Spoiler alert – it snows in Columbus. While it may not amount to the same level of snow other areas of the U.S. get, it still can be significant, and it can still significantly affect a property owner’s budget.
Per data we’ve collected on multifamily rental property expenses, landscaping and snow removal comes in third (behind repairs and utilities) in terms of costs associated with property ownership. For investors who live in warm climates, seasonal maintenance needs can be easy to forget to factor in when purchasing a property in the colder regions of the US.
Who is Responsible for Snow Removal?
The responsibilities for landscaping and snow removal will vary depending on the type of rental property. For single-family rental homes, typically the tenant is responsible for removing the snow from the driveway and sidewalks at the home. That said, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to ensure removal actually happens, as slips and falls on ice can be a liability for them.
Snow removal at multi-family properties falls on the shoulders of the landlord or property owner. The Columbus city code requires residents and property owners to clear snow and ice off their sidewalks in a timely manner. For multi-family owners, this means you.
Before hiring a property management company in Franklin County, be sure you understand who will be taking care of maintenance needs like landscaping and snow removal services. If it will be the tenant’s responsibility, make sure it’s in your lease agreement. For more about managing rental units in Columbus, get in touch with us at RL Property Management.
