How to Handle Snow Removal When You Rent
Durango Colorado is known as the Happiest (and Worst Dressed) Winter Town in America. We get an average of 50-100 inches of snow in town with even more in Durango Mountain Resort.
Our first snowfall is usually in November and continues until late April or early May. Because of the large amount and many months of snow, it is extremely important for property owners in Durango to know how to handle snow removal with your rental properties.
Snow Removal Requirements in Durango, CO
The city codes of Durango require that “owners/occupants of any property adjoining a public sidewalk to keep the sidewalk clear of snow and ice” (Citation). Colorado requires that these sidewalks are cleared within 24 hours of a snowstorm. (Citation) Residents are also responsible for “their driveways, sidewalks and mailbox areas” and cannot deposit snow in to the city streets.
Those are the laws and codes that are required for your property. The next important thing is to decide who is in charge of each requirement and then make a legal agreement explaining it.
What are Property Owners Responsible For
The biggest thing as a property owner in Durango, is making sure you have clearly assigned each snow removal requirement. This should be done in each of your property leases and specified to each property.
Single Family Homes Snow Removal
Let’s say you have a single family home. Most single family leases should include a requirement that the tenant takes care of all the snow removal requirements. Most single family homes snow can easily be removed with a snow shovel. Whether or not you provide a snow shovel for use by your tenants, is up to you.
If you do have a property with an especially big driveway or lots of sidewalk connection, you could either provide a snow blower to a highly trusted tenant or recommend to them a snow removal company.
Multi Family Dwellings Snow Removal
Snow Removal for multi-family homes is a bit more involved for the property owner. Because of the complicated nature of tenant relationships, we recommend that property owners maintain responsibility for all the sidewalks and communal areas. This can be done by hiring a snow removal company or property management company to clear and clean those areas.
Tenants should be responsible for their own front doors and driveways. Again, providing a high quality snow shovel is usually appreciated by the tenant.
All of these requirement and specifications need to be spelled out clearly in each lease of your multi-family dwelling.
Business’ Snow Removal
Snow and Ice Removal for a business is entirely the responsibility of the building owner. It is important to make sure your building is cleaned and clear of ice and snow. If there were an accident, the building owner is that one liable in the eyes of the law. (Citation)
We usually recommend that owners hire a snow removal company and clearly spell out the standards your building requires. While you could add it into a lease with a business renting from you, we recommend that you do not. It is just too complicated to make sure each and every employee that might open or close your building during the winter has the same standards when it comes to meeting the snow removal requirements.
How to Find a Snow Removal Company
If you have decided that you want to hire a snow removal company, the best place to start is with your property neighbors. Ask around and see if you can find a highly recommended company that already works in your neighborhood. They will probably give you a better price and be able to prioritize your property because they can combine it with another on their route.
Another thing to check for any company you hire is their liability insurance. Snow removal damage does happen and you want to make sure that you are not caught holding the bag. We recommend you choose a company that will pay for any damage that might occer.
And finally, make sure you have a clear and precise contract with any company you hire. You need to clearly assign each Colorado and Durango law and code to make sure that each requirement is clearly assigned.
With clarity and specificity, you will be protected and ready for the snow that is heading our way.
Hopefully this helped you understand how to handle snow removal for your Colorado properties.
Links
https://www.durangogov.org/342/Snow-Removal
https://www.doorloop.com/blog/snow-removal-laws
Resources:
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