Philadelphia Rental Property Snow Removal Responsibility
Prefer to read & not watch?
In this snowy podcast episode, we're tackling the age-old question for Philadelphia rental property owners: "Who is responsible for shoveling the walks during a snowstorm? The rental property owner, the tenant, or the property management company?"
Philadelphia property management company owner and real estate investing expert sheds light on this common rental property owner question.
Setting the Scene
With a touch of humor, our experienced property management expert acknowledges the rarity of significant snowfall in Philadelphia but emphasizes the importance of clarity in rental lease agreements.
The key question posed is whether landlords are expected to personally navigate the snowy streets, hopping from one rental property to another, shovel in hand.
Clarifying Responsibilities
The expert provides a practical solution by pointing out that tenants are the ones responsible for snow removal, a detail explicitly outlined in the lease agreement. It shouldn't be the owner's rental property or the property management company.
Moreover, fines from the municipality, such as those imposed by the City of Philadelphia for neglecting snow removal, should also be the tenant's responsibility.
Practical Tips and Personal Touch
To make life easier for tenants, property manager Joe White shares a personal touch – providing a shovel and even a bit of salt.
However, he reassures landlords that such gestures are not obligatory. Drawing from personal experience, Joe humorously recounts the challenges of dealing with unexpected ice storms.
Highlighting the impracticality of constant property visits for shoveling, Joe stresses the importance of including this responsibility in the lease his property management company created.
Lease Agreement Essentials
On a parting note, our approachable expert advises landlords to ensure that lease agreements clearly state that snow removal is the tenant's duty. With a cheerful sign-off, "Happy Investing," the episode leaves Philadelphia property owners well-informed and ready to navigate the snowy seasons with ease.
Weathering the Storms - Beyond Snow Removal
In addition to the practical advice, our expert delves into the nuances of property management during unpredictable weather conditions. Acknowledging the recent ice storm, the expert shares a personal anecdote of having to scrape ice off the car multiple times in a single day.
This relatable experience emphasizes the impracticality of being physically present at each rental property every time it snows.
Landlord Empathy and Relationship Building
The expert underlines the fact that, as landlords, there are only so many times you can go out to shovel. This becomes especially evident during days when the weather fluctuates, requiring multiple rounds of snow and ice removal.
The expert's storytelling approach paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by property owners, fostering a sense of empathy among listeners.
Furthermore, our likable expert encourages landlords to consider providing basic tools like shovels and salt for their tenants. While not mandatory, this thoughtful gesture can contribute to a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
It's a small investment that can make a big difference in tenant satisfaction and property maintenance.
Snow Removal Mastery: Insights for Empowered Landlords
The podcast episode goes beyond the immediate question of snow removal responsibility, offering a glimpse into the expert's own experiences and demonstrating a pragmatic approach to property management.
By combining practical advice with relatable stories, our expert ensures that landlords not only understand their responsibilities but also empathize with the day-to-day challenges of property ownership.
In conclusion, this podcast episode serves as a comprehensive guide for Philadelphia rental property owners, navigating them through the intricacies of snow removal responsibilities with a touch of humor, personal anecdotes, and actionable insights.
Happy investing and smooth property management even in the midst of unexpected snowstorms!
