Living in the Northwest Territories means winter weather affects sidewalks and entrances. If you rent or are a renter it's important to know who is responsible for removing snow and ice, how to document hazards, and what formal steps to take if a sidewalk isn’t cleared. This guide explains tenant and landlord responsibilities under territorial rules, how to request repairs or snow clearance, how to use official forms, and what to expect when filing a dispute. It uses plain language so tenants can act confidently: documenting hazards, communicating in writing, and keeping receipts and photos for any requests or applications. If you need temporary housing while repairs are arranged, compare listings to understand options.
Who is responsible for snow and ice?
Responsibility depends on the lease and whether a sidewalk is part of the rental property. Landlords usually clear common areas and entrances; tenants may be asked to clear individual walkways if the lease says so. For a clear summary see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Typical landlord duties
- Clear common entrances, ramps and building-managed sidewalk sections promptly after storms.
- Repair gutters, downspouts and steps that create icing hazards.
Typical tenant duties
- If your lease assigns sidewalk or walkway clearing, follow the agreement while reporting larger hazards to your landlord in writing.
- Keep records of communications, photos and receipts when you clear or pay for services.
Reporting hazards and using official forms
Start by telling your landlord or property manager in writing, keeping copies and timestamps. If the landlord does not act, you can apply to the territorial enforcement office that handles residential tenancy disputes [1] or rely on rights in the Residential Tenancies Act [2]. Common forms include the "Application to the Residential Tenancies Office" used to start a dispute, and a "Notice to Repair or Remedy" used to request work; file the application with the office and attach your evidence.
FAQ
- Who must clear snow and ice on sidewalks in the Northwest Territories?
- Responsibility depends on your lease and whether the sidewalk is part of the rental property. Landlords normally clear common areas and entrances; tenants may be asked to clear individual walkways if the lease says so.
- Can my landlord make me clear the public sidewalk?
- Only if your lease explicitly assigns that duty. Municipal bylaws may also require property owners to clear adjacent public sidewalks; check local rules and the tenancy agreement and consult Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories for territory-specific details.
- What if a landlord ignores a dangerous icy sidewalk?
- Document the hazard with photos and dates, notify the landlord in writing, and if unresolved, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Office [1] or seek municipal enforcement for public sidewalk bylaws.
- Should I keep receipts if I hire snow clearing?
- Yes. Keep invoices, photos and written notices so you can seek reimbursement or file evidence in a dispute.
How-To
- Document the hazard with timestamped photos and location details.
- Notify your landlord in writing, describe the hazard and request clearing or repairs.
- Arrange temporary measures (salt or mats) if safe and allowed by your lease, and keep receipts.
- If the landlord does not act, submit the official application to the Residential Tenancies Office with your evidence [1].
- Attend any hearing or meeting, bring originals of photos, invoices and written notices.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Office, Government of the Northwest Territories
- Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
