Watch the video: What tenants and homeowners need to consider when pushing snow.
When it snows a lot, you have to shovel. And this is not for late risers. In most places you have to clear the paths from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. On weekends you can start two hours later. Being free means that two people must be able to walk past each other on a sidewalk without any problems. However, each community decides for itself when the paths must be clear. It is therefore worth taking a look at the respective statutes. The ice-free strip must be at least one meter, and usually even a little wider. Of course, throwing snow onto your neighbor’s property is not allowed. If there is not enough space on the sidewalk, you will have to pile the snow on your property. If it is slippery, you are obliged to sprinkle it. Granules, grit or coarse-grain sand are permitted. Salt is forbidden in the vast majority of cases. In some places it is only allowed in freezing rain and on stairs or ramps. But are you even responsible? As a general rule, owners or landlords must ensure clear paths in front of their buildings. This obligation is often delegated to the tenants. However, this must be clearly regulated in the rental agreement. If you cannot vacate yourself, you will need to find a replacement. Either friends, neighbors or, if necessary, an evacuation service. If someone gets injured on a slippery path, it can be expensive. You are then liable for possible treatment costs. Many cities can also impose fines if the paths are not cleared properly. In Hamburg this can cost up to 50,000 euros. It’s better to use a snow shovel.