In addition to the driveway, your responsibility for removing ice and snow often extends to the sidewalk in front of your property. Some cities and towns have laws that provide fines for property owners who do not keep their sidewalks reasonably clean and pedestrian-safe.
In addition, if a guest or passerby is injured after slipping and falling on your sidewalk, you may run into legal problems, and a homeowners insurance claim that could affect your policy and premium for a long time or even result in a cancellation of the policy.
A claim of this nature, for example, may deplete your home’s insurance coverage for medical payments if the injury is severe enough to require costly medical intervention. Your liability coverage may also come into play if it is demonstrated that the injury was due to negligence on your part, that is, failure to maintain safe condition on your property by not properly keeping it ice-free. These two scenarios indeed involve a complicated legal process and undermine your standing with your insurer.
All of the above is particularly important if you are also an owner. Facing the chances of a tenant being injured due to poor property maintenance is a surefire way to tackle legal problems and claims against homeowners’ liability insurance.
Make sure the lease (lease) you provide to tenants makes it clear whose responsibility it is to shovel the snow and clear the ice, and keep reading for some simple ice and snow removal tips, whether you are the landlord or not:
1 – Check The Weather Forecast Regularly
It is essential to keep track of the weather forecast to be correctly prepared, both mentally and in terms of needed supplies, for sharp drops in temperature, snowstorms, or any other adverse weather.
2 – Use Salt Sparingly
Salt can damage concrete and corrode metal and pose a risk to pets that might ingest or step on it. In addition, if salt builds up, it could reach local waterways as snow melts, affecting the local ecosystem. Remember that any substance intended for snow and ice removal must be stored safely away from any water or groundwater supply to avoid causing contamination.
3 – Try To Buy Calcium Chloride Instead Of Sodium Chloride
Calcium chloride works at lower temperatures, requiring smaller amounts to be effective and does not contain cyanide. You can also add some sand to the mix for extra traction. It may be a good idea to keep a bucket of the melted ice pack in a safe but accessible location on any rental property you own so that it can be readily used throughout the winter period. Use the help of contractors like Ninja De-Icer if it proves difficult for you.
