Saskatchewan Tenants: Snow Removal & Lawn Care Responsibilities Explained

Understanding who is responsible for snow removal and lawn care is crucial when renting in Saskatchewan. Not only does this ensure the safety and comfort of everyone at the property, but it can also affect your tenancy, deposits, and even the possibility of fines. This guide outlines what Saskatchewan tenants need to know about exterior property maintenance.

Responsibility for Snow Removal and Lawn Care in Saskatchewan Rentals

In Saskatchewan, residential tenancy rules about maintenance—including snow shoveling, lawn mowing, and yard upkeep—are governed by provincial law, specifically the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006¹. The official body for dispute resolution is the Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).²

Who is responsible for outdoor maintenance can vary by agreement, but default legal rules apply if your lease does not specify duties. Here's what tenants should know:

• Landlords are generally responsible for ensuring the property meets safety and bylaw standards.
• Tenants may be assigned responsibility for routine yard care or snow removal if the lease agreement clearly says so.
• If the lease is silent, landlords typically must handle these tasks.

What Kind of Maintenance Is Included?

• Snow removal: Clearing sidewalks, driveways, and steps to meet municipal bylaw requirements.
• Lawn care: Mowing, watering, and basic gardening (like weeding or leaf removal).

If city bylaws require prompt snow removal (often within 24 hours after snowfall), both landlords and tenants can be fined if responsibilities are not met.

What Should My Lease Say About Exterior Maintenance?

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 allows landlords and tenants to agree who will do specific exterior chores. Best practice is to have detailed, written clauses within your lease. For example:

• "The tenant will be responsible for keeping the yard mowed and watered. Landlord will provide a lawnmower."
• "Landlord is responsible for all snow and ice removal from walks and driveways."

For a detailed look at what to review and expect after signing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

What If My Lease Is Not Clear?

If your rental agreement does not explicitly mention snow removal or lawn care duties, Saskatchewan law generally places these responsibilities on the landlord. However, tenants are expected to maintain reasonable cleanliness and avoid causing damage to the yard or exterior areas.

Safety, Standards, and Bylaw Requirements

Municipal bylaws in Saskatchewan cities (e.g., Saskatoon and Regina) often require prompt snow and ice removal from sidewalks. Failing to comply could result in fines—even if you're a tenant. Lawn overgrowth or unkempt yards may also lead to municipal notices.

These standards are meant to protect health and safety. For more on how such issues impact your tenancy, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you receive a bylaw notice or have a dispute with your landlord about maintenance responsibilities, you can contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for guidance or mediation.

Official Forms: Addressing Snow or Lawn Care Disputes

If you and your landlord disagree about maintenance duties, ORT provides forms to help resolve disputes. Common scenarios:

• Tenant's Application for Hearing (Form 5): Use this form if you need a ruling about lease interpretation or to resolve who is responsible for snow or yard care. For example, if your landlord insists chores are yours but the lease is silent, submit this form to request a decision.
  Download Form 5 (Tenant's Application for Hearing)
• Landlord’s Application for Hearing (Form 6): If a landlord believes a tenant failed their agreed duties and seeks compensation or an order, this is the correct form.
  Download Form 6 (Landlord's Application for Hearing)

To submit these forms:

• Download and fill out the appropriate form
• Include documents, such as your lease and relevant photos
• Submit to the ORT by mail, email, or in person. Review submission instructions here.

Landlord and Tenant: Shared Duties and Best Practices

• Document any agreements or change in responsibility in writing.
• Promptly communicate if you are unable to fulfill your share due to illness or absence.
• Check with your municipality for local snow and yard regulations.

For a full comparison of rights and responsibilities, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

If you’re seeking new rental accommodations where outdoor maintenance is not your duty, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—the all-in-one site for easy and efficient rental searches.

FAQ: Snow Removal and Lawn Care in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Can my landlord make me do snow removal if it isn’t in my lease?
   No. Unless your lease clearly states you are responsible, Saskatchewan law assumes the landlord will handle snow removal.
2. What should I do if I receive a city fine for not shoveling snow?
   Contact your landlord right away and review your lease. If you aren't responsible, provide documentation to the city and landlord. If needed, apply to the ORT for a ruling.
3. Can my landlord deduct from my deposit for lawn maintenance issues?
   Only if you agreed in writing to maintain the yard and failed to do so, and after following legal processes. Disputes can be resolved through the ORT.
4. What if I want to take on these chores for a rent reduction?
   Negotiate with your landlord and get any arrangement clearly documented in your lease before proceeding.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Review your lease to confirm if you’re responsible for snow or lawn care. If unclear, ask your landlord and seek written clarification.
• Landlords are generally responsible unless your lease states otherwise.
• If a dispute arises, use official ORT forms to resolve it and protect your rights.

Clear agreements and open communication are the best ways to avoid misunderstandings about exterior maintenance when renting in Saskatchewan.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Information, applications, and dispute resolution.
• City of Saskatoon – Snow & Ice Bylaws
• City of Regina – Property Maintenance Bylaws
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

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1. "Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)" – View Legislation
2. "Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), Saskatchewan" – Learn More

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