Living in Ontario means winter weather can create hazardous walkways, stairs and common-area entrances. As a tenant, you have rights and responsibilities when snow or ice creates a safety risk, and landlords also have legal obligations to keep rental properties safe and habitable. This guide explains provincial rules, how municipal bylaws interact with landlord duties, practical steps to document hazards, and how to request repairs or escalate to the Landlord and Tenant Board if necessary. It is written for renters and tenants who want clear, practical steps to protect themselves, prevent slips and falls, and preserve evidence if a dispute arises.
Who must clear snow and ice?
In Ontario, landlords generally have an obligation to maintain the rental property in a good state of repair and fit for habitation under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006[2]. That obligation often includes keeping common walkways, entrance steps and building-owned sidewalks safe and passable. Municipal bylaws can also require property owners to clear adjacent sidewalks or face fines; bylaws vary by city and neighbourhood. If a building has a manager or strata-like arrangement, the party responsible for exterior maintenance should be specified in your lease or building rules.
What tenants should do immediately
When you notice unsafe snow or ice conditions, take prompt, clear steps to protect yourself and create a record:
- Take dated photos or video of the hazard from multiple angles and note the time and weather conditions.
- Tell your landlord or building manager in writing (email or text) describing the location and risk; keep copies.
- Follow up if you do not get a reply within a reasonable time, for example 24–72 hours depending on severity.
- Take safe, temporary measures when appropriate (use salt or sand if provided and it is safe to do so), but avoid creating new hazards.
When to involve the Landlord and Tenant Board
If a landlord does not respond or the hazard is not fixed within a reasonable time, tenants can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order to have repairs done or for other remedies. The Board handles residential tenancy disputes in Ontario, including maintenance and repair complaints[1]. Before applying, collect your records: dated photos, correspondence, witness names and any medical notes if an injury occurred.
Forms and official steps
Common documents and forms you may use include official Board application forms and municipal complaint forms. Two examples:
- Application to the Landlord and Tenant Board (maintenance/repairs) — used when a landlord fails to fix a safety issue; submit with evidence and a clear request for remedy, and attend the hearing as scheduled.[3]
- Municipal sidewalk complaint form — use the city’s online reporting tool when the bylaw requires the property owner or municipality to clear sidewalks; include photos and exact address to speed action.
Can a lease make tenants shovel snow?
Some leases assign snow removal to tenants for private entrances or yards. Landlords cannot contract out essential habitability obligations for shared or structural areas, and any agreement must be clear and reasonable. If a lease clause appears to shift a landlord’s legal duty for shared walkways, seek advice and document the arrangement in writing. For general safety questions and tenant-focused health guidance see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
Preventing disputes and staying safe
- Communicate in writing and keep copies of all messages about snow and ice.
- Keep a dated log of hazards and any actions you or others took.
- Report dangerous conditions to property management and, if needed, to municipal bylaw services.
When to get legal help
If informal steps fail, consider filing an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board or speaking to a free legal clinic for tenants. You can also review landlord and tenant obligations for Ontario in plain language and consult the Board’s resources while preparing evidence and witness statements. For more on mutual responsibilities see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
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FAQ
- Who enforces snow and ice standards in rental buildings?
- The Landlord and Tenant Board handles tenancy disputes about repairs and safety, while municipal bylaw offices enforce sidewalk-clearing rules.
- Can my landlord charge me for snow removal?
- It depends on your lease. Landlords can bill for services agreed in the lease, but core safety and structural obligations remain the landlord’s responsibility for shared areas.
- How quickly must a landlord act on a reported hazard?
- There is no fixed single timeline; landlords must respond within a reasonable time given the severity. Dangerous conditions require prompt attention and faster remedies.
How-To
- Document the hazard with dated photos, a short description and the exact location.
- Report the issue to your landlord or property manager in writing and keep a copy of that message.
- Wait a reasonable period for a reply; follow up if there is no response within 24–72 hours depending on severity.
- If unresolved, prepare an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board and attach your evidence.
- Attend the hearing, present photos and correspondence, and ask for a repair order or other remedy.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords are generally responsible for keeping shared walkways safe under Ontario law.
- Document hazards, communicate in writing, and keep all records if you may need to escalate.
- Use municipal complaint tools and the Landlord and Tenant Board if repairs are not made.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board
- Government of Ontario: Renting and housing
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (e-Laws)
