Responsibility is often set by local ordinance. Many Metro Detroit communities require the adjacent property’s owner/occupant to clear the public sidewalk (e.g., Berkley and Royal Oak ordinances; Detroit also reminds owners they’re responsible). Leases can shift duties between landlord and tenant for premises liability, but cities can still ticket the abutting property for uncleared sidewalks. .

For injury claims: cities are usually protected by governmental immunity with narrow sidewalk exceptions; claims against a city have special notice rules and technical defenses. Meanwhile, after the 2023 Supreme Court change, “open and obvious” is no longer a complete defense for private owners. Translation: if a tenant/landlord failed to act reasonably under the ordinance and conditions, a claim can be viable—facts and notice rules matter. 

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