Snow, Ice and Walkway Safety Obligations in Nunavut

Winter in Nunavut brings heavy snow and icy conditions that can make building entrances and walkways hazardous for tenants. Knowing who is responsible for clearing snow and ice, how quickly it should be done, and what to do when paths are unsafe helps renters protect themselves and visitors. This guide explains landlord and tenant duties, practical safety steps you can take, the typical official forms used to raise disputes, and how to get timely help in Nunavut. It uses plain language, sample actions you can follow, and links to resources so you can document problems, communicate effectively with property managers, and escalate when necessary.

Who is responsible for snow and ice?

Responsibility usually depends on the lease and local rules. In many Nunavut rental situations the landlord must keep common entrances, stairs and shared walkways safe, while some leases assign outdoor maintenance to tenants for private walkways. Always check your lease and any building policy, and remember that provincial legislation and dispute processes may set minimum obligations for habitability and safe access.^[1] For a clear summary of rental responsibilities see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Typical landlord duties

• Clear or sand building entrances and shared walkways within a reasonable time after a storm, often expected within 24–72 hours depending on conditions.
• Repair structural causes of ice buildup such as broken eaves, gutters or unsafe steps that create repeated hazards.
• Provide written policies or lease clauses if snow-clearing duties are assigned to tenants so responsibilities are clear and enforceable.

Common tenant responsibilities and safe actions

• Notify the landlord or property manager immediately about hazardous walkways and request prompt action in writing or by text.
• Document the hazard: take photos with timestamps, note the time you reported it, and keep copies of messages and replies.
• Avoid risky shortcuts over untreated ice and tell visitors to take care until the area is made safe.
• If a lease assigns snow-clearing to you, keep records of when and how you cleared the area to avoid disputes.

Official forms and when to use them

Nunavut tenants may rely on a small set of official documents when an informal report to the landlord does not resolve hazards. Typical documents include a written notice to the landlord requesting repairs or snow clearing, and an application to the appropriate justice or tenancy body to resolve a dispute. For example:

• Notice to Repair or Request for Action — a written notice you give the landlord describing the hazard and requesting action by a certain date; use this when the landlord has not responded to an immediate phone report.
• Application to Resolve a Tenancy Dispute — where available, a formal application you file to ask the tribunal or court to order the landlord to fix safety problems or to award compensation. Practical example: a tenant sends a dated notice asking for clearing within 48 hours, documents no action, then files the application to ask for an order to compel repairs or reimburse costs for hiring a contractor.^[2]

Where tenant-landlord disputes cannot be solved directly, Nunavut matters are usually handled through the local court or justice services responsible for residential tenancy issues; check the official territorial justice or court pages to confirm the current process and forms.^[3]

FAQ

Who must clear the sidewalk outside a rental building in Nunavut?

It depends on the lease and building policies; if the lease is silent, landlords generally have a duty to keep common entrances and shared walkways safe. Check your lease and report hazards promptly.

How quickly should snow and ice be cleared?

There is no single rule for every situation; many properties aim for clearing within 24–72 hours. Reasonableness depends on storm severity, location, and any lease terms that set timeframes.

What if my landlord won’t fix a dangerous walkway?

Document the condition, send a written notice requesting action, and follow local dispute steps such as filing an application with the appropriate territorial justice or tenancy process if the hazard remains.

How-To

1. Contact your landlord or property manager immediately by phone and follow up in writing explaining the hazard and requested action.
2. Document the problem with photos, timestamps and copies of messages, and keep a short log of events and responses.
3. Send a clear written notice demanding repairs or clearing within a reasonable timeframe and keep a copy for your records.
4. If the landlord fails to act, file the appropriate application with the territory’s dispute resolution or court service and include your documentation as evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Document hazards and communications promptly to protect your rights and safety.
• Report problems quickly and follow up in writing so there is a clear record.
• Use official notices and applications when informal steps do not resolve the issue.

Help and Support / Resources

• Government of Nunavut – Official information on legislation and programs
• Nunavut Housing Corporation – tenant and housing resources
• Nunavut Justice / Courts – how to file disputes and find forms

---

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act and related legislation (Government of Nunavut)
2. [2] Official tenancy and dispute application forms (Government of Nunavut Justice)
3. [3] Nunavut Court and dispute resolution information (Government of Nunavut)

Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings