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Who Usually Shovels Snow - Tenant or Landlord`s Rep.?

Nir

Nir

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REIN Member
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Dec 5, 2007
Messages
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Hi,

Which of the following is the MOST COMMON scenario in Plexes in Ontario (duplex, triplex or 4-plex) when it comes to snow shoveling:

- Tenant shoveling snow (not as part of any agreement)
- landlord hires tenant to shovel snow (based on a separate agreement from rent)
- landlord hires someone else to shovel snow

Thanks,
Neil
 
Hi Neil,

I have the tenants shovel their own walks and stairs and I look after the driveways and parking areas. I just bought a truck with a snowplow for that purpose. Since I look after the properties myself, with my wife, I may even (if time permits) do other driveways for a fee to help offset the cost of the truck which I am writing off anyway. I also supply salt to tenants that have excessive stairs. I believe it is mandatory (law in Ontario) for the landlord to ensure that energency vehicles have clear passage to the units especially buildings with three or more units.

Gregg
 
HI Neil,

my properties vary on a case by case basis.

It depends on amount to be shoveled and how many apts in the property. the more apts there are it seems the less likely they will shove. duplex/triplex they do, 4 plex they don`t. If there is 10 mins or less of work to shovel, they do. If it will take 20 mins or more to clear the snow they may not. I leave my basement tenants to clear their own entrances, they usually do. I leave shovels at every entrance and an extra in the garage. I supply salt.

that being said, see if you can get the tenants to do it if you think it is a reasonable small amount.

if that doesn`t work, see if you can work out a deal with one of the tenants IF you think they will be reliable

if that doesn`t work, hire a snow removal company, incorporate the cost into your rents when you renew

and remember that you are legally responsible to make sure that it gets done no matter what your lease agreement says.


hope that helps,

Terri
 
QUOTE (investmart @ Nov 20 2008, 03:22 PM) Hi,

Which of the following is the MOST COMMON scenario in Plexes in Ontario (duplex, triplex or 4-plex) when it comes to snow shoveling:

- Tenant shoveling snow (not as part of any agreement)
- landlord hires tenant to shovel snow (based on a separate agreement from rent)
- landlord hires someone else to shovel snow

Thanks,
Neil

In answer to your question...the most common for multiplexes are that people hire other contractors out. If you have several, sometimes you can work out a deal. This would be (or should be) the most reliable since some companies can be out right away first thing in the morning. As far as the snow removal pathways, perhaps you can make part of an agreement with a tenant (abatement in rent during those months perhaps?) if they use a snowblower or something to that effect. Otherwise, I have clients whom choose to save money, and they do their own property management since it`s their investment.
 
QUOTE (investmart @ Nov 21 2008, 05:22 AM) Hi,

Which of the following is the MOST COMMON scenario in Plexes in Ontario (duplex, triplex or 4-plex) when it comes to snow shoveling:

- Tenant shoveling snow (not as part of any agreement)
- landlord hires tenant to shovel snow (based on a separate agreement from rent)
- landlord hires someone else to shovel snow

Thanks,
Neil

We have a duplex (up/down) semi-detached house in central Toronto. The main floor tenant who lived there for five years shoveled the snow (included in the lease). He was very responsible. When he moved out, our (now former) property manager insisted that we take care of the snow removal, as they said the City fines you if you don`t shovel and also for liability reasons.

Our (former) PM got us one quote for snow removal for $200/month. (This is a house with about 20 foot frontage.)

Our new PM got us a quote for $400 for the whole winter.
 
Thanks everyone for the feedback, really helpful!
 
QUOTE (investmart @ Nov 21 2008, 11:30 PM) Thanks everyone for the feedback, really helpful!


Thanks everyone. This is a very helpful post. We own a 4-plex and the tenant that who looked after the snow shovelling has decided he would not do so this year.

The previous thread mentions $200/month or $400 for the winter. Does anyone else have any idea what the going rate is?

Thanks, Vic
 
Vic - Rates will vary depending on property, depth when service is provided, salting inclusive, etc. - $400 for winter is very very low at any property and more in range of paying neighbours child vs a normal service.
 
Hi Adam et al,

For a 3-plex 35 feet frontage for example. It`s pretty narrow (35 ft) but also a little unique - there is another street bringing you to the apartments in the back so it`s like two 35 feet frontages (I guess). what would you consider a REALLY GOOD DEAL for the entire winter in this unique situation in Orillia? $250? $500?

Thanks,
Neil
 
I pay anywhere from $600-$750 for the winter for a double driveway in Kitchener. This is to do it once and then come back after the snow plow has come through. Prices have gone up substantially from last year as the companies are basing their calculations on the number of times they had to go out last year.

Ramon Forgiel
 
In Orilla your plow guy will be there aprox 35 times in a season. At $25..00 per push/plow it would be $875.00 per season. Any thing less would be a steal. On the other thought of having a tenant shovel. What about liability? What if the tenant gets hurt performing this service? Just a thought. If you have a contractor do it you`ll request a copy of insurance & WSIB .

Doug
 
Investsmart - It depends - Are they shoveling sidewalks? walkways? stairs? salting? Even close to reasonable coverage including cost of salting if it`s equiv of 75 ft frontage should be atleast $1000++ for season
 
Thank you Adam.

$1,000 just sounds way too expensive for it to be a "really good deal". On the other hand, I am not experienced in this. haven`t had to hire anyone to do it yet.

Regards,
Neil
 
QUOTE (investmart @ Nov 23 2008, 11:31 AM) Thank you Adam.

$1,000 just sounds way too expensive for it to be a "really good deal". On the other hand, I am not experienced in this. haven`t had to hire anyone to do it yet.

Regards,
Neil


What happens if there is a ticket? Does the snow shoveller cover the cost since he/she was responsible for clearing up snow?
 
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