The abutting property owner shall maintain in a safe and hazard-free condition any sidewalk outside the lot and property lines and inside the curb lines or, in the absence of a curb, any sidewalk between the property line and that portion of the public street used or improved for vehicular purposes. The abutting property owner may be liable for damages caused by failure to maintain the sidewalk.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.12 [2c])