Snow Removal in Buffalo, NY

[Paul Neubecker]

I've got a couple rental properties in the City of Buffalo. 

I am leaning towards hiring professional snow removal for the rental properties.

Does anyone know: 

(1) The local laws regarding liability/responsibility for shoveling say your sidewalk? Is the responsibility on the Property owner / tenant / depends on the lease? 

(2) Does anyone have any recommendations for a snow removal service? I currently have Regan Landscaping doing the lawn cutting and I know they plow, but I kind of want to get a couple other bids to make sure I'm generally in the right price range. They do a fine job with the cutting, but they do seem a little pricey. 

(3) Is there a reason to hire someone to plow if the driveway is probably going to be occupied by the tenants' vehicles? Could I hire someone just the shovel the walk way to and from the house along with the sidewalk? I'm a bit confused about how the logistics of the snow removal will even work. 

Any advice from experienced landlords that deal with winter welcome!