Overview
- NRW municipalities place sidewalk clearing under owners’ traffic-safety duty, with typical windows of 7 a.m.–8 p.m. and from 9 a.m. on Sundays and holidays, starting once snowfall eases.
- BGH decision of August 6, 2025 (Az.: VIII ZR 250/23) confirms that renting condominium owners can be liable to tenants if an HOA-hired winter service performs inadequately.
- Property owners are urged to supervise contractors’ work and document lapses with photos to support potential recourse claims if injuries occur.
- Consumer advisers warn to review liability cover for slips, add elementar protection for roof snow-load damage, and prevent frozen pipes to avoid denied claims.
- Authorities and advisers recommend salt-free grit such as sand or splitt with the Blue Angel label, and note that professional winter-service costs can be claimed as household-related services on taxes.