Snow and Winter Policy

Winter in Detroit can be beautiful—but it can also be dangerous if snow and ice aren’t removed promptly.

At Redstone Detroit, our top priorities are safety, community pride, and keeping our properties in good condition. This policy explains your responsibilities for snow and ice removal and offers guidance for tenants who may need extra help.

Who Must Remove Snow?

Single-Family Homes

If you live in a single-family home:

  • You are fully responsible for clearing snow and ice from:
    • Your porch, steps, and entryway
    • The sidewalk in front of your home
    • Walkways to your door
    • Your driveway or parking space

No matter how deep the snow, it remains your responsibility.

Two-Family Flats (Duplexes)

In duplexes (two-family flats):

  • Both tenants share responsibility for removing snow and ice.
  • You and your neighbor must work together to keep all shared areas clear, including:
    • Steps and porches
    • Sidewalks in front of the property
    • Shared walkways
    • Shared driveways or parking areas

If one tenant cannot shovel or refuses to help, the other tenant is still responsible.

Redstone Detroit does not provide snow removal services for duplexes. The responsibility is always on the tenants.

Buildings with Three or More Units

In buildings with three or more units:

  • Redstone Detroit will handle snow removal for common areas and shared sidewalks as part of your lease.
  • However, you remain responsible for keeping your private porch, steps, or any personal entryway clear and safe.

What Does the Law Say?

The City of Detroit requires:

  • Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
  • Not clearing sidewalks could result in fines or tickets from the city.

This is stated in Detroit City Code, Section 42-2-26.

In simple terms:

“You must keep the sidewalks in front of your home clear so people can walk safely.”

Why It’s Important

  • Snow and ice can cause serious slips and falls.
  • If someone gets hurt because snow or ice wasn’t cleared, you could be legally responsible.
  • Keeping sidewalks clear helps neighbors, kids walking to school, delivery drivers, and emergency services.

For Tenants with Disabilities, Seniors, or Single Parents

At Redstone Detroit, we understand that not everyone can physically shovel snow. But the law still holds tenants responsible.

If you are a senior, have a disability, or are a single parent struggling to manage snow removal:

✅ Ask for Help Early

  • Talk with family, friends, neighbors, or your faith community about helping you.
  • Arrange help before winter begins if you know you’ll need it.

✅ Consider Hiring a Service

  • Team up with neighbors to share the cost of hiring someone to shovel.
  • It’s often cheaper if several households share the cost.

✅ Call Community Resources

  • United Way 2-1-1 – Call 2-1-1 for referrals to volunteer groups or programs that might help.
  • Focus: HOPE – (313) 494-5500 – Sometimes coordinates volunteer assistance.
  • Detroit Area Agency on Aging – (313) 446-4444 – Primarily for seniors but may know of local volunteers.
  • District Managers / Department of Neighborhoods – Find your contact here: Detroit Department of Neighborhoods
  • Local churches and mosques – Many faith communities organize snow removal help for neighbors in need.

Important: These programs are not guaranteed. They depend on volunteers and may not be available after every storm. Ultimately, the legal responsibility remains with you as the tenant.

Good Tips for Managing Winter

  • Keep a shovel and ice melt or salt handy.
  • Shovel snow right after it stops falling—it’s much easier before it turns to ice.
  • Don’t pile snow against the building—it can cause leaks when melting.
  • Use pet-safe ice melt if you have animals.
  • Never try to knock down large icicles or clear snow from roofs yourself. Call Redstone if you see leaks or dangerous ice buildup.

What Happens if You Don’t Comply?

If you do not remove snow and ice as required:

  • The City of Detroit may issue you a ticket or fine.
  • If Redstone Detroit has to hire someone to clear your snow because it poses a safety hazard or legal violation, the cost will be charged to you.

Repeated failure to comply may be considered a lease violation and could affect your tenancy.

The Bottom Line

No matter the weather or personal circumstances, it is your responsibility to keep your steps, sidewalks, walkways, and driveways clear and safe.

We appreciate your help in keeping our properties safe and our neighborhoods looking great. If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please call us at (313) 444-2788

Thank you for being part of the Redstone Detroit community, and stay safe this winter!

The Redstone Detroit Team