Tenants, Did You Know?

When it comes to your lease agreement, there are many things for you to understand and know.  Things like certain requirements of yourself, as well as requirements that your property management company should be living up to.  Because lease agreements have so much information in them, many people pass up reading what’s in their contract.  If you happen to be one of these people, you might be surprised to find out that  in some cases tenants may be required to shovel their own snow.  Here’s what you need to know.

• Landlords have the option to require you to shovel your own snow,  but if they should put it in your lease that it’s your job, then you must abide by your contract and clear sidewalks and walkways of   any snow and ice. Keep in mind that it is in the landlord’s best interest to compensate you for performing the task of snow shoveling and salting. The details of your compensation must be clearly stated either in your lease agreement, or in a separate agreement specifically pertaining to snow shoveling and salting.

• If someone should slip and fall and get injured from the snow on the walkway, they can sue the property owner.  However, if your landlord states in your lease agreement or in a side agreement that the tenant has been hired (for adequate compensation) to perform snow shoveling and salting at the property, you may be liable for litigation.

• If a contractual agreement is not made for snow removal, then it remains the responsibility of the landlord, making them liable for any personal injury that anyone suffers on their property.

Shoveling snow isn’t exactly an easy task, but it’s certainly not difficult for an able bodied tenant.  For those tenants with extenuating circumstances, an agreement could potentially be found when it comes to snow removal on the rental property.  If you’re a landlord and you’re looking to draw up a lease agreement, as well as need help with your rental property, contact Bridgeway Property Management.