Snow shoveling - Tenant or company?

Question

Frank Geiger · Answer

Go with the guy who can provide proof of insurance. Your tenant gets hurt and they can plea a case against you.

Joe Splitrock · Answer

I would argue the opposite. The pay per snow fall model has way more incentive to come, than pay per month. We had a snow removal company here in town that abandoned customers because they were overwhelmed by the the set fee method.

Personally, I would hire a removal company. I would also contract to have ice melt put down. Make sure the company is insured.

There is a risk if you are having a tenant work on your property, without them being insured. If they slip or get a back injury, they could come after you to cover the expenses. The other part of liability is if the person doing the removal doesn't properly deal with ice and someone slips. You may be able to divert that claim to your contracted company if you can prove they are at fault.

A landlord never wants to be in a situation where a claim falls on their insurance. You can easily get dropped and even become uninsurable. Ice is one of the largest risks for a landlord who owns properties in cold climates.

Michael Noto · Answer

@Andrew Schrader I would assume the guy you are getting for $25 per snowfall will not come through and remain reliable for the whole season. The first time things get overwhelming he will ghost on you.

Start off with the tenant handling things like you outlined and see how it goes. If he works out, great. If he doesn't just hire a legit plow company. If it snows as much as you anticipate I think the $100 per month is worth it just to avoid the hassle of having to run over there everytime it snows.

Billy Smith · Answer

Doing a claim on your policy where it pays out on an injury that could go on for years if some needs therapy etc.…  is a big black mark on your policy.

Go with the out fit that has insurance and prove it. I had company claim they have insurance I checked the policy it was void from lack of payment.

David Barnett · Answer

That's why you have insurance on your property?  All of my insurance policies have medical related coverage for lawsuits.

To answer the question, I have my tenants in small multifamilies handle lawn and snow care.  I reduce the rent for their unit to account for time and effort of lawn and snow care.

Kenny Dahill · Answer

I'm sure there are tax implications too.  It's probably more beneficial to show it as an expense to offset income.

Anthony Wienke · Answer

If its shoveled by someone that doesn't have insurance your proverbial goose is cooked.

I wouldn’t risk it.

Snow shoveling - Tenant or company?

Most Popular Reply