How Often Should Snow Be Cleared During a Large Storm

Question

I have read posts discussing who  does the snow removal but didn't come across one regarding how often.  Question is, if there was a snow storm that lasted let's say 8 hrs and accumulated10 inches,  do you clean up once the storm stops or several times in between? With  the concern of a slip and fall suit I wonder what the courts consider negligent. If you do it yourself, discount rent to a tenant, hire the neighborhood kid, or a property management company this should apply. If you rely on someone else for snow removal and they don't make it there until hours after the storm the landlord is ultimately responsible if someone falls on the stairs or walkways right?

Dan C. · Answer

I wonder if the snow removal standard established by the municipality the property is in could serve as a reasonable standard. For example in my area each municipality has a standard stated in term of "snow must be cleared x hours after the snowfall has ended." The snow removal ordinances I see don't expect any snow removal during a storm because they are all phrased in this way.

As a practical matter I try to do several snow removals for really big snowfalls (a foot or more) and I advise my tenants to do the same.

Matthew Paul · Answer

All snowstorms are different ,  the timing , the duration , the amount , the temps . When we go out plowing we generally plow with the storm , start at 2 inches . Some parking lots may get 2 , 3 or even 4 separate plowings . Each plowing is a separate charge , plus salting . Sidewalk shoveling is at the same rate as the truck . ( the truck is there )   .  We clean as often as necessary .     PS  .  Snow is white gold ...

Deborah Burian · Answer

We don't do our SFHs at all, just like we don't cut the grass.

For the new multi-family (and this was the same Texas storm @Roy N. references) we put salt on two steep stairways and in entrance ways.  There are no snow removal services here, the city doesn't plow or clear anything but main snow routes; and everything closes down if we have measurable snow.  Consequently, it's virtually impossible to get to the properties when it's snowing so we try to prepare the tenants to help themselves.

If we had regular snow, we'd do a snow blower and clear after the bulk of the snow was done.

On day 4 of the ice, I actually salted a section of our city street myself so I could get to the main road without killing myself.

@Dawn Anastasi - what property are you shoveling?

Rob K. · Answer

I would wait until it's done, but slip and fall lawsuits are non-existent in my state. Even so, if you remove snow during the middle of a snowfall, you still have a slip hazard two minutes later. Common sense should tell people to be careful while walking while it's snowing.

Roy N. · Answer

Dawn,

We do not all shovel our tenants' drives by hand :-P

Actually ... I did that last week ... it was only 5" of snow ... took me the better part of 6 hours to clear all the properties.   I like to clear an early {permanent} snowfall by hand to provide indication to our snow removal service the boundaries of what we want cleared and where to put the snow.

Roy N. · Answer

Easy to say from Texas ;-) ...

We actually get snowfalls here {and I do not mean a little bit of ice} of 18-24" in a single storm ... nobody is coming or going during one of these.

Troy Sheets · Answer

Agreed, as long as you made a reasonable and timely effort that, at a minimum, meets the municipality regs, you're fine. As I've stated before, anybody can sue anybody else, at any time, for anything. You won't stop nuisance suits from being filed, you can only prevail in the end by adhering to all standards, laws and regs.

Account Closed · Answer

Joe Gore

Sean Kuhn · Answer

I believe you're covered. Theres only so much you can do, you can't hold their hand on the way out to the car.

Chris Messier · Answer

Thank you all. I was looking at this more from a liability perspective and what might be the min requirements to stay out of hot water. This is in the context of two MFH 3-units each that I own. I currently do pre salt the walkways and steps and honestly might be going a little over board with trying to keep the properties clear of snow during storms. At the end of the day I feel like I have a pretty good story to tell for the attention that I give to prevent injury but at the same time wondered if anyone had experience with the courts for snow related falls. I feel like it could be open season for a tenant to take advantage of an inch of snow on the ground.

How Often Should Snow Be Cleared During a Large Storm

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