Winter in Saskatchewan brings heavy snow and icy conditions that can affect safety at rental properties. Tenants and landlords often wonder who must clear snow from sidewalks, stairs, and parking areas, and what to do when shoveling isn't done. This guide explains tenant and landlord responsibilities in plain language, including when to report hazards, how to document unsafe conditions, and what official steps you can take if problems persist. It covers safety tips, practical actions for renters, and the provincial office and forms to use for dispute resolution. Whether you're a renter worried about slips or a landlord planning maintenance, these clear steps will help you stay safe and protect your rights this winter.
Who is usually responsible?
Responsibility can depend on your lease and whether the area is private or a common area. Common arrangements include:
- Landlord maintenance for common areas like building entrances, shared sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots where the landlord manages property safety.
- Tenant duties for private walkways, stoops, or driveways explicitly assigned in the lease.
- Municipal bylaws that may require whoever clears to do so to a safe standard (check your city or town rules).
What tenants should do first
If snow or ice creates a hazard, take these practical steps before escalating the issue:
- Document the hazard with photos, date-stamped notes, and a log of any incidents or near-misses.
- Contact your landlord or property manager in writing (email or text) describing the issue and asking for a fix.
- Keep copies of your lease, communications, and any responses from the landlord.
When to call the city or use municipal services
Some sidewalks and public areas fall under municipal responsibility. If you believe a public sidewalk or road is unsafe, report it to your municipality and keep the report reference number. Municipal response times and standards vary by community.
Official Saskatchewan resources and the law
The provincial framework is set by the Residential Tenancies Act and disputes are handled by the Office of Residential Tenancies. For general info on rights and responsibilities, see the provincial guidance.[1]
Key official forms tenants may need
Common forms and when you might use them:
- Application for dispute resolution — used to ask the Office of Residential Tenancies to decide on unresolved maintenance or safety issues; for example, if icy stairs cause danger and landlord won’t act, file this form to start a formal review.[2]
- Notice to landlord (written request) — a documented request to fix a hazard that creates a paper trail if you later apply for dispute resolution.
Practical safety steps for renters
Keep yourself and visitors safe while the issue is being resolved:
- Salt or sand immediate walking paths if it is safe and allowed under your lease and local bylaws.
- Use alternate entrances or parking spots that are safer when possible.
- Report injuries or serious hazards to emergency services if there is immediate danger.
Communicating effectively with your landlord
Clear, written communication helps resolve issues more quickly. Include dates, photos, and a clear description of the hazard, and keep copies for your records. If the landlord refers to lease clauses, compare those to provincial standards and the Residential Tenancies Act.[1]
If you are also searching for a new rental where winter maintenance is handled, consider using a national listing tool to compare properties and landlord reviews: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- Who is responsible for clearing snow on a rental property?
- Responsibility depends on your lease and whether the area is a common space; landlords usually clear shared entrances and sidewalks while tenants may be responsible for private walkways.
- What should I document if ice or snow creates a hazard?
- Take dated photos, keep written notes of the hazard and any communications with your landlord, and save medical or repair bills related to the hazard.
- How do I start a formal complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies?
- You typically file an application for dispute resolution with the Office of Residential Tenancies, including evidence and copies of written requests to your landlord.
How-To
- Document the problem immediately with photos, notes, and dates.
- Contact your landlord in writing requesting a fix and keep the messages.
- If the landlord does not act, file an application for dispute resolution with the Office of Residential Tenancies and attach your evidence.[2]
- Attend any scheduled hearing and bring originals or copies of your documents and witnesses if needed.
Key Takeaways
- Check your lease first to see who is responsible for snow and ice removal.
- Document hazards carefully and keep all communications in writing.
- Use the Office of Residential Tenancies for formal disputes if informal requests fail.
Help and Support / Resources
- Office of Residential Tenancies - Saskatchewan
- Residential Tenancies forms - Saskatchewan
- Residential Tenancies Act - Saskatchewan
- [1] Saskatchewan Government: Residential Tenancies
- [2] Saskatchewan Government: Residential Tenancies forms
- [3] Saskatchewan Government: Residential Tenancies Act
Additional reading on landlord and tenant responsibilities: Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and for safety details see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
