Must I clear snow and remove icicles in Sweden?
It depends what it is about. As a property owner you are always responsible for snow, ice and icicles on the roof above a public place, under the Public Order Act — they must be removed without unreasonable delay. For the pavement, Stockholm differs from many other municipalities: here the city itself clears the footways, whereas a homeowner in other municipalities often must clear outside their plot. You are, however, always responsible for ice formed by your own downpipes. If snow or icicles fall and injure someone you can be liable in damages and convicted of negligence.
📋 The rules
- The owner is always responsible for roof snow, ice and icicles
- Roof snow/ice must be removed without unreasonable delay
- In Stockholm the city itself clears the pavements
- You are responsible for ice from your own downpipes
- Cordon off before roof clearing and move snow toward the road
🔓 Exceptions
- In Stockholm the city is responsible for the footways, unlike homeowners in other municipalities
- The owner can delegate clearing to a contractor by a clear contract
- Pavement ice from your own downpipes is the owner's responsibility even in Stockholm
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Failing to remove roof snow and icicles can bring fines under the Public Order Act. If someone is injured it can bring fines or prison for negligent injury or endangerment, plus damages.
📎 Official sources
- City of Stockholm · Owner responsibility (snow and ice) →
- Public Order Act (1993:1617) · Riksdagen →
- Street Cleaning Act (1998:814) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
Must I clear the pavement outside my house?
In Stockholm the city clears the footways. In many other municipalities the homeowner must clear outside the plot.
Who is responsible for icicles on the roof?
Always the property owner. Snow, ice and icicles over a public place must be removed without unreasonable delay.
What about ice from my downpipes?
You are responsible for pavement ice formed by your own downpipes, even in Stockholm.
What happens if an icicle falls and injures someone?
You can be liable in damages and convicted of negligent injury or endangerment.
Can I hire someone to clear it?
Yes. You can delegate clearing to a contractor by a clear written contract.
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