Outside steps to 2nd floor apartment

[Andrew Carducci]

Hi All,

I just looked at a property in Buffalo, NY. I like the property a lot and the numbers are what I'm looking for but in the photo is what worries me.  These steps are the only access to a 2nd floor small 300-ish sqft apartment. The steps are solid and current tenant has lived here for 25 years and wants to stay and has no complaints but to me these steps look like a huge liability. Does anyone have any experience with these? The upstairs is rented for 250 per month (I think it's a fair price based on condition, layout, and size) and I'm considering making covered stairs but that will cost a few grand and take some time to recover. 

What could I do to reduce my liability as this is Buffalo and the steps will get snowy, icy, and wet? The building is currently insured and occupied so someone is willing to insure it as is. 

What can I do to the existing structure physically or in a contract to reduce liability?

Should I just build covered stairs?

Thanks a lot in advance for the help!

Andrew