Snow Removal and Exterior Maintenance Rules in PEI

Tenants in Prince Edward Island often wonder who must clear snow and maintain building exteriors when winter weather hits. Understanding responsibilities can prevent slips, disputes, and sudden bills. This guide explains common landlord duties, typical tenant obligations, municipal bylaw considerations, and practical steps for documenting problems and asking for repairs. It also outlines when to use official forms and how to contact the Residential Tenancies Board to resolve unresolved maintenance issues.^[1] Practical tips include keeping dates, photos, and written requests so you can show what happened if a dispute reaches a hearing. Whether you rent a house, apartment, or shared unit, these clear steps will help you protect your safety and your rights in PEI.

Who is responsible for snow and exterior maintenance?

Responsibility depends on your lease, municipal bylaws, and provincial tenancy rules. In general, landlords must keep rental properties safe and habitable; that commonly includes timely clearing of snow from shared entrances and repairs to exterior hazards. Tenants are expected to follow lease clauses that assign minor seasonal tasks to them and to report larger hazards promptly. Where lease terms are unclear, the Residential Tenancies Act (PEI) and guidance from the local Residential Tenancies Board help decide who must act.^[2]

Common landlord responsibilities

• Clear main walkways, stairs and building entrances within a reasonable time after snowfall (often within 24–48 hours where safe access is required).
• Repair and maintain exterior structural elements, such as railings, steps and awnings, to prevent slips and accidents.
• Ensure common areas have adequate lighting and signage to reduce safety risks at night.
• Comply with municipal bylaws on sidewalk clearing and snow storage; landlords must follow local rules where they apply.

Typical tenant responsibilities

• Clear small, private entryways tied to your unit within a reasonable time if the lease assigns this duty to you.
• Notify the landlord promptly about larger exterior hazards or damage so repairs can be arranged.
• Follow building rules about de-icing materials and safe snow removal to avoid creating new hazards.

What to do if maintenance is not done

First, document the problem: take dated photos, note times, and give the landlord a written request specifying the issue and a reasonable time to fix it. If the landlord does not act, you can escalate: use the formal repair or complaint process described by the Residential Tenancies Board, or consider filing an application for dispute resolution. For help with repairs and responsibilities see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and review safety expectations in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. If you need to access official forms to start a case, see the government forms page.^[3]

FAQ

Who clears snow on shared sidewalks and entrances?

Shared sidewalks and common entrances are usually the landlords responsibility under habitability rules unless your lease says otherwise; check municipal bylaws and the Residential Tenancies Board for guidance.^[2]

What can a tenant do if the landlord doesnt clear snow?

Document the issue, notify the landlord in writing, and allow a reasonable time for action. If theres no response, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Board for dispute resolution or enforcement of repairs.

Can a tenant hire someone to clear snow and deduct the cost from rent?

Only in limited circumstances and after following legal steps; deducting without board approval risks an eviction claim. Use the Boards process for remedies instead.

How-To

1. Document the hazard with clear photos, dates and a short written log of events.
2. Send a written request to the landlord describing the problem and asking for repair within a reasonable timeframe.
3. Wait the reasonable time you requested, keeping copies of all messages and any replies.
4. If there is no response, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Board including your photos and written requests.
5. Attend the Board hearing (in person or virtually) and present your evidence calmly and clearly.
6. If the Board orders repairs or compensation, follow the enforcement steps provided by the Board to finalize the remedy.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Board (PEI)
• Residential Tenancies Act (PEI)
• Residential Tenancies Board forms and instructions

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Board (PEI)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (PEI)
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Board forms