Not clearing snow and ice can lead to hazardous conditions, so it falls in the scope of these laws.

However, things can vary even more. The legal obligations for snow removal can vary depending on the type of property. For example, commercial property owners need to make sure that walkways, parking lots, and common areas are kept clear of snow and ice. This often involves hiring a professional snow removal service. If you’re asking are landlords responsible for snow removal, that means you have a vested interest in making sure you are owning up to your responsibilities, whether you are the landlord or the tenant.

In Virginia, landlords who fail to remove snow and ice – that is, in a reasonably prompt way – can be held liable for injuries that might result from the snow or ice. No one wants that. This liability underscores the importance of knowing and adhering to snow removal regulations. By keeping up with those obligations, landlords can make sure their tenants and visitors are kept safe… while also minimizing their own legal risks.

Tips for Snow Removal

Be careful. Studies show that a lot of people are injured from snow removal accidents. It is a statistic that more people should know about. In 2018, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “more than 137,000 people were treated in emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, and clinics for injuries that happened while shoveling or using snowblowers.” Slipping, back injuries, and so much more. Here are some general tips to help you avoid such accidents.

• Hire a Snow Removal Service – Don’t hesitate to hire the pros! This is especially true if we are talking about a large number of units. Professional services have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle large areas and severe weather conditions.
• Create a Snow Removal Plan – Before the winter season even begins, create a comprehensive plan. This can help you outline what needs to be done for the winter months, which of course includes snow and ice removal. This plan can include strategies for dealing with thawing and refreezing, designated areas for snow piles, and a schedule for regular winter-related maintenance.
• Use Deicing Materials – Learn more about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to deicers. Apply salt or other deicing agents to prevent ice and generally make surfaces less slippery. Make sure that the materials used are effective and safe for the environment.
• Monitor Weather Conditions – Stay informed about upcoming weather forecasts to prepare for snow and ice events. Use a reliable weather service to receive timely updates, and ensure that your snow removal team is ready to act as soon as the snow starts falling.
• Clear Common Areas Promptly – When removing snow, focus on high-traffic areas first. That just makes sense. This means entrances, walkways, and parking lots. These types of areas should be cleared as soon as possible after snowfall to prevent slip-and-fall accidents.

Hire the Pros for Property Management Services

If you’re asking yourself are landlords responsible for snow removal, managing rental properties at the top of your mind. If you are a landlord, knowing how to prepare your rental for winter can save you money in the long run, as well as help keep your tenants happy during the colder months. There’s no action too big or too small when it comes to protecting your rental property.

One of the best things you can do to protect your rentals is to hire a professional property management. For example, Bay Property Management Group! Not only will we ensure your rental is well-maintained 24/7, but we will take care of so much more when it comes to the daily management of the property. Contact BMG today to learn more about our full-service property management in Fairfax, Northern Virginia, Baltimore, Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and elsewhere.