Every winter brings the same question: who has to clear the snow and what happens if nobody does? The answer concerns every property owner in Harju County.
What does the law require?
Under the Building Code, the property owner is responsible for clearing snow and ice from the walkway bordering their property and for de-icing it. This applies to both homeowners and housing associations. In Tallinn and most Harju County municipalities, local public order rules specify the details — the general rule is that the walkway must be safe by the morning rush.
If someone slips and is injured on an uncleared walkway, the property owner or association is liable for the damage. In court practice, such claims have reached thousands of euros — a risk not worth taking.
Homeowner: do it yourself or order the service?
For a small property, a snow shovel and an early alarm are often enough. The service becomes worthwhile when the driveway is long, snowfall is heavy, or you are rarely home: after a snowfall the yard is clear without you lifting a finger. We offer homes both one-off clearing after heavy snowfalls and seasonal contracts.
Housing association: a seasonal contract is practically unavoidable
An association's responsibility is around the clock and the area is large: walkways, the car park, the waste shed surroundings, stairs. Manual clearing on the shoulders of board members doesn't work and leads to disputes. With a seasonal contract we respond to snowfall automatically within an agreed time, handle de-icing, and arrange snow hauling when storage space runs out.
When to sign the contract?
The best time is October–November, before the first lasting snow — that secures a spot in the seasonal schedule and the first snowfall comes as no surprise. We agree on the areas to be cleared, the response time and hauling needs. We serve homes, associations and businesses across Harju County: Tallinn, Viimsi, Rae, Harku, Saue, Saku, Kiili, Keila and Jõelähtme.
