Snow & Ice Removal: Yukon Landlord Safety Obligations

Winter in Yukon brings heavy snow and icy conditions that affect renters' safety and access. If you rent in Yukon, it's important to know what landlords must do to clear snow and ice, and what steps you can take to stay safe and document hazards. This guide explains landlord duties under Yukon tenancy rules, how to notify your landlord about dangerous walkways, when emergency repairs may be necessary, and which forms and offices can help if problems aren't fixed. By following simple documentation and notification steps tenants protect their safety and legal rights while keeping communication clear and reasonable. Read on for practical steps.

What Yukon law requires

Yukon tenancy law requires landlords to provide and maintain premises in a reasonable state of repair and fit for habitation. That duty generally includes keeping common walkways, stairs and entrances reasonably safe from hazards caused by snow and ice. If you need to reference the official office that handles tenancy complaints, contact the Residential Tenancies Office ^[1]. For details on the legislation that sets out these duties, see the Yukon residential landlord and tenant legislation ^[2].

Who is usually responsible?

Responsibility can depend on the lease and whether the area is private (a tenant's designated entry) or shared (common stairs, sidewalks, parking lots). Many leases state who handles snow removal; if the lease is silent, landlords typically remain responsible for common areas. Tenants should still clear assigned private entrances if the lease specifies that duty. For a clear summary of typical duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Practical steps tenants should take

• Take dated photos and short video of the icy area and note the time and location.
• Notify your landlord in writing (email or text is fine) and describe the hazard, attaching photos.
• Give a reasonable deadline for action in your message (for example, request clearing within 24–48 hours).
• If your landlord agrees to arrange clearing, ask for confirmation of timing and follow up if work is not done.
• If the landlord does not act and the hazard is serious, report the situation to the Residential Tenancies Office or the appropriate territorial authority.

Liability, emergency repairs and forms

If an icy hazard causes injury, liability depends on facts such as notice, whether the landlord failed to act, and any lease terms assigning responsibility. Tenants can request emergency repairs where safety is at risk and may use official forms available from the Yukon government to file complaints or applications ^[3]. For guidance on tenant safety obligations and when to ask for repairs, review common safety issues affecting renters, including slip hazards and winter maintenance, at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

FAQ

Who clears snow and ice on shared walkways?

Landlords are usually responsible for keeping common areas safe; check your lease and notify your landlord in writing if you see a hazard.

What if my landlord ignores my written request to clear ice?

Document your communications and photos, then contact the Residential Tenancies Office to find out how to file a complaint or request a decision.

Can I clear snow myself and deduct the cost from rent?

Tenants should not deduct costs without a written agreement or a tribunal order; seek guidance from the Residential Tenancies Office before making deductions.

How-To

1. Within 24 hours, photograph and log the hazard with date, time and location.
2. Send a written notice to your landlord describing the hazard and attaching your photos; request action within a clear timeframe.
3. If the landlord arranges repairs, confirm the expected timing and keep records of any work done.
4. If no reasonable action is taken, apply to the Residential Tenancies Office or the tribunal for a remedy and include your documentation.

Key Takeaways

• Always document icy hazards with photos and time-stamped notes.
• Act quickly: send written notices and set reasonable deadlines for fixes.
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Office for help if the landlord does not respond.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Office - Yukon Government
• Residential Landlord and Tenant Act - Yukon Government
• Residential tenancies forms - Yukon Government

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Office - Yukon Government
2. [2] Residential Landlord and Tenant Act - Yukon Government
3. [3] Residential tenancies forms - Yukon Government

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