In Rhode Island the landlord must keep common areas clean and safe (R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-22), and a tenant can take on maintenance only by a signed written agreement. In Massachusetts the State Sanitary Code makes the owner keep exits, stairs and egress clear of snow and ice; a tenant is responsible only for an entrance they use alone, and only if the lease says so.
Updated November 11, 2026
Two-families, triple-deckers and small rentals are everywhere from Bristol to Fall River. When it snows, the question is always the same: whose job is the walk?
Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act says the landlord must keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition (R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-22(a)(3)). Shared walks, steps, porches and parking areas are common areas.
The same section lets a landlord and tenant agree that the tenant will handle specified maintenance, but only if the agreement is in good faith, signed and in writing, supported by adequate consideration (a rent credit, for example), and doesn't cut the landlord's duties to other tenants. A spoken "you'll shovel, right?" doesn't count.
The public sidewalk is separate: each town sets its own sidewalk rule under R.I. Gen. Laws 24-5-14, and the town looks to the property owner.
Under the State Sanitary Code as amended in 2023 (105 CMR 410.260), the owner of a multi-unit residence must keep exterior stairways, fire escapes, egress balconies and bridges free of snow and ice. The exception is narrow: a tenant is responsible for an exit under their exclusive use and control only when a written rental agreement clearly says so. Shared stairs and walks stay the owner's job.
In Rhode Island, courts apply the Connecticut rule: an owner generally has a reasonable time after a storm ends to clear snow and ice, absent unusual circumstances. In Massachusetts, since Papadopoulos v. Target (2010), owners owe visitors reasonable care for snow and ice like any other hazard. Either way, shifting the shoveling to a tenant doesn't shift the owner's responsibility for shared areas.
This is general information, not legal advice. We're a referral service: one local crew can put your rental's walks, steps and sidewalk on its route.
Only by a signed written agreement made in good faith with adequate consideration, and it can't reduce your duties to other tenants (R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-22(c)). Shared areas remain your responsibility.
Shared stairs and egress are the owner's responsibility under the State Sanitary Code; only an entrance used by one unit alone can be assigned to that tenant, in writing.
Town sidewalk ordinances generally look to the property owner, so landlords should make sure the public sidewalk is covered.
Not for shared areas. The owner keeps the duty for common walks and exits in both states.
Tell us the address and what needs clearing. One local crew in Bristol calls to confirm and puts the terms in writing before the first storm.
Plain, sourced answers about snow in Bristol and the East Bay, and one introduction to a local crew when you want the driveway, walks and ice handled.
East Bay Snow Removal is an independent referral service, not a snow removal contractor. We don't plow, shovel, schedule or price work; the local crew we connect you with handles all of that directly with you and is responsible for its own insurance. We are not lawyers; nothing here is legal advice.
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