Snow Removal and Lawn Care Responsibilities for PEI Tenants

Outdoor maintenance, like snow removal and lawn care, is a regular part of life for tenants in Prince Edward Island—especially during winter. Knowing who is responsible for clearing walkways or mowing lawns is crucial for a stress-free tenancy, ensuring everyone stays safe and tenancy obligations are met. This guide explains how snow and grass maintenance responsibilities are decided for rented homes in PEI and points out what you can do if disputes arise.

How Responsibilities Are Decided in Prince Edward Island Rentals

In PEI, the rules for outdoor chores such as shoveling snow or tending the yard hinge on your lease agreement. The province's legislation, the Rental of Residential Property Act, does not assign snow removal or lawn care to either party by default. Instead, these duties should be clearly written into your rental agreement so both tenants and landlords know who is accountable.^[1]

Where to Check: Your Rental Agreement

• Look for a section on maintenance responsibilities—it might explicitly state who has to shovel snow, de-ice walkways, or maintain the yard.
• If it's not clear or missing, speak with your landlord and ask for written clarification before you move in.

Tip: Get all maintenance promises in writing before signing a lease. Verbal agreements can be hard to enforce in a dispute.

Typical Landlord and Tenant Duties

The most common expectations for snow removal and lawn care in PEI rentals:

• Multi-unit buildings: Landlords generally handle snow clearing and lawn care in shared spaces, since multiple tenants share the responsibility area.
• Single-family homes or duplexes: Tenants are more likely to be responsible, but only if it's written in your agreement.
• If not stated in the lease: The law defaults to the landlord unless the tenant's obligation is clearly assigned in writing.

Health and Safety Concerns

Regardless of who is on the hook for outdoor maintenance, the property must meet basic safety standards. If snow is left to accumulate, it can create serious slip hazards. Under PEI law, landlords remain ultimately responsible for the habitability and safety of the property—even if outdoor duties are delegated.

If you notice a dangerous situation, like icy entrances or overgrown lawns attracting pests, Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting explains your options for getting prompt action.

What Tenants Should Do Before Moving In

• Ask about snow removal and grass cutting at your property viewing.
• Request that maintenance duties be included in the lease.
• Take photos of the yard and pathways during the initial walkthrough. For a detailed process, review the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Disputes and Resolving Issues

If you and your landlord disagree or maintenance isn't happening as expected, communicate concerns in writing. If the issue continues, you may contact the island's official Residential Tenancy Office for guidance or to file a formal complaint.

Official Forms: Maintenance and Complaint Issues

• Form 2 – Application by Tenant: Use this if you want the Residential Tenancy Office to resolve a dispute, such as a landlord not fulfilling maintenance obligations. Example: If you are responsible for snow removal but can't perform the work, or if your landlord fails to uphold their share, you can apply for a hearing. Download Form 2 here.

When submitting a form, provide evidence: keep photos, written requests, and any correspondence.

Relevant PEI Tenancy Legislation

• Rental of Residential Property Act (PEI)

For more on local tenant law, read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

If you're seeking rentals in PEI or anywhere in Canada, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada using interactive map tools and filter for what matters most.

FAQ: Snow Removal, Lawn Care & PEI Rentals

1. Who is responsible for snow removal in PEI rentals? Usually, the person named in your rental agreement. If it's not mentioned, the law expects the landlord to manage it.
2. Can my landlord assign lawn care and snow shoveling to me? Yes, but only if the lease or written agreement specifically makes you responsible.
3. What if snow or ice is left on walkways and someone is injured? The property owner (landlord) may be liable for slips and falls. Even if you are tasked with snow removal, safety is a shared concern.
4. How do I resolve a dispute over outdoor chores? Communicate your concerns, keep written records, and contact the Residential Tenancy Office if unresolved.
5. Are there legal consequences for neglecting these duties? Yes. Failing to fulfill your lease terms about maintenance could risk warning letters or, in extreme cases, termination of your tenancy.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Always check your lease for snow removal and lawn care details.
• Get clarifications about outdoor responsibilities in writing before moving in.
• The landlord remains responsible for making sure the property meets health and safety standards.

Sorting out these duties in advance will save you time, hassle, and potential disputes down the road.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• PEI Government – Landlords and Tenants: Guidance and complaint options
• Residential Tenancy Office: File forms, guidance, and dispute resolution
• Tenant Support Centre (CMHA PEI): Advocacy and support for rental issues

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1. Rental of Residential Property Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. R-13 (official source)
2. Residential Tenancy Office, PEI: Laws and Rules: Tenants and Landlords
3. Form 2 – Application by Tenant: Official form link

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