Snow Removal and Lawn Care: Tenant vs. Landlord Responsibility in Manitoba

If you’re living in a Manitoba rental, knowing who looks after snow removal and lawn care can save you hassle and help avoid disputes. These maintenance tasks aren’t just about keeping your home neat—they’re often safety requirements and part of broader tenant and landlord responsibilities under Manitoba’s rental laws. This article explains what’s covered by law, what to check in your lease, and what you can do if you hit a problem.

Who Is Legally Responsible for Snow Removal and Lawn Care?

In Manitoba, these duties depend on what’s in your lease agreement and whether you rent an apartment, house, or a multi-unit building. The key rules come from the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba^[1].

Default Rules under the Residential Tenancies Act

• Landlords must keep the premises in a good state of repair and comply with health, building, and safety standards—including outside areas like yards and walkways.
• However, landlords and tenants can agree in writing to make the tenant responsible for specific tasks, such as shoveling snow or mowing the lawn.

Check your lease: If it doesn’t specifically say you’re responsible for these tasks, the default is that the landlord must handle them.

Single-Family vs. Multi-Unit Rentals

• Single-Family Homes or Duplexes: Landlords can ask tenants to care for snow and yard maintenance, but this must be clearly spelled out in the lease. If you're responsible, the requirement should be in your contract.
• Apartments or Multi-Unit Buildings: Landlords are almost always responsible for these duties, especially in common areas.

If you have questions about your exact responsibilities, check your agreement and, if unclear, consult the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba.

What If Snow Removal or Lawn Care Is Not Done Properly?

Neglecting snow removal can cause safety risks and possible fines. If either party fails in their duty, it may be a health or safety issue. For example, icy sidewalks are dangerous, and local municipalities may issue fines if snow isn’t cleared within a certain timeframe.

• Tenants: If your lease does not assign these duties to you, you can report property safety issues to your landlord in writing.
• Landlords: If your tenant has agreed to handle these jobs but isn’t doing them, you may give them written notice or contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for further steps.

For more details about habitability and maintenance, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What Should Be in a Lease Agreement?

Your lease or tenancy agreement should state, in plain language, who is responsible for snow removal and lawn care. If you’re moving in, be sure to:

• Review the section on maintenance responsibilities (often near the end of the agreement).
• Ask your landlord to clarify or add details if not listed explicitly.
• Keep a written copy of this agreement.

For more tips when moving into a new place, consider guidance from Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Official Forms, Complaints, and Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch

If there’s a dispute, the Residential Tenancies Branch is Manitoba's official tribunal for residential rental matters. To request an investigation about maintenance or safety (like improper snow removal creating health hazards), you can submit a Repair Request (Form RTB-6). Find it on the Residential Tenancies Branch forms page.

• Form Name/Number: Repair Request (Form RTB-6)
• When to Use: If your landlord is not taking care of required maintenance (e.g., snow, lawn) and it affects your safety or living conditions.
• How to Use: Fill in details about the problem, attach photos if possible, and submit the form online, by mail, or in person.
• Official source and submission details

If you want to learn more about tenant and landlord obligations, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Practical Tips for Tenants

• Always clarify outdoor maintenance responsibilities before signing a lease.
• Document important discussions with your landlord in writing and keep copies.
• If you pay for snow removal or lawn care yourself and it’s really your landlord’s job, keep receipts. You may be able to claim reimbursement.

Explore Rental Listings and Tenant Resources

Searching for a new place or want to compare rental options in Manitoba? Browse apartments for rent in Canada to find properties that match your preferences and maintenance expectations.

For a full overview of regional rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord require me to remove snow or mow the lawn in Manitoba? Only if your written lease specifically says so. If not, it’s the landlord’s responsibility.
2. What should I do if my landlord isn’t clearing snow, and it’s unsafe? Report the issue in writing; if it’s unresolved, you can file a Repair Request (Form RTB-6) with Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch.
3. Are tenants in apartments responsible for shared outdoor areas? Usually, no. In most multi-unit buildings, landlords or building staff must maintain all common areas.
4. Does failing to shovel snow affect my tenancy? If you agreed in your lease to handle this and consistently don’t, you could face issues with your landlord or risk lease violation notices.
5. Can I get reimbursed for snow removal if it’s actually the landlord’s job? If you’ve paid and can prove the expense was reasonably necessary, you may request reimbursement from your landlord.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Check your lease to confirm responsibility for outdoor maintenance tasks like snow removal.
• The default under Manitoba law is that landlords are responsible unless another arrangement is clearly agreed upon in writing.
• Document any problems or agreements, and don’t hesitate to use official resources or file a complaint when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba – Official government body for landlord/tenant disputes and questions
• All Manitoba Tenancy Forms – Where to find and submit official forms like repair requests
• New Journey Housing – Free advice for newcomers and tenants in Manitoba
• Local legal clinics or tenant organizations in your community

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba

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