I don't want to say it, but I need to.... Snow Removal

[Brie Schmidt]

I need a snow removal recommendation for Chicago.  We just found out our servicer might not be able to work with us this year unless her big commercial client renews.  Otherwise the travel costs to our houses are too high.   Any recommendations would be great

[Mark Doyle]

@Brie Schmidt @Michael Garcia First, I always give this caveat - Anyone can sue you for anything or nothing at any time.  All they have to do is write up some kind of complaint and pay a filing fee.  That's why we have insurance!

Having said that, yes, Illinois has the Snow and Ice Removal Act.  I cut and pasted the text of the statute below.  Based on the Act, it is always better to make an attempt at removal.  Both you as landlord, and your snow removal contractor, are protected by the Act.

(745 ILCS 75/0.01) (from Ch. 70, par. 200) Sec. 0.01. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Snow and Ice Removal Act. (Source: P.A. 86-1324.)

(745 ILCS 75/1) (from Ch. 70, par. 201) Sec. 1. It is declared to be the public policy of this State that owners and others residing in residential units be encouraged to clean the sidewalks abutting their residences of snow and ice. The General Assembly, therefore, determines that it is undesirable for any person to be found liable for damages due to his or her efforts in the removal of snow or ice from such sidewalks, except for acts which amount to clear wrongdoing, as described in Section 2 of this Act. (Source: P.A. 81-591.)

(745 ILCS 75/2) (from Ch. 70, par. 202) Sec. 2. Any owner, lessor, occupant or other person in charge of any residential property, or any agent of or other person engaged by any such party, who removes or attempts to remove snow or ice from sidewalks abutting the property shall not be liable for any personal injuries allegedly caused by the snowy or icy condition of the sidewalk resulting from his or her acts or omissions unless the alleged misconduct was willful or wanton. (Source: P.A. 81-591.)