Winter in MV: Owners are required to clear the property – this is how you protect yourself from fines!

Winter in MV: Owners are required to clear the property – this is how you protect yourself from fines!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, property owners have a clear responsibility to ensure safe sidewalks during the winter months. According to information from immowelt.de Homeowners must ensure that snow and ice are properly cleared from the sidewalks in front of their properties. The regulations regarding snow and clearing requirements vary from municipality to municipality, which is why it is important to find out about the specific regulations. Typically, the sidewalks must be cleared by early morning, usually 7:00 a.m., and on Sundays and public holidays the sidewalks must also be cleared by 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. In persistent snowfall or extreme conditions, this may be necessary several times a day.

Rules and regulations

The winter service season in Rostock extends from November 1st to March 31st. During this time, the owners of adjacent properties have the obligation to clear and grit sidewalks, regardless of a fee. There are special regulations in Rostock that severely restrict the use of road salt because it can harm trees and plants. Instead, environmentally friendly alternatives such as sand or grit are prioritized winterdienste.net reported. It should be noted that early clearance is the best approach to minimize the use of grit.

The consequences of neglecting snow removal duties can have serious legal consequences. In the event of accidents on uncleared paths, both owners and tenants could be held liable. In addition, insurance companies can reduce benefits if the evacuation obligation is grossly ignored. Penalties in the form of fines are also possible, depending on the municipality. Owners should therefore remain vigilant and take their responsibilities seriously to avoid getting into legal trouble and to ensure safety during the winter months.