Users' questions

Are landlords responsible for snow removal in Massachusetts?

Are landlords responsible for snow removal in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, all property owners can be held responsible for failing to remove snow and ice from their property. As to rental property, landlords have a primary obligation for snow removal. Some towns do not require a property owner to remove any snow from public sidewalks.

Are you liable if you clear snow?

The answer is potentially yes! If the owner clears snow away in a less than satisfactory manner and leaves ice (which is potentially more dangerous than a covering of snow) then they may be liable to passers-by who can fall and injure themselves.

How long does a landlord have to remove snow in Massachusetts?

In Boston, businesses have three hours and private residences have six hours to remove snow and ice. In Worcester, however, property owners have 12 hours. To be safe, snow and ice should be removed early and often.

Is it illegal to push snow across the street in Massachusetts?

(1) obstruct any highway or deposit snow or ice thereon and (b) Any violation of this section is a misdemeanor.” This means, in laymen’s terms, you can’t push snow across the road or into the street to get it out of your driveway.

Is it illegal to slide on ice?

5. Slide on ice. You’re not allowed to slide on ice or snow. Well, not “in any street or other thoroughfare, to the common danger of the passengers” anyway.

When to remove snow and ice from your property in New Jersey?

Every municipality in New Jersey has the right to establish its own ordinances about duties of property owners for dealing with snow and ice accumulation. For example, cities give property owners a certain amount of time to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks after snowfall. In some cities, property owners have 24 hours.

What is the law for snow and ice removal in Ottawa?

Ottawa – The city’s Property Maintenance By-law No. 2005-208 regulates the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks. It requires owners and occupiers to clear snow and ice on their property or adjacent to their property. Ice that cannot be removed should be mediated with the use of salt, sand or gravel.

Can a person be sued for snow and ice?

The government have issued advice on clearing snow and ice as well as clearing the confusion over whether you can be sued or not. The advice states that “it’s unlikely that you’ll be sued or held responsible if someone is injured on a path or pavement if you’ve cleared it carefully.”

Is it legal to remove ice from sidewalks?

A number of cities have enacted public ordinances requiring owners and occupiers to remove ice and snow from sidewalks. Below is a sampling of these city-specific laws: Hamilton – Section 5 of the City of Hamilton By-law 03-296 regulates snow and ice removal from public sidewalks.

Can a homeowner be sued for snow removal?

The driveway and walkway leading to the home however, is considered personal property, and clear homeowner liability exists for slips and falls in these areas. While the federal laws on sidewalk snow removal are vague, at the local level, cities and towns have their own rules that must be followed.

Who is responsible for snow removal in Connecticut?

Connecticut: Owner or resident is responsible for snow removal on adjacent public walkways and public gutters. If an accident does occur, the injured can seek damages for injury from the owner within 2 years of the accident. Some cities require the owner also salt or sand the sidewalk and provide timeframes for when snow removal must occur.

Is it legal to remove snow from sidewalks?

While the federal laws on sidewalk snow removal are vague, at the local level, cities and towns have their own rules that must be followed. City ordinances and local laws dictate your legal obligation to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks and walkways next to your property.

Where to keep snow and ice in Northampton Township?

Keep all receptacles (trash and recycling) on the sidewalk, not in the street. If you have an inlet in front of your property, please assist the Township in keeping it clear of snow and ice. This will prevent ice from accumulating and reduce drainage issues when the snow begins to melt.