Who Is Responsible for Clearing Snow and Ice?

shoveling snow

Snow and ice are two of the most common causes of serious slip and fall accidents. During the winter months, snow, sleet, and freezing rain on walkways can cause devastating injuries.

Homeowners, renters, tenants, landlords, and property management companies often have questions about who’s responsible for shoveling and salting sidewalks, and what happens if someone is injured on their property. Here’s a brief explanation of who’s responsible for what when it comes to clearing sidewalks and walkways of snow and ice:

Homeowners

Homeowners are responsible for any injuries on their property due to snow and ice.

If you’re a homeowner, your homeowner’s insurance will cover the costs of injuries that happen to you or anyone hurt on your property up to your policy limits.
As a homeowner, you’re directly responsible for any costs that extend beyond the coverage allotted in your insurance policy.

Renters

Renters, tenants, and leasees may or may not be responsible for injuries due to snow and ice.

If you rent or lease a single family home, then you’re responsible for taking care of snow and ice.
If you live in an apartment complex with multiple rental units, then your landlord or property management company is responsible for taking care of snow and ice.
If you reside in a two or three unit property, you enter into a gray area under the law – you may or may not be held accountable depending on other circumstances. In this instance, it’s best to side with precaution and keep your walkways clean.
Always refer to your rental agreement to find out your landlord’s policy on snow and ice removal. Even if they should take care of snow and ice, many try to put something in the rental agreement to clear them of liability.

Quick Tips

If you’re responsible for clearing sidewalks and walkways of snow and ice, here’s something to remember:

Watch out for downspouts coming from the roof. Snow or ice may melt and drain out of gutters, and freeze to ice later on. If your downspout is near a sidewalk or driveway – and the ice from the gutter causes a slip and fall hazard – it’s still your responsibility to clear it.
Even if you’re out of town, it’s still your responsibility to ensure sidewalks and driveways are free of potentially dangerous snow or ice.
For important information regarding slip and fall prevention, check out our slip and fall safety tips.

Ordinances for Snow and Ice Removal

All municipalities have different ordinances. In the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for example, you have 24 hours to clear sidewalks and walkways of snow and ice. If you fail to clear public pathways and someone reports you to the city of Pittsburgh, you may receive a citation and face fines.

However, that doesn’t mean you should wait 24 hours to pull out the shovel or salt – the city of Pittsburgh expects you to clear your areas within a "reasonable" amount of time. If a snowfall or freezing rain left you with ample opportunity to clear your walkways before 24 hours were up but you failed to do so, anyone injured on your property may still hold you responsible for their injuries.

Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Hire an Experienced Attorney Today

If you’re suffering from injuries due to a slip, trip, or fall accident that was caused by snow or ice, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Pennsylvania attorneys have been helping slip and fall victims for more than 30 years, and we can help you fight for the money you deserve for your injuries.

Before you give a statement to the insurance company or sign your rights away, contact us to find out if you have a case. Get started now by taking advantage of our free legal evaluation.