Let it snow… but don’t let it linger. Prompt snow removal is an essential part of winter risk mitigation that residential rental property owners shouldn’t let slide. You have an obligation to maintain safe conditions for your tenants and employees, and you may be legally and financially liable for any injuries or accidents that occur on the property due to unchecked snow and ice accumulation.

Taking the responsibility upon yourself by starting a snow removal program can help prevent costly mishaps, keep tenants happy, and provide peace of mind. Use this checklist to implement a snow removal program for your multifamily housing tenants and keep your business costs in check.

1. Make a Plan

It’s not uncommon for some landlords to require tenants to clear a safe walkway in front of their unit within 24 hours of snowfall, so it may be smart to review your lease agreements to verify who is responsible for snow and ice removal (and how much, such as a path versus a whole yard).

Once you understand the scale of the undertaking, establish a plan for how the snow removal program will work, including details like what methods you’ll use to remove snow and ice, if you’ll do it yourself or ask an employee to do it, and how soon after a snowfall the removal will occur.

2. Purchase Supplies

Gather the supplies you’ll need based on the plan you’ve created. If you don’t have them already, you’ll likely want to purchase warm outdoor gloves, a snow blower or snow shovel, de-icing salt or brine mixtures, and durable weather mats for all entrances to the building(s) or dwelling(s) to catch moisture as people walk in or out.

3. Communicate With Tenants

Send out a newsletter or post flyers and notices around common areas asking residents, visitors, and employees to report snow- and ice-related health hazards immediately to you or the property manager. Include the appropriate phone number or email address for them to contact. You should also send tenants information about the snow removal program, so they know what to expect when the next round of winter precipitation hits.

4. Keep a Snow & Ice Removal Log

Record snow and ice removal activities in a log, noting the date, time, location, duration, and scope of removal. Add tasks to the log as soon as they’re completed to ensure it is accurate and up to date. This helps you maintain a standard procedure if you have multiple properties, as well as assess the time, costs, and demands involved.

5. Hire a Professional

When severe winter weather strikes, you may need to call in the big guns. Research snow removal contractors in your area, familiarizing yourself with their pricing, availability, scope of services, experience, reputation for timely and quality work, and reviews or references. Keep the contact information of the top two or three contractors saved somewhere safe and easily accessible so you’re prepared if you need them.

6. Know Local Laws

In some cities, property owners are required to keep sidewalks clear of hazards like snow and ice. It’s important to maintain common areas so no one gets hurt. If your city or county has laws regarding snow and ice removal, make sure you thoroughly understand and abide by them to avoid legal consequences like fines.

7. Secure Adequate Insurance

Make sure you have the appropriate coverage for your multifamily housing rental properties. General liability insurance can help shield your business’s finances from claims related to tenant and staff injuries or accidents. If you have multiple properties, you may also benefit from commercial umbrella insurance, which extends that protection.

Weather the Winter With Millers Mutual

The winter can be a tense and turbulent time for landlords, but implementing a reliable, strategic snow removal program can help prevent expensive claims – and the right coverages can shelter your finances from ones that do occur.

Millers Mutual is the niche property and casualty insurer that brings stability to multifamily housing. As a carrier that’s dedicated to understanding the intricacies of our niche, we believe our singular focus on multifamily housing results in comprehensive, stable coverage our agents – and their clients – deserve. Get paired with the right coverages for your residential or mixed-use rental property business by working with a local Millers Mutual agent.