In Minnesota, the landlord usually clears snow and ice from common areas such as shared sidewalks, parking lots, entrances, and stairways. A lease can shift some duties to tenants, especially in single-family rentals, and city ordinances often require property owners to clear public sidewalks within a set time after snowfall. When someone slips and falls, liability depends on who controlled the area and whether they used reasonable care.
Minnesota winters make snow and ice a daily safety issue for months. From apartment complexes in Maple Grove to rental homes in St. Cloud, slip-and-fall injuries on icy walkways are among the most common premises claims the state sees each year.
General Rules on Snow Removal
| Type of Rental | Who Usually Handles Snow Removal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment complex or multi-unit building | Landlord or property manager | Common areas remain under the landlord’s control |
| Duplex or small multi-unit | Often the landlord, but leases vary | Check the lease for shared responsibility |
| Single-family rental home | Often the tenant, if the lease says so | Leases commonly assign sidewalk and driveway clearing to tenants |
| Public sidewalk next to the property | Property owner under city ordinance | Many cities set deadlines after a snowfall ends |
Even when a lease assigns snow removal to a tenant, the landlord may still be responsible for structural problems that make ice worse, such as broken gutters or poor drainage.
The Landlord’s Duty of Reasonable Care
Minnesota law requires property owners and those in control of property to use reasonable care to keep areas they control reasonably safe for people who are expected to be there. Minnesota’s landlord-tenant statutes also require residential landlords to keep the premises in reasonable repair and fit for their intended use. In practice, this means clearing and treating common walkways and lots within a reasonable time after snow or ice accumulates.
Courts generally recognize that an owner does not have to clear snow while a storm is still underway and may have a reasonable time after it ends to address conditions. The longer ice is left untreated, the stronger a claim becomes. Visitors and delivery drivers are generally owed the same reasonable care as tenants in common areas.
Common Causes of Ice Falls at Rental Properties
- Snow piled where it melts and refreezes across walkways
- Downspouts that drain onto sidewalks and parking lots
- Uneven salting that leaves patches of black ice
- Poor lighting that hides icy spots at night
- Failure to clear stairways, ramps, and building entrances
- Snow removal contractors who skip areas or arrive late
When a landlord hires a snow removal company, that contractor may share liability if the work was done negligently. A claim may name both the owner and the contractor.
Comparative Fault
Insurers often argue that the injured person should have seen the ice or worn better footwear. Under Minnesota’s comparative fault statute, damages are reduced by the injured person’s share of fault, and recovery is barred against a defendant whose fault is less than the injured person’s. Evidence such as photos, weather records, and maintenance logs helps answer those arguments.
What to Do After a Fall at a Rental Property
- Get medical care right away and keep all records.
- Photograph the ice, surrounding area, lighting, and your footwear.
- Report the fall to the landlord or property manager in writing.
- Get names and contact information for witnesses.
- Keep a copy of your lease if you are a tenant.
- Write down the date, time, and weather conditions.
Minnesota’s statute of limitations for most negligence claims is six years, but evidence of ice conditions disappears quickly, so acting early matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for snow removal at an apartment in Minnesota?
Usually the landlord or property manager, especially in common areas like sidewalks, lots, and entrances.
Can a lease make the tenant responsible for snow removal?
Yes, particularly in single-family rentals, though the landlord may still be responsible for structural issues that cause ice.
Can I sue my landlord for slipping on ice?
Possibly, if the landlord controlled the area and failed to use reasonable care to clear or treat it.
Who is liable if the landlord hired a snow removal company?
The landlord, the contractor, or both may be liable depending on the contract and the work performed.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Minnesota?
Generally, six years for negligence claims, though early action protects evidence.
Talk to a Minnesota Slip and Fall Lawyer
Nelson Personal Injury represents people injured in winter falls across Maple Grove, St. Cloud, and Minnesota. When you call, our team will ask where you fell, who controls the property, and what injuries you have, then explain who may be responsible. Learn more about our Minnesota personal injury attorney services.
