The Allstate Blog » Winter

Shoveling Snow: Who’s Responsible, the Renter or the Landlord?

Sarah Katz, Apartments.com — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:44:28 +0000

Winter is not quite over, which means there a few more opportunities for snow to fall and ice to form. And while renters might assume that their landlord is responsible for shoveling snow and other winter weather maintenance, that’s not necessarily true. As a renter, the responsibility for snow removal varies depending on your location and the agreement you’ve entered into with the landlord. To get down to the bottom of the issue, we recommend looking in three places: Your lease, state laws and local ordinances.

Your Lease

Like many questions involving landlord and renter rights and responsibilities, your lease is a good starting point to find out more information. Usually, if you live in an apartment complex with shared walkways and parking areas, your landlord will be responsible for keeping those areas clear; but it won’t always be explicitly written in the lease. (If you’re renting a single-family home where you have sole control over the walkways and driveways, you may find that you’re responsible for shoveling snow and clearing walkways of ice, in addition to cutting the grass and other seasonal maintenance.)

State Laws

If your lease has no mentions of snow removal, your next step is to find out what your state law says. State laws vary, and responsibility for the task may differ depending on the apartment you’re renting and the terms of your lease. This is important if your lease does not explicitly mention snow removal, but it's also important even if your lease does cover the topic. Some landlords, particularly smaller ones, use stock leases without being fully aware of the relevant state laws or statutes. If your landlord has an obligation based on state laws, the language in your lease may not change or override that.

Local Ordinances

Finally, take a look at your local ordinances. Some cities and counties have additional laws, called ordinances, which place obligations on either tenants or landlords.They’ll spell out not only your landlord’s responsibilities with regard to snow removal, but may provide you with remedies, or a person to contact, if management isn’t keeping up their end of the bargain. While these ordinances won’t conflict with state law, they may increase your responsibilities—or your landlord’s. You can usually find a copy of local ordinances on your town’s or county’s website. By checking your lease, state laws and local ordinances, you should be able to get concrete answers to your question who is responsible for shoveling snow during the winter months.

This is a guest post from Sarah Katz, Content & Community Manager at Apartments.com.

Minimize Your Gas Bill with 5 Toasty Alternatives

Quicken Loans Guest Blogger — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:00:44 +0000

My almost-2-year-old son is a fabulous singer. His new favorite song is the Christmas classic “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” He likes to belt it out whenever we’re walking out to the car because it's winter in Michigan and, baby, it IS cold outside. The other problem with Michigan winter is that it’s pretty darn cold inside, too. And since we’re not millionaires, raising the temperature via central heating isn’t always the best option. If you’re in the same boat and you’d like to stay warm without going into debt, consider some alternative measures to keep yourself warm. Before you touch that thermostat, here’s how you can stay a little warmer without cranking up the heat.

Bake Something

Winter and fresh chocolate chip cookies go together like campfires and s'mores. A chilly day isn’t complete until you’ve baked up a batch of gooey chocolate chip cookies, mouthwatering brownies, cheerful confetti cake, rich red velvet cheesecake… oh sorry, where was I? Oh yes -- if you’re considering hibernation to cope with the cold, you’ll need to stock up on calories! Heavenly treats can warm the soul. (One thing to remember, though: While using the oven to bake may naturally help warm up your kitchen, don't ever consider using the oven as a space heater. It can pose a carbon monoxide hazard.)

Get Moving

Now that you’ve gobbled your fresh-from-the-oven baked goods, you’ll need to get some exercise. The best way to free your veins of ice is to get your heart pumping. Clean the house. Pop in an exercise DVD. Play “freeze tag” with the kids (freeze tag, get it?). Getting out from under the blankets when it’s cold in the house is a bit like jumping into an unheated pool, but once you’re in motion, chilly limbs will be a thing of the past.

Let the Sunshine In

Sunshine can improve your metabolism, up your energy levels, lower your blood pressure, and even warm your house! A room full of natural light can make the coldest home look and feel much, much warmer. Interior blinds are the perfect way to make the winter sun work for you. When the sunshine hits the window, open the slats to let the heat and light stream in. When the sun is gone, close the blinds to keep the heat in and the cold out.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans: Not just for summer. Once cooler temperatures hit, flip the reverse switch on your ceiling fan so that it moves clockwise. This way, your fan will force the hot air down to the floor. Your heater may therefore work more efficiently because the room will be more evenly heated. Just make sure to use a low fan speed to avoid drafts.

