Landlord liability for example, icey sidewalks

[Christopher Davis]

Hi, I am a new investor looking forward eventually to my first investment property. As such there are a bazillion things spinning in my head that I need to be educated on. One topic in the back of my mind is the landlord responsibility around issues of safety and negligence on the property. I haven't done a whole lot of research yet, I'm just throwing this out there broadly for some thoughts.

Obviously working smoke alarms, handrails, locks, and more, need to be in solid working order and a good condition. Beyond that, how far does liability extend?

Specifically this is the scenario that occurred to me: Is the landlord responsible for shoveling snow and de-icing driveways and walkways on the property? Let's say one day it rains. That night it freezes. The next morning the tenant walks out to go to work and they slip and fall on the ice and break their leg. Is that my liability as the owner/landlord? How can I possibly be there 24/7 to monitor and mitigate this?

Is this something you build into the lease?

What are other top property related potential liabilities from which to protect yourself?

Thanks for any guidance!