Winter in Nova Scotia raises questions for tenants and renters about who must clear snow and ice, keep walkways safe, and maintain building exteriors. This guide explains typical landlord and tenant responsibilities under provincial rules, practical steps to document hazards, timelines for repairs and removals, and when to contact the Residential Tenancies Program or pursue official forms. It uses clear, tenant-focused examples so you can spot unsafe conditions, request timely fixes, and protect your rights without legal jargon. If you're unsure whether a hazard is the landlord's duty or something you should handle, read the sections below for checklists, sample notices, and how to escalate problems safely.
Who is responsible for snow, ice and exterior upkeep?
Responsibility depends on the lease, the type of building, and local rules. In Nova Scotia, landlords generally must keep shared areas and building exteriors in a safe state. Tenants usually handle minor, personal areas such as a private balcony or rented yard if the lease says so. When in doubt, check your lease, document the issue, and communicate in writing.
Common landlord responsibilities
- Clear shared sidewalks, stairs and common walkways in a reasonable time after a storm.
- Arrange for exterior repairs that affect safety or habitability, such as broken railings or roof ice buildup.
- Maintain lighting for exterior entrances and pathways so tenants can see hazards at night.
These duties are often described in provincial tenancy rules and the Residential Tenancies Act; if a landlord refuses to act you can apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancies Program[1].
Common tenant responsibilities
- Clear a private entrance, stoop, or small balcony within a reasonable time if the lease assigns that duty to the tenant.
- Report exterior hazards to the landlord in writing and keep records of the report.
- Take reasonable steps to avoid unnecessary risk on your private areas, such as using salt or sand when safe and allowed by lease rules.
Lease clauses can change who does what, but clauses that try to remove a landlord's basic obligations to keep the rental safe may not be enforceable. For an overview of obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Reporting hazards and common timelines
When you find a hazardous condition, act promptly: document the issue, notify the landlord in writing, and give a reasonable deadline for repair or clearing. Reasonable timelines depend on severity: dangerous ice on a main entrance needs immediate attention, while a small accumulation on a rarely used walkway may allow a longer window. If the landlord does not respond or fix the problem, you can escalate the matter to the Residential Tenancies Program and use official complaint forms to request an order.[1]
Sample actions to take
- Document the hazard: date-stamped photos, location, and brief notes about slip or fall risk.
- Send a written notice to the landlord describing the hazard and requesting action within a clear timeframe.
- If there is no response within the timeline, apply for dispute resolution with supporting evidence.
For common health and safety concerns such as ice-related falls or exterior hazards, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for practical safety tips.
FAQ
- Who clears the sidewalk in front of a rental property?
- Usually the landlord for multi-unit buildings is responsible for clearing public-facing sidewalks and shared walkways; for single-unit rentals the lease often clarifies responsibility. If the landlord does not act, document the issue and consider filing a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Program.[1]
- Can my landlord charge me for snow removal if they normally do it?
- A landlord can only charge fees if your lease allows it or you agreed to perform extra services in exchange. Ordinary exterior maintenance costs are typically the landlord's responsibility; for disputes, provide written evidence and seek dispute resolution.
- What if snow or ice causes damage to my personal property?
- Report damage to your landlord immediately in writing, keep photos, and check whether your renter insurance covers loss. If the damage is due to landlord neglect, document communications and consider using official complaint processes.[3]
How-To
- Document the hazard with clear photos, date/time stamps, and a short description of the location.
- Send a written notice to your landlord (email or text plus a formal letter) explaining the issue and asking for action by a specific date.
- Give the landlord a reasonable timeframe to respond; what is reasonable depends on urgency (e.g., same day for a blocked entrance).
- If unresolved, complete the official complaint form and apply to the Residential Tenancies Program with your evidence.[1]
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Program (Service Nova Scotia)
- Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
