Should an apartment complex be responsible for clearing snow?

mistaken4sane: Should an apartment complex be responsible for clearing snow?
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?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Kristina J
yes it should be…they are responsible for everything because you rent from them…it doesn’t belong to you so why should you be responsible

Answer by Kim T
Yes. If you complain to the apartment managers and they don’t do anything, you can report them to Tenant Services or another appropriate agency through your city government.

Answer by Phurface
I would think so, probably with the outrageous amount of rent you’re paying.

Phurface

Answer by Bob
I think so. Get all your neighbors together and go to the office and demand they get their maintenance staff to dig you out

Answer by The Camel
It really depends on the local laws and the lease you sign. Check out your lease and see what you agreed to – in some areas the tenants/residents are legally responsible unless the management agrees to take responsibility in writing. Meaning, you could possibly be sued if you don’t clear it and someone gets injured. Now, it’s very unlikely that the lease doesn’t state that the management is responsible, but check it out to be safe. If you know your rights under the lease, you have a lot more power when dealing with management.

I’ve lived in an “apartment building” that was essentially a converted house, where there was no professional management and the tenants were required to clear the snow in a rotation system, under the lease. It’s very rare, but always good to be safe and check.

Answer by Carl S
They are responsible, but it doesnt mean they are obligated to make it prestine. You pay them… thus a portion of what you pay goes towards things like snow removal, grass cutting, etc. If they plow the main areas but snowbanks make it diffiult to get out of your spot… I think that’s still your responsibility. Imagine if you were at the mall all day and it was snowing very hard. You wouldnt expect the mall to shovel you out. But they should have the main access portion cleared. I’d highly suggest keeping a shovel at all times if you are in a snowy location regardless of who is responsible for snow removal. You are ultimately responsible for your safety + punctuality.

Answer by polarized1
By law it is up to apt managers to keep lots and walks free of ice. They are responsible and liable for all that goes on on their property.