Trash ans snow removal

[Michael Raposo]

Im about to buy a four family in fall river. I get mixed answers when i talk to some landlords on this matter. Is it the landlords responsibility to take the trash to the curb and remove snow or are the tenants responsible for themselves.

[Nancy DeSocio]

Hi @Michael Raposo,

Congratulations on your upcoming purchase!

I don't know the laws in MA, but I'm in the neighboring state so will just add my two cents.  The first suggestion I would make is to find out how those two things are handled now with the existing owner...not because that's exactly what you'll do but because it gives you an insight as to the current situation.  That way if/when you make any changes, you know what the tenants are used to and what you'll need to communicate to them.

We have a 4-unit, and the tenants are responsible for taking out the garbage and recycle bins.  We are fortunate to have a tenant who is a stay-at-home mom, and she takes care of this for all of the tenants every week, but when she leaves someday (hopefully never!), I would put the responsibility on the tenants to each take out their own bins and put them back in place. 

We hired someone for the snow removal, but we left the tenants shovels and a bucket of salt for when they need it.  Personally, I wouldn't want to put any snow clearing responsibility on tenants.  The liability is too high for my risk tolerance.

Good luck on your journey!