Who is responsible for snow removal at a commercial property, the landlord or the tenant?
Between the two of them, the lease decides who hires and pays for snow removal. Separately, the town ordinance says who must clear the sidewalk, often naming the owner, the tenant or occupant, or both.
Read the lease for the words snow, ice and common areas. Multi-tenant properties usually keep the lot and walks with the landlord and pass the cost through as common area maintenance. Single-tenant buildings often put the whole job on the tenant.
Who a court holds liable after a fall is a different question from who the lease says pays the plow. A lease clause does not always settle it, so ask your attorney if it matters for a specific property.
Go deeper
More on sidewalks & nj town rules
- How long do I have to clear my sidewalk after it snows in New Jersey?
- Who is responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of a business in NJ?
- Can my town fine me for not clearing the sidewalk?
- Can my plow contractor push snow into the street?
- Is rock salt banned on sidewalks anywhere in New Jersey?
- Do I need a permit to plow or haul snow in New Jersey?
From JRW Services LLC, commercial snow and ice management across Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, Morris and Warren counties, NJ. All answers
Need this handled at your property?
Call (973) 459-0074 or send the form, and we will walk the site and put it in writing before the first storm.