Yes, landlords are generally responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks, driveways, and other common areas of their businesses & rental properties to ensure tenant safety and comply with local ordinances. The specific requirements vary by state and municipality, with some areas allowing landlords to delegate this responsibility through lease agreements. In Salt Lake City Utah, landlords & business owners must follow the snow removal rules pursuant city Code 14.20.070. If you’re a property owner or manager in need of reliable commercial snow removal, click the button below to request a quote from our professional team here at Affordable Lawn Care & Landscape.
Get Commercial Snow Removal Quote
What Legal Responsibility Do Landlords Have To Clear Snow?
Landlords face significant legal obligations when it comes to snow removal, with responsibilities varying considerably across different jurisdictions. Generally speaking, property owners—including landlords—are legally required to maintain safe conditions on their premises, which includes removing snow and ice from walkways, driveways, and common areas.
Many municipalities have specific ordinances that place direct responsibility on property owners for sidewalk maintenance. Salt Lake City Code 14.20.070 makes it “unlawful for the owner, occupant, lessor, or agent of property abutting a paved city sidewalk to fail to remove or cause to be removed from the entire length of sidewalk abutting such property…within twenty four (24) hours after such hail, snow, or sleet has ceased falling.” This ordinance requires clearing a path at least 42 inches wide and treating any remaining ice with ice melt or sand.
Beyond municipal codes, landlords may face liability under premises liability laws if tenants or visitors are injured due to uncleared snow and ice. Courts often hold property owners responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions, and failure to remove snow within a reasonable timeframe can result in negligence claims. Some states have specific statutes outlining landlord duties, while others rely on common law principles.
The consequences for non-compliance can be substantial. Salt Lake City, for example, imposes daily fines starting at $50 for properties with street frontage of 200 feet or less, with penalties increasing for larger properties and repeat violations. Additionally, landlords who fail to clear snow may face costly lawsuits if slip-and-fall accidents occur on their property.
Landlords should note that while they can delegate snow removal duties to tenants through lease agreements, they typically cannot escape ultimate legal responsibility. If a tenant fails to clear snow as required by their lease, the landlord may still be held liable for violations of municipal codes or injuries that result from unsafe conditions.
Which States Require Landlords To Perform Snow Removal?
The below table outlines the legal requirements for landlords to perform snow removal by state.
| State | Landlord Snow Removal Requirements | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Required for driveways and approach roads | Property owners must clear driveways and approach roads serving their property; cannot plow snow onto public highways |
| Colorado | Limited requirements | No specific landlord duties, but snow cannot be cleared onto public highways |
| Delaware | Varies by community | Some non-municipal residential communities can charge assessed fees for snow removal services |
| District of Columbia | Required for sidewalks | Property owners must clear 36-inch-wide path on adjacent sidewalks within 8 daylight hours; can delegate to tenants by written agreement |
| Idaho | Municipal authority varies | Cities may charge private property owners for snow removal costs |
| Illinois | No specific requirements | Provides liability protection for good-faith snow removal efforts |
| Iowa | Required for sidewalks | Property owners must clear snow from adjacent sidewalks within reasonable time after snowstorms |
| Maine | Limited requirements | Cannot clear snow onto public right-of-way; no specific landlord duties |
| Massachusetts | Required for common areas | Landlords must keep all common means of egress free of snow and ice; can require tenants to maintain their personal dwelling exits by written agreement |
| Michigan | Limited requirements | Cannot obstruct driver visibility or deposit snow on roadways/highways |
| Minnesota | Limited requirements | Cannot clear snow onto any highway |
| Nebraska | Required in large cities | In cities over 100,000 people, property owners must clear snow from adjoining sidewalks |
| New Hampshire | Prohibited from requiring | State constitution prohibits municipal ordinances requiring landlords/tenants to clear sidewalks |
| Rhode Island | Limited requirements | Cannot clear snow onto highways in hazardous manner |
| Vermont | Limited requirements | Cannot clear snow onto most highways |
What Types Of Businesses Are Responsible For Snow Removal?
Most commercial businesses are responsible for snow removal on their properties, though specific requirements vary by location and business type. Retail establishments, office buildings, restaurants, shopping centers, and medical facilities typically must maintain clear and safe access for customers and employees. This includes removing snow from parking lots, walkways, building entrances, and emergency exits.
Property management companies that oversee commercial real estate often handle snow removal responsibilities for their clients’ properties. Similarly, homeowners associations (HOAs) are generally responsible for clearing common areas, walkways, and parking areas in residential communities they manage.
Municipal ordinances commonly require business owners to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties within specific timeframes after snowfall. Many cities hold commercial property owners liable for slip-and-fall accidents that occur due to uncleared snow and ice, making proactive snow removal both a legal and financial necessity.
Industrial facilities, warehouses, and manufacturing plants must also maintain clear access routes for delivery vehicles, employee parking, and emergency vehicle access. Healthcare facilities face particularly strict requirements to ensure patient and emergency vehicle access remains unobstructed.
Do Landlords Of Rental Properties Have To Provide Snow Removal?
Yes, landlords of rental properties are generally required to provide snow removal, though the extent of this responsibility depends on state laws, local ordinances, and lease agreements. Most jurisdictions hold landlords responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their rental properties, which includes snow and ice removal from common areas, walkways, parking areas, and building entrances.
Landlords typically cannot completely escape this responsibility even when they delegate snow removal duties to tenants through lease agreements. While tenants may be contractually obligated to handle snow removal, landlords often remain ultimately liable for compliance with municipal codes and for any injuries that result from unsafe conditions.
The scope of landlord responsibility usually includes all common areas such as shared walkways, parking lots, building entrances, fire escapes, and any areas not under a tenant’s exclusive control. For single-family rentals, landlords may successfully transfer responsibility to tenants, but multi-unit properties typically require landlord oversight of snow removal for shared spaces.
Many states follow premises liability principles that hold landlords accountable for maintaining reasonably safe conditions regardless of who physically performs the snow removal. This means landlords must either provide the service directly or ensure it’s completed properly by tenants or contractors.
Who Are The Best Commercial Snow Removal Companies In Utah?
Below are the best commercial snow removal companies in Utah.
- Affordable Lawn Care & Landscape – Combines competitive pricing with comprehensive commercial snow removal services, making professional winter maintenance accessible for businesses of all sizes across Utah.
- BrightView – As the nation’s leading commercial landscape company, BrightView brings unmatched resources and nationwide expertise to Salt Lake City’s commercial snow and ice services.
- Rubicon – Specializes in comprehensive facility management projects that integrate commercial snow removal with landscape development for complete property solutions.
- Activescapes – Distinguishes itself with 24/7 snow removal services specifically designed to help businesses minimize risks and maintain safe, accessible environments throughout Salt Lake City’s harsh winters.
- Earthworks – Focuses on sustainable snow removal practices and environmentally conscious ice management solutions for eco-minded commercial properties.
- LawnButler – Stands out as a 2017 Best of State Winner for Landscape Services, bringing award-winning expertise to Utah’s snow and ice management needs.
- LetsTalkDirt – Provides specialized deicing services alongside traditional snow removal across Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, and Weber Counties with a focus on comprehensive winter property protection.
- Plow Busters – Specializes in rapid-response snow plowing with a fleet designed specifically for Utah’s variable winter conditions and tight commercial deadlines.
- Prime Landscaping & Snow Removal – Positions itself as Park City’s #1 landscaping and snow removal service, bringing mountain expertise to Summit and Wasatch County properties.
- Royalty Landscape & Snow Removal – Offers premium, white-glove snow removal services with personalized attention and luxury-level property care for high-end commercial clients.
