Snow Removal and Lawn Care Responsibilities in Newfoundland and Labrador

Moving into a rental property in Newfoundland and Labrador brings new questions—especially about snow removal and lawn care. Knowing who is responsible for these tasks is important for your safety, comfort, and to avoid disputes. This guide uses official provincial rules to help tenants understand their obligations and rights.

Who Is Responsible for Snow Removal and Lawn Care?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Residential Tenancies Act outlines maintenance responsibilities, but it does not specifically assign snow removal or lawn care by default. Instead, these duties often depend on the written terms of your lease agreement.

• Lease agreement is key: Most rental agreements include specific clauses explaining whether the landlord or tenant is responsible for clearing snow and maintaining lawns.
• Default responsibility: If the rental agreement is silent on these issues, the landlord is generally responsible for ensuring the property meets health and safety standards and is safe for use.^[1]

Why Does This Matter?

Clear sidewalks and driveways reduce slip-and-fall risks, and well-kept lawns can help prevent pest problems. Not meeting these responsibilities could lead to municipal fines or health and safety issues.

What Does the Law Say?

The Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador) gives a general framework for property maintenance. However, landlords cannot require tenants to handle duties that would put their health or safety at risk unless both parties have clearly agreed in writing.

Tenants should also be aware that:

• Unsafe conditions, such as icy steps or walkways, may be considered a health or safety issue under tenancy law.
• Municipal bylaws may require property owners or occupiers to clear sidewalks bordering their lot within a specific time after snow falls. Check your city or town's rules for details.

How to Handle Agreements About Maintenance

• Written agreements: Ensure any added responsibilities are detailed in your lease, including what areas must be cleared and by when.
• Oral agreements: Verbal arrangements are harder to prove in a dispute. Always request changes in writing.

If you take on extra duties, request a rent reduction or additional compensation to offset your efforts.

What If There's a Dispute Over Snow or Lawn Care?

If you feel the landlord is not meeting their responsibilities for maintenance or safety, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL. This is the official body for tenant-landlord matters in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Relevant Forms for Tenants

• Application to Residential Tenancies (RT Application Form): Use this form if your landlord is not addressing safety issues or refusing proper maintenance as required by the law or your lease.
  • Download the Application to Residential Tenancies
  • Example: If your landlord refuses to clear ice after repeated requests, submit this form to request an official order for maintenance or repairs.

Practical Examples and Tips

Common scenarios for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador include:

• Your lease says you must shovel the walkway: Make sure you have safe equipment and clear instructions about what areas need to be kept clear. Ask your landlord if salt or sand will be provided.
• Your landlord handles yard care but hasn't mowed in weeks: Politely remind your landlord in writing. If grass becomes a health or safety concern (e.g., attracting pests), you may have grounds for complaint.

For more about general rental issues, check Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them—this resource covers other everyday disputes and solutions.

Health and Safety Considerations

Regular snow removal and yard maintenance may affect your safety by reducing slip hazards and easing emergency access. Both parties share a responsibility to ensure the property is safe, whether through direct action or clear agreements in the lease.

To learn about general safety in rentals, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you’re looking for a new rental where snow removal or lawn care is included, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme quickly and compare tenant amenities before signing.

More details about rights and duties in this province are at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

FAQ: Snow Removal and Lawn Care in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals

1. Can my landlord require me to shovel snow if it’s not in my lease?
   If your lease is silent about snow removal, the landlord is usually responsible. Any requirement must be clearly stated in the rental agreement.
2. What happens if I don’t mow the lawn as the lease requires?
   Not fulfilling an agreed-upon responsibility could be considered a breach of your lease, possibly leading to written warnings or further action by your landlord.
3. Who pays fines if the sidewalk isn’t cleared?
   If the lease says you are responsible and you fail to clear snow, you may be liable for any fines. Otherwise, this is typically the landlord’s responsibility.
4. How do I file a complaint if maintenance isn’t done?
   You can fill out and submit the Application to Residential Tenancies to Service NL. See instructions above for steps and links to the official form.
5. Can the landlord pass safety-related duties to me?
   Only if you agree and it’s stated in the written agreement. The landlord must still ensure the property is safe, even if the tenant is handling some tasks.

Key Takeaways

• Your written lease determines who handles snow removal and lawn care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• If your rental agreement is unclear, ask for clarification in writing to avoid disputes.
• Health, safety, and municipal rules should always be followed for your protection and legal compliance.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Section, Service NL – official board handling rental disputes, maintenance responsibilities, and complaints.
• Application to Residential Tenancies (Form) – use this to request help with unresolved maintenance or snow/lawn care disputes.
• Residential Tenancies FAQ – Service NL
• Contact your local tenant advocacy group for free information or support.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, SNL 2018 c R-14.1. Official legislation text
2. Service NL, Residential Tenancies Section. https://www.gov.nl.ca/dgsnl/residential-tenancies/

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