How to Word a lease (referring to snow removal)

Question

Hi all!

Love all the content on here and how helpful everyone is.

I am still a newbie (my boyfriend and I own 4 doors) and I am reaching out to see if anyone has insight on how to explain in a lease about snow removal. One of our properties is about 45 mins from our home and it has a large lot that we also rent 6 parking spaces to. On the lot is a two family house and we have one tenant at each apartment. Now, the plow doesn't come for anything below 3 inches, and I guess my question is - is it unreasonable for me to expect my housing tenants to shovel their walkway/around their car for under 3 inches of snow? We also have a huge barrel of salt and sand for them to use. I am just scared of someone falling and using the fact that the plow didn't come for under 3 inches of snow as an excuse to sue etc.

I have tried looking up laws for snow removal for Manchester, NH and haven't had much luck other than the city is responsible for clean roads and sidewalks.

How can I word this in my lease? "Plow will come for 3 inches or more of snow at the end of the storm. Tenants are responsible for anything under 3 inches as well as salting their walkway" ?

Thank you in advance!

Wesley W. · Answer

Here's mine.  You should probably run anything by an attorney, regardless.

SNOW REMOVAL:  Within 24 hours after the cessation of a weather event which has produced an accumulation of at least three inches of fresh snowfall, we will attempt to remove excess snow from walkways, driveways, and sidewalks.  Snow and ice removal from walkways, sidewalks, steps, driveways, and parking lots, by us is a courtesy only and is not guaranteed unless otherwise specified in writing.   It is your sole responsibility to clear snow and/or ice from the stairs, steps and deck leading to and from the entrance(s) of the Rental Unit, as well as other areas within your control.  Salt is provided and should be used by you when merited by slippery conditions.   You are aware that the walkways, sidewalks, steps, driveways, and parking lots may be slippery especially during winter months based on weather conditions. Even if the walkways, steps, driveways and parking lots have been shoveled, plowed or treated with salt/chemicals, you understand that slippery conditions often appear without notice and are not visible.  You and your guests/invitees agree to release and hold Owner and his Agent(s) harmless for any damages or accidents caused by and/or related to inclement weather conditions.

Natalie Klesaris · Answer

Thank you so much Wesley, that really helps!