Sweep away the winter snow

German communities have rules that oblige house owners to keep sidewalks free of ice and snow. Renters living off-base should check their rental contracts to find out about their obligations.

Usually, house owners turn over this obligation to their renters. As soon as there is a danger of black ice, renters or landlords must throw salt, sand or gravel on walkways. Snow must be swept off so pedestrians can walk. In some communities, it is not allowed to use salt because it can damage the environment and sidewalk tiles may become lose.

House owners or renters don’t have to free the whole sidewalk of ice and snow, but to an extent so two people can get by. They don’t have to sweep snow if it continues snowing, but must remove it about 15 to 30 minutes after it stops snowing.

The snow has to be swept in a way that it is not impacting traffic.
In most communities, sweeping snow and throwing salt, sand or gravel must be done between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on workdays. On weekends, the snow removal obligation starts at 9 a.m. The general rule is: first sweep off the snow, then throw salt, sand or gravel.

In extreme weather, even throughout the day, the cleaning procedures must be repeated. If renters are, according to their contract, obliged to take care of cleaning their sidewalks, they must find somebody to do it for them if they won’t be able to because of sickness or work.

If pedestrians get hurt because of sidewalks that were not properly cleaned, house owners or renters can be held liable. They may have to pay the medical
treatment, compensation and sometimes even a fine.