Stop Cold at the Source

You should’ve winterized your home months ago, but the good news is, it’s not too late. You can start by using caulking and weather stripping around your windows and doors to seal off leaks and prevent drafts. Check out my article on the Quicken Loans Zing Blog for more detailed information on winterizing your home. You’ll be amazed at how much warmer your home feels after just a few minutes’ worth of work. Saving on your heating bill doesn’t mean that you have to open yourself up to the possibility of frostbite. With a few simple changes, and a little bit of action, you can make it through the coldest of winters without letting your gas bill skyrocket.

Christine Bilger is a writer at Quicken Loans and she loves blogging about family, personal finance, and mortgage tips on the Quicken Loans Zing Blog.

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Winter Driving Hazards (That Aren’t Ice and Snow)

Jody DeVere, AskPatty.com — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:00:03 +0000

The weather outside is frightful -- or so the song goes -- and we don't need to tell you to be careful out there. Rain, snow and ice are road hazards we're all familiar with, but they're not the only insidious forces at work as you brave the winter roads! There are winter driving dangers that aren't so obvious. The following tips may help you spot and avoid these dangers. Visibility I'm not talking about being able to see through blinding snowfall if you're driving during a nor'easter (try not to do that, though). I'm talking about your ability to see the road, and other drivers' ability to see you, on a cold, clear evening. First, do yourself (and other drivers) a favor, and take the time to de-ice all of your windows and mirrors. Next, when is the last time you changed your headlights? Headlights don't only need replacement with they burn out – they tend to dim over time and can impair your ability to see the road, which can be a problem in any season but a critical flaw during winter. Finally, once you've got a good, bright set of headlights, use them! I don't mean only at night, but also in twilight and anytime the weather is misty, gray or snowy. You want to make sure other drivers can see you through the gray haze that sometimes accompanies cold weather. Battery Failure How old is the battery in your car? If the answer is more than three years, you may want to think about replacing it. Cold weather can impair an aging battery's ability to start your car, especially when temperatures dip below freezing. If you're not buying a new battery, consider giving your current battery a once-over to see how it looks. Check the lead connections for corrosion and clean them as needed with a wire brush. You may consider investing in a portable power source, which can deliver the juice needed to jump-start your car should you get stranded – and, at the very least, never leave home without a set of jumper cables. Tire Pressure Tire pressure should be checked monthly, but this is doubly true in colder weather. Cool temperature changes air pressure, and tires with plenty of air in the summer will show less pressure in winter simply due to the change in atmospheric pressure. When inflating your tires, use the pressure indicated in your manual, or on the label inside the driver's side door. Never use pressures indicated on the tire sidewall. Salt With winter comes road treatment, which usually means rock salt or a salty brine sprayed on roads. While this is very effective at keeping the roads safe from ice, salt is also quite corrosive and can damage your car's finish if left for too long. Regular visits to the car wash are highly recommended to keep this stuff from doing too much damage. And don't neglect the undercarriage: A lot of road muck ends up on the undercarriage, which is easy to overlook, so do your best to clean under there, too. Remember, once rust takes hold, it's like a cancer eating at your vehicle's body, frame and critical parts. Keep the corrosive beast at bay with diligent cleaning. The Cold It goes without saying that where there is snow and ice, there are freezing temperatures. And the cold isn't just a danger to your car, it's a danger to you. It's an unpleasant thought, but should you become stranded in your vehicle, a couple of blankets and a car emergency kit stowed in your trunk could make all the difference. (A standard car emergency kit will probably include an emergency blanket, but some nice, downy comforters will work too.) If you're heading out on the road, practice good winter driving safety: Make sure others know your travel plans and route, travel with some canned food and bottled water with you in the car cabin, and remember that while they're very handy, sometimes gadgets like cellphones and GPS fail, so try to pack a good old-fashioned road map – just in case. We hope these tips keep you warm and safe on the roads this winter. Drive safely out there! Jody DeVere is the CEO of AskPatty.com, Inc., a website, blog and marketing agency providing automotive education to female consumers.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips for Chimney and Furnace Season

Frank Rivera, ADT — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:16:46 +0000

Winter is here. And while you’ve probably fired up the furnace plenty, and stocked up on firewood, have you studied up on carbon monoxide safety? A common output of malfunctioning or improperly used appliances, carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that’s nicknamed the “silent killer” because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it. Furnaces, stoves, ovens, water heaters and blocked chimney vents can all be potential sources of carbon monoxide, or CO. So how do you protect yourself? Here are some important safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration that can help keep you safe from carbon monoxide poisoning this winter.

