Who is responsible for cleaning the shared sidewalk?
May 31, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Paul Heuser
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you because I have a problem with the shared sidewalk in my neighborhood. My name is Dennis Waldner and I live in a multi-family house with several parties. The sidewalk in front of our house is used by all residents as it serves as access to the individual apartments.
Unfortunately, the sidewalk has been increasingly dirty and neglected lately. There is leaves, trash, and even dog feces on the sidewalk, which is not only unsightly but also a hygiene issue. I have tried to discuss this with my neighbors, but unfortunately, we could not reach an agreement on who is responsible for cleaning the sidewalk.
I am worried that the situation could worsen and lead to conflicts among neighbors. Therefore, I am seeking your advice on who is actually responsible for cleaning the shared sidewalk. Are there any legal regulations or agreements that apply here? What options do I have to find a solution to this problem and how can I ensure that the sidewalk is regularly cleaned?
I thank you in advance for your help and look forward to your expertise on this matter.
Sincerely,
Dennis Waldner
Dear Mr. Waldner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the issue with the shared sidewalk in your neighborhood. I understand your concern and will try to help you as comprehensively as possible.
In general, the sidewalk in front of a multi-family house is typically common property and should be used and maintained collectively by all residents. Therefore, cleaning and maintenance of the sidewalk is a shared responsibility of all residents of the house. This responsibility arises from the principle of community care and mutual consideration.
If there is no clear regulation or agreement in the house rules or in a rental contract about who is responsible for cleaning the sidewalk, I recommend that you reinitiate the conversation with your neighbors and try to find a solution together. For example, it could be agreed that residents take turns or clean the sidewalk at specified intervals.
If no agreement can be reached or if some residents do not want to participate in the cleaning, you can contact the landlord or property management and explain the problem. In many cases, landlords or property management are willing to take care of cleaning the sidewalk or take appropriate measures.
If this does not bring success, you can contact the local regulatory authority or a mediation office and ask for support. These authorities can mediate and possibly find a solution to the problem.
It is important that you as a resident take action and do not simply accept that the sidewalk remains dirty. Regular cleaning of the sidewalk is not only important for the appearance of the neighborhood, but also for safety and hygiene.
I hope that my tips will help you solve the problem and I am available for further questions. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance.
Sincerely,
Paul Heuser, Attorney
