Who Is Responsible for Snow Removal in Manitoba Rentals?

Winter in Manitoba brings heavy snow and safety challenges for renters. Knowing who must clear sidewalks, stairs and parking areas helps tenants stay safe and avoid disputes. Responsibilities depend on the rental agreement, municipal bylaws and provincial rules; in many cases landlords must keep common areas safe, while tenants may be asked to clear individual entrances or assigned parking spots. This guide explains typical landlord and tenant duties, how to document problems, what municipal bylaws might require, and the steps to take if snow removal is neglected. It uses clear, tenant-focused language so you can act confidently in Manitoba whether you rent an apartment, duplex, row house or standalone home.

How responsibility is usually decided

Responsibility for snow removal commonly comes from three places: the lease or written rental agreement, municipal bylaws, and provincial rules enforced by the Residential Tenancies Branch. If your lease clearly assigns snow-clearing to a party, that clause usually governs day-to-day duties; however, municipal bylaws may still require the property owner to clear sidewalks adjacent to the property. For official guidance or disputes, the Residential Tenancies Branch is the provincial body that handles tenant-landlord matters in Manitoba.^[1][2]

Landlord responsibilities

• Maintain common entrances, hallways, stairs and shared walkways to a safe condition.
• Comply with municipal sidewalk and property maintenance bylaws that assign duties to owners.
• Respond to tenant reports about hazardous conditions promptly and document repairs or clearing actions.

Tenant responsibilities

• Follow any written lease obligations such as clearing a private stoop or designated parking stall within the timeframe required by your agreement.
• Tell the landlord in writing when a common area is unsafe so there is a record of the request.
• Keep personal entrances and balconies safe where your lease requires you to do so and where municipal rules permit tenant responsibility.

When municipal bylaws apply

Many Manitoba cities and towns require property owners to clear sidewalks within a set number of hours after a snowfall; these bylaws are enforced by local bylaw offices. If a landlord is also the property owner, municipal rules can create an independent duty to remove snow even when a lease assigns clearing to a tenant. Check your municipality's property maintenance or sidewalk bylaw for deadlines and penalties, and keep records of communications and photographs if you must report an unsafe sidewalk.

What to do if snow isn't removed

Start by documenting the hazard: take dated photos, note times, and send a clear written request to the landlord describing the problem and asking for a timeline to fix it. If the landlord does not act and the area is a municipal responsibility, contact your local bylaw office. If the issue concerns habitability or a landlord refusal to follow an agreed duty in the lease, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute resolution or an order. The Branch publishes application guidance and required forms including the Application for Dispute Resolution.^[3]

FAQ

Who usually clears snow in a rental property?

It depends: landlords commonly clear common areas and owners must follow municipal bylaws, while tenants may be responsible for individual entrances or assigned parking if the lease states so.

Can a lease make a tenant responsible for snow removal?

Yes, a lease can assign snow-clearing duties to a tenant for private entrances or areas specifically rented to them, but municipal bylaws and safety obligations still apply.

What steps can I take if my landlord refuses to clear hazardous snow?

Document the hazard, notify the landlord in writing, contact your municipal bylaw office if applicable, and consider filing an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch.

How-To

1. Review your lease to find any snow removal clauses and note deadlines or specific duties.
2. Document the condition with dated photos and keep a written log of when hazards were reported.
3. Send a written request to your landlord asking for snow removal and include a reasonable deadline.
4. If the sidewalk or public walkway is dangerous, contact your municipal bylaw office and provide your evidence.
5. File an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch if the landlord fails to act and you need a formal decision.^[3]

Key Takeaways

• Landlords generally must keep common areas safe and follow municipal bylaws.
• Leases can assign tenant duties, so always check your rental agreement for clear expectations.
• Document problems, notify the landlord in writing, and use municipal or RTB processes if needed.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Branch, Manitoba^[1]
• Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)^[2]
• Application for Dispute Resolution and RTB forms^[3]

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Branch, Manitoba
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
3. [3] Application for Dispute Resolution and RTB forms

Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings

For related reading, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.