Furnace and Chimney Safety Precautions

Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected annually by a licensed professional. This includes your furnace, water heater, wood stove and any portable heaters.
Make sure the damper is opened and clear of debris before using a fireplace.
Never use your oven or stove to heat your home.
When purchasing new appliances, look for products that have been tested and are labeled by a recognized testing laboratory.
Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside and is kept clear and unblocked.
Damaged or discolored bricks at the top of your chimney, moisture around the windows and walls near a furnace, and excessive rust on vent pipes or the outside of appliances can all be signs of a potential CO problem. Call in a professional if you spot these signs.

CO Alarm Testing and Replacement

Run a test on your CO alarms at least once a month, and replace them if they aren’t responding correctly. Sensors in carbon monoxide alarms have a limited life.
A CO alarm isn’t a substitute for a smoke alarm, and vice-versa. You should familiarize yourself with the different sounds each alarm makes.
If the carbon monoxide detector is beeping, go outside and immediately call 911 or the fire department.

Proper ventilation, a solid cleaning, and a working early-CO-detection alarm are your biggest allies when it comes to preventing a carbon monoxide buildup this winter. Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Services. To learn more about carbon monoxide safety, visit www.adt.com. Recommended by the editors:

Winter Ride: Snowmobile Safety Tips [SLIDESHOW]

Brendan — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:00:47 +0000

With winter right around the corner, snowmobile season is almost here. There's nothing quite like zooming over the sparkling snow in a snowmobile, and it's a lot of fun -- but it's also important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips to help keep snowmobilers safe this winter. [slideshow] Safety tips can be helpful in the moment, but it’s equally important to be prepared. Proper preparation for the snowy season can include the right snowmobile insurance coverage. Make sure you’re covered before you rev up your engine.

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Survive a Night in Your Car

Doug Howlett — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:00:45 +0000

It’s a harrowing statistic, but according to the National Weather Service, about 70 percent of winter weather-related fatalities occur in an automobile. You can bet many of those vehicle-related deaths began with someone simply leaving the house to run an errand, make a short trip to visit family or friends or take care of routine business. The weather turns unexpectedly bad, road conditions rapidly deteriorate and, suddenly, what was an ordinary drive becomes an overnight ordeal. Don't think just because you don’t live in New England, the upper Midwest or the western mountains that something like this can’t happen to you. Even in areas where snow is a rare event, cars can slide off icy roads and become stranded in freezing weather, leaving passengers stuck right there with them. Here’s how to make it through a freezing night in your car and ride out events until help can arrive.

Be Prepared

The first thing to do as winter approaches is be sure you have stored a few key items in your car. If you wait until you need them to try to round them up, it will be too late. Essential items to include in a winter survival kit, according to a combination of recommendations by Wisconsin Emergency Management’s Ready Wisconsin initiative and survival expert Peter Kummerfeldt’s OutdoorSafe website, include:

Bottled water (at least four quarts)
Snack foods, particularly nutritious energy bars
Raisins, dried fruit, nuts, candy bars
Strike-anywhere, waterproof matches and small candles
A flashlight with extra batteries
First-aid kit
Folding knife and multi-tool
Emergency flares
An extra winter coat, mittens and a wool cap
Winter boots
Toilet paper
Cellphone and charger
A space blanket
A spare blanket or sleeping bag
A portable radio with spare batteries
Tow rope
Nylon cord
Flagging tape
Chemical hand and body warmer packets

Other essential winter tools in severe weather country include jumper cables, a small shovel, tire chains and rock salt, sand or kitty litter to provide added traction when stuck on a slick surface.

Before You Go

If you're leaving for an extended trip, always check weather and road conditions before departing. If poor conditions are forecast, you may consider postponing your trip. Also, let others know when you are leaving, which way you will be traveling and when you should arrive at your destination so they can alert authorities and provide them with solid information to help in finding you should the need arise. Fill your car with fuel and make frequent stops to stretch, relax and refill your tank, never allowing it to get much below a half tank. Should you become stuck and need to spend the night in your car, the ample gas will allow you to start your car throughout the night and run the heat for short intervals.

