Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in District of Columbia

I live in a town house that has been converted to two apartment units (upstairs and downstairs). I rent the downstairs. We had a blizzard in DC back on December 19, 2009. I voicemailed my landlord regarding snow removal. I never heard back from him. I left him another voicemail message stating that if he did not make arrangements to remove the snow, I would do so and charge him for the removal (front and back). He is saying that he is not responsible for the snow removal and that the tenants are. Is that correct? The upstairs tenant never even sweeps the walk that leads up to the house much less clear snow, rake leaves or cut grass. If I rented the whole house by myself, I would expect to take care of this. But since the yard, sidewalk and walkway from sidewalk to the house are communal, why should I be responsible for these maintenance issues?

Asked on 1/06/10, 8:04 am

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

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0 attorneys agreed

Unless your lease specifically assigns you reponsibility for snow removal,

it would be my opinion that it's the landlord's responsibility under the

circumstances described.

Answered on 1/11/10, 8:25 am

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