What are a tenant’s rights when their landlord doesn’t keep up with snow and ice removal?

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What are a tenant’s rights when their landlord doesn’t keep up with snow and ice removal?

He only has plowed when more than 3 inches and never returns when more is dumped after that.-Right now we have 3 inches of slush in our entrance which will be turning to ice this evening.

Asked on February 2, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Rhode Island

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

Unless the lease says that the landlord will plow, he probably does not need to do so. That said, if anyone is injured because of snow or ice which the landlord knew or had reason to know of (e.g. he's aware it snowed) and did nothing about, the landlord would very likely be liable for their injury--so for their medical bills, missed work, etc. The threat of liability is normally what makes landlords clear the snow and ice; however, if your landlord is willing to leave with the threat of being sued and held economically responsible, you might not be otherwise able to make him him shovel, plow, etc. Unfortunately, in many cases, people can choose to be irresonsible and gamble that they won't suffer the consequences.


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