Snow Removal in MA & RI

[Adam Michael]

Sitting here in the process of being snowed in, it seems like the perfect time to ask...

What are the timelines/rules people use for snow removal? I had a landscaper last year but this year they decided not to return my calls or show up for the first storm.  They showed up to my MA property today (after I had shoveled twice - staying ahead of it). I let them get two passes before I came out and told them sorry but I didn't hire you this year.  I always keep up with the walkways but what about the driveways? Pretty sure Boston and Worcester have rules along the lines of 3 and 6 hours, respectively, after snow stops falling, but I can't find any standard. I'm under the impression that it is the landlords responsibility for all snow removal.

The reason I'm asking is two-fold... 1) Previous owner paid landscaper to come twice, snow removal for the storm and once before 5am to get one tenant out for work (unless it coincided) - if it's still snowing then is it my responsibility to get her out? I think not, but if it stops at midnight and she leaves at 5am? I think so... 2) I have a property in RI and the inherited leases say "tenant is responsible for all snow removal." This has a shared driveway and the two owners have always split a plow (fair IMO).  Other than that it's only two small entrances and cleaning the cars off, almost no walkways or extra driveway space.

I'm under the impression (at least in MA) that I can't (or it isn't illegal) for me to dump snow removal on the tenants. Any experience with this for MA and RI?

Thanks BP

One more Gentemen Jack before back to shoveling...