Should an apartment complex be responsible for clearing snow?

Question

The snow plow "clearing" my apartment parking lot piled snow 3-feet high behind my car. I don't have a shovel (although I realize now I need one) so I spent the morning cleaing the snow with a broom (which is now ruined).

I saw other people with the same problem ... one girl got stuck trying to pull out last night.

Should it up to apartment managment/matinence to assure we don't have this problem?

Answer 1

I would suggest the you call your states department of public works and talk with them first.

In most states residents and businesses are responsible for clearing their own driveways, sidewalks and privately owned parking lot areas (i.e. lots at apartment complexes and shopping centers).

Answer 2

They are legally obliged to plow only if it is stated in your lease. Does your super know what a sloppy job his contractor is doing?  Maybe if you and your neighbors pointed it out to him he'd get things done right.

Answer 3

it depends on your state regulations. in IL it has to be done, and done well, salt and everyting,  in MO the rule is if you clean, do it well (put salt down, etc.) cuz if someone falls and breaks their neck, they can sue the apt management and win, so instead most of the landlords in St. Louis, dont do it at all. that way if you slip and fall they're not responsible.

some do it later in the day, as its cheaper to hire someone to come in and do it later in the day, as most for hire people's rates are higher earlier in the morning when companies will pay top dollar.

and the townhouse my parents lived in, in Chicago burbs, completely refused to do it, even though people paid the association fees for it.

you can ask to speak to the owner or call your city's Public Works to find out the rules for your city. Good luck digging out!

Answer 4

Well... they have to put the snow somewhere.  Is it marked that you should park elsewhere when the lot needs to be cleared?  Talk with the apartment manager to see what needs to be done by either you or them so you're not plowed in.

Answer 5

The apartments are often only legally responsible for safety items (like salting walkways, etc.).  The rest is purely out of need to keep the tenants happy.  I know I would move out if that constantly happened and they would have higher turn around rate.

But in my experience most apartments are very good at clearing this kind of problems

So many be you should move.

Good Luck.