Snow might be pretty, but when you need to get rid of it on a regular basis it’s not as captivating. If you manage property in an area where it snows, removing it from walkways and driveways can seem like a never-ending process. However, you need to be sure the walkways and sidewalks around your property are clear and safe so your tenants or their visitors don’t slip and fall. But is this a task you need to do yourself, or can you require your tenants to clear the snow? Here’s what you need to do:

• Know the local laws.
• Designate the responsible person in the lease.
• Offer an incentive for your tenant to remove the snow.

Know the local laws

In some cities, property owners are required to keep sidewalks clear of snow and to shovel a path for delivery personnel — you could be fined if not. On a rental property, it’s important to maintain common areas so no one gets hurt. You could be liable for any accidents that might happen if snow and ice are left on walkways. If your city has a law requiring snow and ice removal, it’s up to you as the property manager or owner to maintain safe walkways on and around your property.

Designate the responsible party

If you own or manage a multi-unit property, it’s best to take on snow removal yourself or hire a service. If you own a single-family rental property, you can include snow removal in your lease agreement as the tenant’s responsibility. When you create the lease agreement, be clear about when and where the snow needs to be shoveled; in other words, you should specify how soon after a snowfall a path needs to be cleared and how wide the path needs to be. You might even provide your tenant with a snow shovel and the salt or sand to spread on the path post-shoveling.

Offer an incentive

In areas where it snows frequently, even if you don’t require your tenant to remove the snow, you might be able to arrange for them to shovel your property, especially if you don’t live close by. You can offer a monthly rent discount for the work. Similar to asking your tenant to be responsible for yard work at your property, putting them in charge of snow removal can help keep maintenance costs down and, in return, keep your tenant’s monthly rent down too.