I live in Ohio, in a 4 unit dwelling which shares a driveway and parking area. I am trying to find out whether the lease or the ORC (Ohio Revised Code) "supercedes" the other. My lease states that snow removal is the responsibility of the resident for porches, sidewalks, driveways. I would not have a problem with this if the driveway was my own, straight into my garage. However, it is a shared driveway, so to me, that means "common area", which per ORC is to be maintained safe and sanitary by the owner of the property.

I have other issues with my landlord, too, pertaining to the heat/insulation of the unit, but have learned that I can contact a housing code inspector to deal with that - is there a cost associated with the inspection and if so, who normally pays for that?

Thanks in advance,
Angie

Is the drive narrow and widens into a parking area or is it wide enough for 2 cars. If its wide enough clear off your own side. If not, then it may be considered common.

Depends on the agency. If it is an inspection to determine violations of the housing laws then it shouldn't cost you.

The drive is narrow, and opens up to a slightly larger parking area (it's really only an area large enough to pull into our garages). It's actually quiet difficult sometimes to maneuver into my garage (and I don't drive a large car).