If You Are Stranded

First call for help if you can’t get your car unstuck. Don’t overexert yourself and don’t leave your car and begin walking for help. You stand a much better chance of being found if you remain with your car, which can also provide the best shelter from the elements. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety warns against running your car constantly. Instead, be sure the exhaust pipe is free from snow and roll down a window enough to vent the car and prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Run the car for short 15-20 minute intervals to warm up and then turn it back off, using blankets, a sleeping bag, hand warmers and the body heat of others in your car to stay warm. Eat snacks to keep nourished and read a book (another item Kummerfeldt recommends) until help arrives.

Winter Home Safety: The Tree [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 17:58:59 +0000

Home safety during the holiday season can be a priority with friends and family coming together for various celebrations. Preparation can help you avoid the most common in-home dangers, even when cooped-up in the house during the winter months. Prevent the holiday tree-related causes below and your holiday season can be event-free. [infographic]

Winter Home Safety: The Deep Fryer [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 17:44:18 +0000

Home safety during the winter months can be particularly top-of-mind with all of the friends and family coming together for various celebrations. Preparation and prevention can help you avoid the most common in-home dangers. Try to prevent the kitchen- and fryer-related causes below and you can have an event-free winter. [infographic]

Winter Home Safety: The Range [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 15:00:36 +0000

Home safety is important year-round, but during the winter months when you spend more time indoors, it can be particularly top-of-mind. Preparation and prevention is the key to avoid the most common in-home dangers. Carefully consider the causes below and hopefully you'll have an event-free winter. [infographic]

7 College Winter Break Safety Tips

Frank Rivera, ADT — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:45:37 +0000

Heading home for winter break becomes something of a ritual for many college kids. Students finish their exams, say goodbye to their friends for a few weeks, and prepare for a return to doing chores, coming home before their parents’ curfew, and sleeping in. But, all too often, students head home without realizing the best way to protect the things they’re leaving behind. When locking the doors and closing the blinds aren’t enough, here is a list of college winter break safety tips to help your son or daughter leave any worries about their apartment behind:

Create the illusion that someone is home

A favorite of homeowners, this is a tactic that works for apartment dwellers, as well. Connect lights, the radio and even the TV to an automatic timer that can be used to vary the on/off pattern of interior lights when your child is away.

Recruit a trusted neighbor

If your son or daughter is going home for an extended period of time, a friend or neighbor can help pick up the mail, park a car in the driveway or even shovel some snow—all creating the appearance that someone is home.

Make the last person to leave do a double-check

If your son or daughter lives with other students, a good security tip is to discuss who will be leaving last, and then make sure that person is willing and able to double-check all windows and doors, turn on any automatic timers and put away or cover up any common-area valuables, such as gaming systems or big-screen TVs.

Keep utilities in mind

In cold-weather areas, pipes can freeze, crack and cause water damage. If they don’t have a flood alarm, talk with your college students about ways they can safeguard their home or apartment by keeping the heat inside their temporarily unoccupied apartment to at least 58 degrees. Also, windows should be completely closed; a one-inch opening near a pipe can be enough to cause it to freeze and break.

Care for a car that’s left behind

Students who are carpooling home and leaving their vehicle back at school for winter break should park in a well-lit area or secure location and remove all valuables (GPS, small electronics, etc.) from the car. Talk to them about electing a friend who is staying behind at school to start the car, so that it's not sitting idle.

Keep good records

Students should consider taking small items, such as personal safes, jewelry boxes, electronics and laptops, home with them during college winter break. If they must leave items of value behind, recording the serial numbers, brand names and date and price of purchases, and taking a few pictures of their valuables will help authorities identify their property in the event of a theft or a natural disaster.

Don't go back with family heirlooms

Many students like to come back to school after winter break with a memento or special reminder from their homes. All too often, these reminders have a certain priceless value attached to them. Explain to your children that they shouldn’t bring anything back to school that they can’t afford to live without. Of course, not everyone goes home for college winter break. If your son or daughter is enrolling in a winter session or chooses to stay on campus, be sure they do so with extra precaution. Campus crowds and campus security may be a little light during this time, so added awareness is imperative. Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Services. Recommended by the editors: