In Connecticut, the property owner is legally responsible for removing snow and ice from their property. However, landlords can pass this responsibility on to their tenants in the lease agreement for single family dwellings, but not multifamily properties.
Here are some specific laws about snow removal responsibilities at rental properties in Connecticut:
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Landlords must remove snow and ice from walkways and driveways within 24 hours of a snowfall.
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Landlords must remove snow and ice from parking areas within 48 hours of a snowfall.
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Tenants must remove snow and ice from their own doorsteps and porches within 24 hours of a snowfall.
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Landlords must make sure that sidewalks are clear of snow and ice within 24 hours of a snowfall.
If a landlord does not remove snow and ice from their property, they may be liable for any injuries that occur as a result.
If the lease agreement does not specify who is responsible for snow removal, then the landlord is responsible. If the lease agreement does specify that the tenant is responsible for snow removal, then the tenant is responsible.
Here are some tips for landlords and tenants in Connecticut regarding snow removal:
Landlords:
- Be clear in the lease agreement about who is responsible for snow removal.
- Provide your tenants with information about local snow removal ordinances.
- Have a plan in place for removing snow from common areas of the property.
- Consider hiring a snow removal contractor.
Tenants:
- If you are responsible for snow removal, make sure to remove the snow from the sidewalks and driveway in a timely manner. Many communitie require it to be removed with 24 houses after the snow ended.
- Be careful when shoveling snow to avoid injury.
- If you are unable to remove the snow yourself, consider hiring a snow removal contractor.
Looking to add tenant snow removal to your lease contract? This should get you started….
“Tenant shall be responsible for the removal of snow and ice from the following areas: [List of areas, such as sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios, and porches].”
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when drafting this line of the lease:
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Use clear and concise language.
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Be specific about the areas where tenants are responsible for snow removal.
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Specify the timeframe within which snow and ice must be removed.
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Include a clause that allows the landlord to remove snow and ice at the tenant’s expense if the tenant fails to do so.
Here is an example of a more detailed clause:
“Tenant shall be responsible for the removal of snow and ice from the following areas: [List of areas]. Snow and ice must be removed within 24 hours of a snowfall. If Tenant fails to remove snow and ice within 24 hours, Landlord may remove the snow and ice at Tenant’s expense.”
If you have any questions about snow removal responsibilities in Connecticut, you can contact the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
