If you own a multi-unit property, some city ordinances require you to assume the responsibility of snow removal on your site. You may choose to either do it yourself, or hire a snow removal company. Or, if you own a single-family rental property, you may have assumed the responsibilities of snow removal as specified in your lease agreement. Either way, dealing with snow removal during Minnesota winter can be a tedious and unrelenting process. However, it’s important to keep your residents informed for their safety. Here’s a few tips on how to deal with snow emergencies.
- Establish a snow removal policy. Inform your residents about your snow removal policies. For example, if you have a large parking lot on the premises, residents should expect to move their vehicles for snow plows during a snow emergency (3 or more inches). If residents utilize off street parking, provide them with an emergency information sheet detailing city parking requirements during a snow emergency.
- Notify residents about snow removal in advance. Let your residents know when you plan on removing an excess of snow, especially if they need to move their vehicles. Place visible notifications on entryways or highly trafficked areas on your property.
- Residents who do not move their vehicle. Sometimes residents will forget to remove their vehicle after you’ve notified them about the snow removal. You should try to contact this resident. You may have to remove the snow around the vehicle.
- Keep walkways clear. To prevent slip and fall injuries, make sure walkways remain clear for residents. This may involve shoveling excess snow and/or laying down sidewalk salt to melt the ice.
- Have residents report a problem. If residents notice a particularly dangerous icy-patch or snow hazard, encourage them to report the problem to management. This includes reporting ice dams that may be developing on the roof.
