I am a New York State resident who owns a residential property near Ithaca, NY.
I have one rental unit in my building.

Under New York State law, am I responsible for shoveling the driveway when it snows? Am
I legally bound to hire someone to do it? I live over 200 miles from the property. The new tenants have a snow blower. The driveway is approximately 50 feet in length.

Thanks

What does your lease say about grounds maintenance? Do the tenants take care of the yardwork the rest of the year? If so, it is implied they will take care of snow removal from their own driveway as well.

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Originally Posted by Shaner

I am a New York State resident who owns a residential property near Ithaca, NY.
I have one rental unit in my building.

Under New York State law, am I responsible for shoveling the driveway when it snows? Am
I legally bound to hire someone to do it? I live over 200 miles from the property. The new tenants have a snow blower. The driveway is approximately 50 feet in length.

Thanks

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That should have been included in your lease. My lease clearly states that I - as the renter, am responsible for the snow removal on the roof... good luck. (I leave in Rome, NY)

If it's not stated in the lease that the new tenants are responsible, then I'm afraid it's up to you to take care of snow removal. Since the tenants have a snow blower... why not offer them a rent reduction during the winter months in exchange for removing the snow.

What if there is no lease, who is responsible for the snow removal, tenant or landlord?

No one, I am not sure there is a legal requirement to clear the driveway.
There is a legal requirement normally to clear the sidewalk and walkway to the home for the mail. If not stated in the lease normally the owner will be required. From my understanding clearing a driveway is merely an optional clearing that is nice, but not required
** lived in NY for several years ( but it has been a while) As one whose driveway was never cleared.