Snow, Ice & Exterior Maintenance: Landlord Fines

Living in Quebec during winter can create safety hazards on sidewalks, stairs and building entrances when snow and ice are not cleared. As a renter, you have rights to a safe, maintained exterior around your home, and landlords have legal duties to prevent slip-and-fall risks and follow municipal bylaws. This article explains when a landlord may be fined, how to document unsafe conditions, what official forms and tribunals can help tenants, and practical steps to request repairs or file complaints. Use these clear steps to protect yourself, keep records, and learn how to escalate concerns while staying within legal timelines in Quebec.

What landlords must do in Quebec

Under the Civil Code of Qubec and related municipal bylaws, landlords must maintain the leased property and common exterior areas so they are safe and free from hazards such as packed snow, ice buildup and obstructed walkways ^[2]. This includes timely snow removal on sidewalks and entrances where the lease or local bylaw assigns the duty to the landlord. Tenants should review the lease to see who is responsible for specific exterior tasks and keep notes if the landlord is not meeting those obligations.

Common exterior duties

• Clear snow and ice from building entrances and shared walkways so tenants can safely enter and exit.
• Maintain handrails, stairs and exterior lighting during winter to reduce fall risks.
• Repair exterior drainage and surfaces that contribute to recurring ice buildups.

When fines apply and who enforces them

Municipal bylaws set many snow-clearing rules and can fine property owners who do not comply; the provincial Tribunal administrative du logement handles disputes between landlords and tenants about obligations and repairs and can order remedies or rent adjustments ^[1]. If a municipality issues a fine to a landlord for unsafe sidewalks or failure to clear ice, tenants may use that evidence in a Tribunal application. Enforcement can involve both municipal inspectors and the Tribunal depending on the issue.

How to document hazards and request repairs

Good documentation makes complaints stronger. Start by telling your landlord in writing about the hazard, then keep dated photos and a record of any injuries or near-misses. If you need more help, review health and safety guidance for renters for specific habitability concerns and next steps. For basic tenant duties and landlord obligations see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and review common safety issues at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

• Take clear photos and short videos showing the hazard, including timestamps or dated file names.
• Send a written notice to your landlord describing the problem and the repairs you request; keep a copy and the delivery record.
• Note the date you first reported the issue and any deadlines or promised timelines for repairs.

If you are considering moving because of repeated maintenance problems, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to compare listings and neighbourhood enforcement histories.

FAQ

Can my landlord be fined for not clearing snow or ice in Quebec?

Yes. Municipalities can fine property owners for bylaw breaches related to snow and ice, and those fines are separate from Tribunal remedies for tenants regarding habitability or repairs.

What should I do first if I encounter a dangerous walkway or entrance?

Notify your landlord in writing, take photos, ask for a repair timeline, and keep records; if the hazard is urgent, contact municipal emergency services if immediate danger exists.

When should I contact the Tribunal administrative du logement?

If the landlord does not fix a serious safety issue within a reasonable time after written notice, tenants can file an application with the Tribunal to request orders, repairs, or rent adjustments.

How-To

1. Identify and document the hazard with dated photos and a short description of the location and risk.
2. Send a written notice to your landlord stating the problem, the repair you request, and a reasonable deadline.
3. If the landlord does not respond, note the elapsed time and collect any municipal inspection reports or fines related to the issue.
4. File an application with the Tribunal administrative du logement including your evidence, copies of notices and any municipal orders.
5. Attend the Tribunal hearing with your documents and be prepared to explain timelines and safety risks.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must keep exterior areas safe and may face municipal fines or Tribunal orders for failures.
• Document hazards with photos, written notices and dates to build a strong complaint file.
• If repairs are not made, tenants can apply to the Tribunal administrative du logement for remedies.

Help and Support / Resources

• Tribunal administrative du logement - Tenant information and applications
• Government of Qubec - Renting a home: rights and obligations

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1. [1] Tribunal administrative du logement
2. [2] Civil Code of Qubec (Code civil du Que9bec)