In Ontario, it is the landlord’s responsibility to remove the snow. The Residential Tenancies Act mandates that landlords uphold health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards and keep their properties in good order. This include keeping snow and ice off of the walkways, driveways, and parking spaces. After a snowfall has stopped, landlords must remove the snow within 24 hours, or they risk fines.
Tenants are in charge of maintaining the rental home’s cleanliness and condition. Vacuuming, sweeping, and wiping down surfaces are a few examples of this. Snow removal and grass maintenance are often not included in the tenant’s obligations. Tenants should first talk with the landlord whether they want to do these duties.
Tenants are not obligated to cut the lawn in Ontario. However, if the lease agreement stipulates that the tenant is in charge of lawn maintenance, they are required to keep the property in that manner. To make sure that everyone is aware of their duties, it is crucial to properly analyze the lease agreement before signing.
You might ask if alleyways are plowed if you move to Chicago. Yes, the city of Chicago does plow lanes. But it is the property owner’s duty to clean any snow or ice from the alley behind their house. This entails removing any trash cans or other barriers that can obstruct the plows.
In summary, landlords are in charge of maintaining the landscape on the property and removing snow from the sidewalks, roads, and parking spaces. Tenants are in charge of maintaining the rental property’s cleanliness and condition, but they normally aren’t liable for snow removal or grass maintenance. It is crucial to properly read the lease agreement to comprehend each party’s obligations.