During winter in New Brunswick, tenants need clear, practical information about who must remove snow and ice to keep entrances, walkways and parking areas safe. This guide explains tenant and landlord responsibilities under provincial rules, how to report hazards, what official forms and tribunal options exist, and simple steps a renter can take to protect themselves and document problems. If you are worried about slipping hazards, blocked exits, or unsafe shared areas, this article gives plain-language actions you can take, when to notify your landlord, and how to bring a formal application to the province's tenancy process.
Who is responsible for snow and ice removal?
In New Brunswick, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining safe access to rental premises, which includes clearing common walkways, stairs, entrances and shared sidewalks. Tenants usually must keep their private balconies, individual entrances, and pathways immediately adjacent to their unit free of hazards unless the lease says otherwise. If a tenancy agreement assigns a specific outdoor task to a tenant, that clause may be enforceable but must not conflict with safety or municipal bylaws.
Key duties for landlords
- Keep common areas, building entrances and shared stairs free of snow and ice to meet habitability obligations.
- Provide written or posted instructions for tenants about snow-clearing responsibilities when applicable.
- Respond promptly to tenant reports of hazardous conditions and arrange removal or de-icing.
Tenant responsibilities and reasonable actions
- Follow any clear lease clause that assigns a specific outdoor maintenance duty, provided it is reasonable and safe.
- Notify the landlord in writing about snow or ice hazards and keep a dated copy of your notice.
- Take safe temporary measures to reduce immediate risk if you are physically able, and tell the landlord you have done so.
What laws and tribunal handle disputes in New Brunswick?
The provincial rules governing residential tenancies and landlord obligations are set out in New Brunswick's residential tenancy legislation and handled through the province's residential tenancy tribunal. If informal requests don't resolve a hazard, tenants can apply to the tribunal for orders requiring repairs or maintenance. You can learn more about the tribunal and how to file an application through the official provincial pages listed below.[1][2]
How to document a snow or ice problem
- Take dated photos or video showing the hazard and the surrounding area.
- Send a written notice to your landlord (email or registered mail) describing the problem and the date you reported it.
- Keep records of any replies, repair timelines, and names of staff or contractors who attended.
Practical steps to resolve unsafe winter conditions
- Contact your landlord immediately in writing describing the exact location of the snow or ice hazard and request prompt removal.
- If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, follow up and set a clear deadline for action.
- If unsafe conditions continue, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for an order using the official application form (see links below).
- Keep copies of all notices, photos and receipts; bring them to any tribunal hearing as evidence.
Forms you may need and how they are used
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Application form): used when a tenant requests a formal order from the tribunal, for example to require the landlord to clear dangerous snow and ice; complete and file per the tribunal's instructions.[3]
- Notice to Landlord / Written Complaint: not always a named provincial form, but a clear written statement (email or letter) telling the landlord about the hazard and asking for action — keep a dated copy as evidence.
FAQ
- Can my landlord charge me for snow removal?
- Only if the lease clearly and legally assigns that cost to you; landlords cannot shift essential habitability obligations onto tenants in an unfair way.
- What if my landlord ignores my written requests to clear ice?
- Keep records, give a reasonable deadline, then apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for an order if the landlord still does not act.
- Am I allowed to clear shared walkways myself?
- Yes, you may take reasonable temporary measures for immediate safety, but document what you did and tell the landlord; avoid actions that could damage property or create liability risks.
How-To
- Describe the hazard in writing to your landlord with photos and set a reasonable deadline for removal.
- If there is no satisfactory reply, prepare an application with your evidence for the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
- File the tribunal application using the official form and pay any required fee or follow fee-exemption instructions.
- Attend the hearing with photos, written notices and witness statements so the adjudicator can make an informed order.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Government of New Brunswick)
- [2] New Brunswick legislation and tenant information (Government of New Brunswick)
- [3] Service New Brunswick — tenancy forms and filing instructions
