Following the heavy snowfall in recent weeks, snow plowing and shoveling have been far from satisfactory in many areas. In many places, however, it is the homeowners, and the owners of other properties, who are themselves responsible for shoveling and sanding.

Who is responsible for keeping the sidewalk shoveled and sanded depends on where you live. In Stockholm, it is the municipality, but in Gothenburg, the responsibility lies with the property owners—which means it is also the property owner who may be liable for damages if someone slips and gets injured.

Ulf Stenberg, chief legal counsel at the homeowners’ association Villaägarna, has mapped out municipal regulations and notes that they also apply to homeowners and tenant-owner associations. At the same time, he believes the law is outdated as it is unreasonable for people who might be elderly, ill, or away to be responsible for shoveling.

Since many property owners are unaware of their obligations, the current regulations lead to poorer snow removal, Villaägarna believes. Ideally, they think municipalities should take over full responsibility.

More Accidents

“Municipalities are currently shifting responsibility to others. Snow removal becomes worse, accidents more numerous, and the costs end up with the regions and the Social Insurance Agency instead of the municipalities. I don’t think this is beneficial for society,” says Ulf Stenberg to the national broadcaster.

When it comes to snow and ice that can fall from roofs, the responsibility always lies with the property owner.

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