What to know about HOA snow removal

Your in-depth guide to HOA snow removal

HOA snow removal can impact communities significantly, and if the policies for this practice are established early on, they can help prevent unwanted incidents for residents and the community overall.

For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that fall accidents are considered the second leading cause of unintentional injury and deaths globally. Also, they estimate that 37.3 million yearly falls are severe enough to require medical attention.

With the snowy season upon us, chances of falling, slipping, and tripping due to the snow are much higher. That is why most homeowners associations contain a detailed and structured snow removal policy— to protect the community overall. In this article, we will go over what exactly are HOA snow removal policies, what they should include, and frequently asked questions about HOA snow removal to help you feel confident when handling this matter.
 

What is a HOA snow removal policy?

An HOA snow removal policy can differ depending on your association, as your community's HOA board members define most. But in essence, they are rules and regulations to be followed when snow removal is needed. The association should provide these policies and be readily available when snowy times approach.
 

What should HOA snow removal policies include?

An HOA snow removal policy should prioritize, including which areas are the homeowner's responsibility above all. Delegating tasks within the groups is essential to help establish grounds and clear guidelines.
A solid snow removal policy makes everything run smoother. Here's what it should cover:

• When to start snow removal: How much snow or ice will trigger action?
   
• If using a property management company, these communications should include scheduled services and procedures for residents to be prepared.
   
• Who does what: What areas does the HOA handle, and which are homeowners' responsibilities?
   
• Safety measures: Things like salting, sanding, and reviewing icy spots are addressed quickly.
   
• Communication: How residents will be notified about snow removal plans or delays.
   
• Local rules: Any laws the HOA needs to follow to stay compliant. This can differ depending on the state and city where the community is located.

HOA snow removal FAQs

Are HOAs responsible for snow removal?

Public roads and areas are the city's responsibility, in general. Like general maintenance and repairs, HOAs are responsible for snow removal in common areas and amenities. The homeowner will be accountable if snow removal is necessary within one specific property. So technically, yes, HOAs are responsible for snow removal if the area needing the service is within the ranges of communal amenities shared by or if the association mentions in their policies that they would be responsible for a specific area.

This can also mean that if your association is responsible for snow removal in a particular area, your HOA fees are what primarily fund these services.
 

What are homeowner duties for snow removal?

Every community is different, so knowing the rules where you live can be helpful for all residents, no matter the property type. Homeowners often need to clear snow and ice from their driveways, walkways, or sidewalks. If you're unsure what's expected, check your HOA's guidelines or local city rules. Staying on top of this keeps things safe and helps avoid potential fines or complaints.
 

When should an HOA call a snow plow?

Timing is everything when it comes to snow plowing. HOAs typically call in a plow after a certain amount of snow has fallen—like two inches—or when roads and sidewalks become icy and dangerous. It's a good idea to have a plan in place with your snow removal company so everyone knows when it's time to act, and this is where your HOA's policies come in.
 

Are HOAs liable for snow incidents, slips, falls, etc.?

It depends on whether HOAs are liable for snow incidents, but HOAs could be held responsible if they don't take care of snow and ice in common areas.

To avoid issues, HOAS must stay on top of snow removal, document their efforts, and work with professionals to keep shared spaces safe. Having the right insurance and legal advice doesn't hurt either. FirstService Residential offers value-added services. For instance, an affiliate company, FirstService Financial, offers customized and comprehensive peace of mind coverages for communities, including general liability insurance, which helps protect your community association from third-party claims alleging personal injury, bodily injury, or property damage.
 

How much does snow removal cost?

Snow removal costs differ depending on many factors, such as your region, time of year, amount of snow, and service rates if a vendor is hired. There may also be service fees and deposits involved in these payments.

We also understand predicting the weather is no easy task, which makes estimating snow removal costs equally challenging. This uncertainty can make your HOA's planning complicated, primarily if you work as a self-managed community. You can navigate these challenges better by considering these tips to prepare for winter weather:

• Check last year's costs: Review snow removal expenses from previous years, including service fees per visit. This helps you anticipate potential costs and plan accordingly.
   
• Get updated estimates: Reach out to snow removal vendors ahead of time for updated rates and compare their pricing.
   
• Look for extra funds: Check for unused funds from last year or dedicated reserves that could cover unexpected snow removal expenses.
   
• Reallocate as needed: If snow removal costs run high, consider shifting funds from other budget areas to cover the difference.
   
• Take action if necessary: If reallocating isn't enough, explore options like a special assessment or budget amendment—but avoid carrying the deficit into the next year.
   
• Keep everyone in the loop: Communicate any changes or additional costs to residents promptly, especially during snowy weather. Clear updates prevent misunderstandings and build trust.

With this in mind, HOAs that opt to remove snow themselves typically do so with the help of a group of volunteers, but this number of helpers may also be challenging to recruit. It is suggested that the risks involved be kept in mind. Your safety should not come with a cost, no matter how cheap it is to handle difficult tasks alone, as some volunteers may not be professionals, and accidents can happen at any time.

We recommend working with a professional management company like FirstService Residential, which helps prepare communities for these events. It helps you to focus on what really matters and uncomplicates the complicated.

"While (apartment) communities previously prepared for the most likely scenario and dealt with outliers infrequently, we now help every community we manage plan for the extreme scenarios so that we are overprepared for rain or snowstorms."

Brian Butler, president of FirstService Residential Illinois

"Our team works diligently on contingency plans so we have them in place before periods of more unstable weather," Butler adds.

Having clear policies helps everyone stay on the same page—and keeps your community safer during the winter months.

To learn how FirstService Residential can support your community's vision, contact a member of our team.