What EveryRenter and Landlord Needs to KnowAbout Snow Removal Obligations If you live or own property in Massachusetts, it’s important to know the laws when it comes to snow and ice removal. You may have legal responsibilities to remove snow and ice, whether you’re a tenant, landlord, homeowner, commercial property, or business. About a decade ago, there was a big shift regarding snow and ice removal laws in Massachusetts. This is particularly important because the past 15 years have also been the snowiest years in the state’s history. For more than 100 years, Massachusetts allowed property owners to have a “natural” accumulation of snow and ice to avoid liability. Now, this is no longer the case. All property owners in Massachusetts have a legal duty to remove snow, ice, sleet, and slush from their property. If someone is injured in a slip-and-fall accident on your property — because you neglected to remove your ice or snow — you could be responsible for their injuries. There are also rules about how you can remove snow and ice. You are not allowed to shovel any snow, ice, or slush from your driveway or sidewalk and put it into the street, even if a city plow will go over the area. As a general rule, removal of ice and snow means that sidewalks must be cleared to the bare pavement whenever possible. Additionally, most cities have a timetable regarding how long you have to remove snow and ice from your property. For example, in Boston, the city’s policy only allows businesses three hours to remove all snow and ice, but residents get up to six hours to remove it. If it snows overnight, then usually the time is extended to within 3–6 hours post-sunrise. If you’re a renter, you’re not necessarily excused from snow and ice removal. If you live in a rental property with only one entrance or exit used exclusively by you and no other occupants of the building, then a landlord can legally require you to remove all snow and ice to remain in compliance with city and state ordinances. If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Boston, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, Everett, or anywhere in Massachusetts due to snow or ice, give our office a call or send us a text.
2021 Was a D Pedestr
2021 was a very rough year for pedestrian safety in Boston. At the beginning of December, Boston was on pace to have the most pedestrian deaths in five years with 10 pedestrian deaths. 2017 had the most pedestrian deaths over the last five years with 11. 2021 doubled the number of pedestrian deaths seen in 2020. Boston does have a plan to make the streets of Boston safer for pedestrians. Vision Zero Boston is the city’s plan to eliminate fatal and severe crashes, including pedestrian accidents, in Boston by 2030. The
program was announced in 2015 by Mayor Marty Walsh, and current Mayor Michelle Wu is also passionate about the project. As part of Vision Zero Boston’s plan, Boston’s default speed limit was lowered from 30 mph to 25 mph. Traffic Safety data shows there is a 47% likelihood of a pedestrian being killed or seriously
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“Len and his team are very welcoming, respectful, and professional in all aspects of their work. They made me feel a sense of comfort during a stressful time. I would definitely refer Spada Law Group to friends and family.” –Elizabeth A.
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