Snow, Ice & Winter Maintenance: Yukon Landlord Duties

Winter brings snow, ice and extra chores for anyone renting in Yukon. As a tenant, you have the right to a safe, habitable home, and landlords must manage winter hazards so walkways, entrances, parking areas and building systems remain safe and usable. This guide explains common landlord responsibilities in Yukon, what tenants should document, how to notify a landlord, when to use official forms, and practical steps for reporting persistent hazards to the Residential Tenancies office so you can protect your health and safety while keeping a clear record.

Who is responsible for snow and ice in Yukon?

Landlord and tenancy rules in Yukon generally require the party who controls common areas and building systems to keep them safe. For many units this means landlords must arrange timely clearing of snow and ice from sidewalks, entrances, stairs and shared parking, and ensure heating and plumbing remain functional. For details on general rights and duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and the territory-specific summary at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.^[1]

Typical landlord duties for snow, ice and winter maintenance

• Clear and salt main walkways and building entrances within a reasonable time after a storm.
• Keep stairways, ramps and handrails in safe repair and free of ice buildup.
• Maintain heating systems so units reach required temperatures and prevent frozen pipes.
• Repair roof leaks and address ice dams that could cause water ingress or unsafe icicles.
• Manage snow removal in shared parking lots or driveways where the landlord’s lease or property control requires it.

What tenants should do

Tenants play an important role in keeping a record and giving landlords the chance to fix hazards. Take photos or short videos of icy areas, note dates and times, and keep copies of any messages you send. When you notify the landlord, use written channels (email or text) so there is a record of the request and the date it was made.

• Document the hazard with photos, video and a short log of when and where you observed it.
• Notify the landlord in writing and state the issue clearly, including your contact details and a request for a timely fix.
• Take reasonable steps to keep yourself safe (use alternative entrances, avoid icy areas, salt a small private walkway if permitted and safe).
• Keep records of responses, repair timelines and any out-of-pocket expenses related to emergency measures.

When to use official forms and the Residential Tenancies office

If the landlord does not respond or the response is inadequate, Yukon has legislation and a Residential Tenancies office that handles disputes and orders. Key documents include the territory's rental legislation and any official complaint or application forms provided by the Residential Tenancies office. Use the official application forms to request an order if a landlord fails to address serious safety or habitability issues.^[2]

Common official actions and forms (name and number when available):

• Notice to Repair (formal written notice): used when you ask a landlord to fix a specific hazard and give a reasonable time to act; save a copy and proof of delivery.
• Application for Order (tenancy complaint form): used to ask the Residential Tenancies office to make an order when informal requests have not produced action; include photos, logs and copies of written notices.

If a winter hazard is urgent or dangerous

For immediate dangers (heavy icicles, collapse risk, exposed wiring, major leaks or heating failures), prioritize safety: leave the area if needed, contact emergency services if there is imminent risk, and call your landlord right away. After immediate safety is addressed, follow up in writing and keep records for any tribunal application.^[3]

FAQ

Who must clear snow from the sidewalk in front of my rental building?

Typically the party responsible for the sidewalk is whoever controls the property or the curbside area under the lease or municipal bylaw; many Yukon landlords arrange sidewalk clearing for safety and compliance.

How long does a landlord have to fix icy walkways?

Landlords must act within a reasonable time based on the severity of the hazard and local weather conditions; if a request is not acted on promptly, document the delay and consider filing an application with the Residential Tenancies office.

Can I withhold rent if my unit is unsafe because of snow or heating failure?

Withholding rent is risky and rarely recommended without legal advice or a tribunal order; contact the Residential Tenancies office or seek tenant advice before withholding rent.

How-To

1. Document the hazard: take photos or video, note dates, times and exact locations.
2. Notify the landlord in writing: include the problem, how it affects safety, and request a reasonable repair timeframe.
3. If the hazard is urgent, call emergency services and the landlord immediately, then follow up in writing.
4. If the landlord does not resolve the issue, file an application with the Residential Tenancies office using the official complaint form and include your evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies - Government of Yukon
• Residential Tenancies Office - Government of Yukon
• Winter safety guidance - Government of Yukon

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

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