Suggestions for Apartment Snow Removal Policy Guidelines

Eventually it becomes that time of year again. Snow removal time. For landlords and property managers, being fully prepared for that part of the year is needed to make sure you cover your bases and get ahead of the season. Including apartment snow removal policy guidelines in all rentals is important to include so that all the information is clearly outlined and communicated. It benefits both landlords and tenants so there isn’t any gray area.

Our property services of Boston and other cities detail a lot when it comes to a clear apartment complex snow removal policy. This area sees plenty of snow almost every year and so it just makes sense. Here we outline a lot of the recommended sections and components that you should consider when putting together such a document.

Table of Contents

• What Should Apartment Snow Removal Policy Guidelines Include?
• Snow Removal in Boston and Massachusetts
• How a Property Management Company Could Help

What Should Apartment Snow Removal Policy Guidelines Include?

When it comes to apartment snow removal policy plans and guidelines, things should be outlined in a straightforward and practical way. Landlords need to cover all the essential details. Here are a number of the things to include.

• Responsibility – It’s important to establish who is responsible for every part of the process. This should be clearly explained in the lease. You don’t want any confusion when the first snow hits.
• Timing – Most cities and states have specific rules about how quickly snow must be cleared after a snowfall (see are Boston and Massachusetts guide below). Landlords should make sure their guidelines align with local laws and communicate these expectations to tenants.
• Locations – Any guidelines should also specify which areas need to be cleared. There are various common and shared areas, as well as areas that may not be shared. It’s also important to address where the snow should be piled.
• Equipment – Landlords should clarify whether they will provide equipment such as shovels or snowblowers. For large properties or when heavy snow is common, hiring a professional snow removal service may be a part of the overall solution. If so, tenants should know what’s covered and who to contact in certain situations.
• Safety – Having a plan for extreme weather – including how to report emergencies or dangerous conditions – is a good section to include in any guidelines.
• Communication – Communication is key. Whether it’s through email reminders, posted notices, or updates on a property management app, keeping tenants informed and outlining how they will be informed is a helpful component of any apartment snow removal policy guidelines.

Apartment Complex Snow Removal Policy in Boston and Massachusetts

Landlords are generally responsible for snow removal when it comes to rental properties in Boston and Massachusetts as a whole. According to local laws it can’t be transferred by language in a lease. The main exception is in single-unit properties with their own egress (entryway). Even in those cases, landlords remain liable for common areas and overall safety.

A landlord may require the tenant to be responsible for snow and ice removal of their particular entrance (which should be spelled out in the lease). However, this exception does not apply to the driveway or parking areas and so may not guarantee transfer of liability in some situations. It’s often not worth taking a chance when the entranceway is a small part of overall snow and ice removal.

In 2010, Massachusetts’ snow removal law underwent a significant change, with the courts overturning a longstanding Massachusetts rule that previously allowed property owners to not shovel “natural accumulations” of snow without liability. With the change in the law, property owners now have a legal obligation to keep their property free from snow and ice for the safety of everyone… no matter if it is deemed “natural” or “unnatural” accumulations.

Because of the dangers caused by snow and ice, shoveling (and oftentimes treating) surfaces as quickly as you can is a good course of action for all landlords and property managers. This is after you’ve put together a comprehensive apartment snow removal policy plan and guidelines. If a threat exists, you are open to liability concerns. Some cities and towns specify a minimum time by which surfaces need to be cleared. For example, for Boston businesses it is 3 hours and for Boston residences it is 6 hours, while in Worcester it is 12 hours for both.

How a Property Management Company Could Help

Worrying about winter maintenance isn’t a lot of fun for landlords or property managers. Worrying about putting together an apartment complex snow removal policy is just the tip of the iceberg. At least creating a solid plan can cut down on some of the stress. Do you worry that your rental agreement is not up to snuff? Bay Property Management Group takes the guesswork out of rental management by providing owners with not only a legal lease but industry experts to manage every need.

Contact Us Today! 

Whether it’s leasing a vacant unit, responding to tenants, or scheduling needed winter maintenance, the dedicated property managers from Bay Property Management Group have you covered. Give us a call today to learn more about the benefits of hiring a professional rental management company. We provide Boston MA property management, as well as services in Virginia, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Texas, and elsewhere.