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dell828 t1_ivvnan1 wrote

Generally, if you are renting a one family house then you are responsible for snow removal.

If you are living in a multi-unit building, the landlord is required by law to clear the sidewalk in front of the building.

Landlords can ask tenants to clear walkways and parking areas on the property. It is not legally mandated that landlirds are required to do snow removal.. however if a tenant falls and hurts themself on the property and they sue the landlord, then they typically win. That is why most landlords take care of snow and ice in multifamily buildings.

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ThrillDr1 t1_ivvhmf6 wrote

Read your lease. If it isn't addressed, then the burden falls to your landlord.

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JasperDyne t1_ivvnygu wrote

When I rented, my lease specifically stated that tenants were responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways.

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Proof-Variation7005 t1_ivvky1o wrote

Anecdotally, most landlords have had a "I'll do the sidewalk / path to front door, but the rest is you" type approach.

They're not obligated to do much beyond the parts that allow you to get in / out through a main entrance and clearing the sidewalk for pedestrians, so I'd probably planning on doing more if you have a driveway, a back door, etc

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confused_noodles t1_ivvmxjz wrote

even with the state code that "The owner shall maintain all means of egress at all times in a safe, operable condition and shall keep all exterior stairways, fire escapes, egress balconies and bridges free of snow and ice", waltham has something that contradicts that?

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Proof-Variation7005 t1_ivvpyre wrote

I have no idea what Waltham does or doesn't have. I'm just speaking from the experience of having lived in a dozen or so apartments in New England. A good attentive landlord will do a pretty good and prompt job clearing the front path and sidewalk and leave the rest to you.

It isn't worth fighting over unless you're 100% moving out at the end of your lease and don't care about a contentious relationship or whatever.

I'd expect absolutely nothing for the driveway beyond maybe a small path to a back door entrance. They're not going to help with any plow-dams at the end of the driveway and the only real promptness is that they'll probably fall within that 24-36 hr window after the storm stops when they legally have to clear it.

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EricD915 t1_ivvn4c4 wrote

Read your lease

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confused_noodles t1_ivvndd9 wrote

my lease is a joke, there is nothing in there about snow or ice removal

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EricD915 t1_ivvq2xo wrote

You’re most likely responsible.

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Mr-Chewy-Biteums t1_ivvp0bc wrote

Are you renting a single-family house, an apartment in a multi-family, or a unit in a building/complex?

If you are in a SFH, it's probably on you. If you are in a multi-family house, the LL should be taking care of it, but may not realize they are supposed to depending on how experienced they are.

(Based on the fact that you say your lease doesn't specify, I am guessing you are not in a complex because they would know the laws)

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Thank you

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PolarBlueberry t1_ivvzeps wrote

Buy a shovel now, and while you’re at it get a long handled snow brush for your car. The LL might do it, but who knows when they’re going to get around to it and how good of a job they’ll do. Be prepared to do it yourself, even if it’s only in the case of an emergency during the middle of a storm and you need to get out.

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[deleted] OP t1_ivw20ex wrote

Why not just ask the landlord? Sounds like you don’t want any added responsibility, so if you don’t bring it up, you can plead ignorance when the snow is 12 deep, and you haven’t touched it yet.

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