Winterräumpflicht

What is it?

This is the obligation of every house owner to clear the area in front of his house (and also around the house, if there is a public walkway) during the winter months when it snows. 

Basically, you need to clean the snow and make sure the walkway is safe for pedestrians.

Why is it important?

If you don't own a house, this should not be a problem for you! If you live in a block of flats and you don't pay a Hausmeister (a facility manager), then it is worth to inform yourself if you need to do it and when you need to do it. It can be that the lodgers have a schedule for every apartment.

This is important, because if someone slips and falls in front of your house and you haven't cleared it, you may find yourself in a courtroom, most likely paying for the person's medical bill. This is not going to be cheap!

How to do it?

Well, you need around 10-15 minutes or up to half an hour, depending on your strength and the area you need to clean. You can find big snow shovels in the local grocery store and in every Baumarkt like Praktiker. It is also good to buy some Streusalz, to get rid of the ice.

No time?

You are working 8-10 hours a day and you find no time for this? Try asking in the neighbourhood if someone would like to do it for you. A reasonable pay is around 10-15 Euro for one time. Youngsters would be happy to do it.

What do you think?