Canadian winter — when the city turns into a postcard, and a shovel becomes a symbol of survival. But with all that snowy beauty comes an age-old question: who’s responsible for clearing it — the landlord or the tenant?
Let’s break down how snow removal responsibility works across Canada and take a closer look at Alberta, especially Calgary, where snow removal Calgary residential becomes a hot topic every winter.
1. General Rules Across Canada
Throughout most provinces, the principle is the same:
The landlord must ensure the rental property — including surrounding areas — is safe and well-maintained.
This is outlined in each province’s Residential Tenancies Act.
According to these laws:
- The property owner is responsible for keeping common areas like sidewalks, stairs, parking lots, and entryways safe.
- The tenant must keep their private living space clean but doesn’t have to clear shared areas unless it’s clearly stated in the lease.
- If someone gets injured because of uncleared snow or ice, the owner is usually held legally liable.
However, landlords and tenants can make their own agreements. For instance, if a tenant rents an entire house with exclusive use of the yard and driveway, snow removal duties can be assigned to them — as long as the lease clearly spells it out.
2. When the Tenant Is Responsible
If you’re renting an entire detached house, snow removal usually falls on your shoulders.
It makes sense — you use the yard, driveway, and walkway, so you’re expected to clear them.
Many leases include a line like:
“Tenant is responsible for snow removal and lawn maintenance.”
Sometimes landlords even offer a rent discount if you take care of the property upkeep.
That’s perfectly legal, provided that the responsibilities and boundaries are clearly defined.
3. Alberta and Calgary Example
In Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) states that the landlord must maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition. However, they can assign certain duties, like snow removal, to the tenant if it’s written in the lease.
Municipal by-laws also apply.
In Calgary, the rule is clear:
Property owners must clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
If they don’t, fines range from $100 to $500, and if the city removes the snow instead, the bill goes straight to the owner.
Here’s the key point: even if the tenant is contractually responsible for snow removal, the city still fines the property owner, since they’re legally accountable under municipal law.
4. Apartment and Condo Buildings
If you rent an apartment or condo, there’s no debate about who clears the snow — you just enjoy clean sidewalks without ever touching a shovel.
In these buildings, property management or the condo corporation handles all snow removal.
Their responsibilities include:
- Clearing entrances, sidewalks, and parking areas
- Removing snow from rooftops and fire exits
- Spreading sand or salt on walkways
And that makes sense — no one expects thirty tenants to step outside with shovels for a community snow-clearing event. That would look more like a new winter challenge — “The Shovel Challenge!”
Snow removal costs are usually covered by condo fees, so tenants simply enjoy the benefits.
5. Why It’s Crucial to Clarify the Lease
Most disputes between landlords and tenants happen because of vague language.
For example, if the lease says “the tenant is responsible for the area around the home” — that’s too ambiguous.
You should specify:
- Which exact areas (yard, driveway, sidewalk, etc.)
- Who buys salt and shovels
- What happens during continuous snowfall
Lawyers even recommend detailing cleaning frequency and penalties for non-compliance.
Clear terms protect both parties from conflicts and municipal fines.
6. Practical Tips
For landlords:
- Clearly define snow removal duties in the lease.
- Offer a discount or reimbursement if tenants handle it.
- Track municipal deadlines — especially in cities like Calgary.
- For condos, ensure the property manager handles snow removal Calgary residential efficiently.
For tenants:
- Confirm who’s responsible before signing the lease.
- Take photos if the area is unsafe (ice, unshoveled walkways).
- Remind the landlord when needed — the fine will hit them anyway.
7. Summary: Who Does What
| Property Type | Who Clears the Snow | Who’s Legally Liable |
| Apartment / Condo | Property management | Building owner or condo corporation |
| Detached House | Usually the tenant (if stated in lease) | Property owner |
| Townhouse / Duplex | Depends on the lease | Property owner |
| Commercial Lease | Case-by-case agreement | Owner or tenant, per contract |
Conclusion
In Canada, snow removal isn’t just about comfort — it’s part of the legal responsibility for safety.
In short:
- Landlords must ensure compliance with safety and municipal standards.
- Tenants can take on snow removal duties if the lease says so.
- Condo residents are off the hook — the management takes care of it.
So when the next snowfall hits, remember: it’s not just about clearing the path — it’s about knowing who’s legally required to do it.
And may your winter worries never turn into legal snowdrifts!
