Illinois Snow Removal Service Liability Limitation Act: Bad News for Associations!

a person snow blowing.

Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit

October 7, 2016

The Snow Removal Service Liability Limitation Act became effective August 25, 2016, and eliminates certain common contractual remedies of associations. As a result, certain indemnity agreements are void.

A provision that is part of or in connection with a snow removal and ice control services contract is against public policy and void if it does any of the following:

  • Requires, or has the effect of requiring, a service provider to indemnify a service receiver for damages resulting from the acts or omissions of the service receiver or the service receiver’s agents or employees.
  • Requires, or has the effect of requiring, a service receiver to indemnify a service provider for damages resulting from the acts or omissions of the service provider or the service provider’s agents or employees.
  • Requires, or has the effect of requiring, a service provider to hold a service receiver harmless from any tort liability for damages resulting from the acts or omissions of the service receiver or the service receiver’s agents or employees.
  • Requires, or has the effect of requiring, a service receiver to hold a service provider harmless from any tort liability for damages resulting from the acts or omissions of the service provider or the service provider’s agents or employees.
  • Requires, or has the effect of requiring, a service provider to defend a service receiver against any tort liability for damages resulting from the acts or omissions of the service receiver or the service receiver’s agents or employees.
  • Requires, or has the effect of requiring, a service receiver to defend a service provider against any tort liability for damages resulting from the acts or omissions of the service provider or the service provider’s agents or employees.

This Act applies to snow removal and ice control service contracts entered into on and after August 25, 2016. This Act does not apply to an insurance policy, and does not affect any liabilities, immunities, or affirmative defenses arising under other law.  Associations should have their proposed snow and ice removal contacts reviewed by counsel, in order to see what changes can be made to level the playing field.

Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit is available to provide this legal service. Feel free to contact our law firm at 855-537-0550 or visit our website at www.ksnlaw.com.

Since 1983, KSN has been a legal resource for condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations. Additionally, we represent clients in real estate transactions, collections, landlord/tenant issues, and property tax appeals. We represent thousands of clients and community associations throughout the US with offices in several states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

This article is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By reading this article you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the article author. This article should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. © 2017 Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit, A Professional Corporation.

Connect with KSN Law

Please contact KSN today to discuss your legal needs in a private and free consultation. Fill out the form below or reach our law firm by calling 855-537-0500.

By using the form, you understand and accept that we cannot treat unsolicited information as confidential. Further, initiating possible legal representation requires review for any potential conflict of interest.

A diverse group of six professionals, including women and men, stand together in an office setting, smiling confidently. One woman holds a laptop.

Sign up for the KSN Newsletter

Join over 58,000 newsletter subscribers to receive legal updates, best practices, industry trends, and details on or upcoming events!

Subscribe to the KSN Newsletter