Sage-Tips

Who is responsible for shoveling snow?

Some municipalities regulate snow removal responsibility based on the type of rental property. For example, the ordinance may state that for rental properties with three or more units, the landlord is responsible, while snow removal for a single family rental house is the responsibility of the tenant.

What happens if someone gets hurt on your rental property?

Tenants who are hurt in accidents on the landlord’s property usually have the option to bring a personal injury claim against the landlord for compensation. These may involve claims of medical costs and lost income over $10,000, an injury that permanently disables you, or severe toxic exposure, among other situations.

Can I sue my landlord if I fell down the stairs?

Fortunately, if the stairs were in violation of a building code or considered to be in a “dangerous condition”, you can sue the landlord and/or the management company for injuries sustained as a result of falling off stairs.

Can you be sued for clearing snow?

The simple answer is no. There is no law to prevent the clearing of snow outside your house or on the pavement. Their advice states – “don’t believe the myths – it’s unlikely you’ll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries if you have cleared the path carefully.”

Can you shovel snow onto the street?

You may shovel snow from a public space (e.g. sidewalk) onto another public space (e.g. road). You may not shovel snow from your private property (e.g. driveway) onto a public space (e.g. road).

Who is liable on rental property?

If someone is injured or a crime is committed on a rental property and the landlord’s negligence of the property can be proven as the cause, the landlord can be held liable. Conversely, if someone is injured or damage to the property is caused by proven negligence on the tenant’s part, the tenant can be held liable.

Can I sue if I fall on ice?

You may have grounds to file a claim against a property owner after you slip on ice if you can prove the owner owed you a duty of care, breached this duty by failing to clear the ice, and that this caused your personal injuries.

What to do if your neighbor slips and falls in your driveway?

If your neighbor has slipped and fallen in your driveway or anywhere on your property, they may have a case against you. Call the offices of Oldham and Smith at (352) 292-1620 or contact us speak with one of our lawyers about representing your properly.

Can my neighbors use my driveway without permission?

Unfortunately, if your neighbors have been using the driveway on a regular basis for more than ten years without permission from the sellers of your home, your neighbors probably have acquired a prescriptive easement to use the driveway over your land.

Is the landlord responsible for a driveway laid by previous tenants?

There likely is even something in your lease stating that . . . though, even if your lease is silent on that matter, the landlord must maintain a safe environment. To address a question you didn’t ask: Yes, the landlord is responsible for the driveway, even if was laid by previous tenants.

What causes slip and fall accidents on a walkway?

It’s part of life for weather or other circumstances cause wet or greasy substances drip onto a walkway, causing the area to be more hazardous than usual. This can happen anywhere, and anyone can fall prey to a slick surface and slip and fall.