With Canadian winter in full swing, knowing your responsibilities as landlord, are responsible for snow removal in Ontario is essential to enjoy the season safely and comfortably. One of the significant struggles almost every resident faces is keeping their property clear of snow and ice. This is because Canada is a snowy country that gets over 144″ of snow every year, whereas January and February are the coldest months of the year. When the weather and snow are the biggest challenge, removing snow from your property is essential to keep your property clear and safe. For this, municipal by-laws have enacted regulations to ensure every property owner, including landlords, removes snow from their properties within a specific timeframe. Let’s learn in detail about Landlords Responsible for Snow Removal in Ontario.  General Legal Overview of Snow Removal in Ontario In Ontario, Snow removal laws can be challenging to navigate. According to the law, property owners, including landlords, are required to remove snow from the property within 12- 24 hours of any snowfall, rain, or hail event. The areas include driveways, landings, parking spaces, and entrances. This obligation is essential to ensure the safety of both residents and the public. While many may think that it is only the landlord’s responsibility to clear snow from the property, the city offers snow removal services as well. Toronto has invested in many municipalities that take care of most residential areas by removing snow from sidewalks under the Occupiers’ Liability Act and Municipal Act. The primary purpose of offering these services is to ensure a safe and accessible property for everyone.  However, municipal by-laws in cities like Toronto require property owners and landlords to clear their sidewalks and areas adjacent to their properties where the city does not offer snow removal services. The landlords must comply with these laws in order to avoid any hefty fines and penalties.  In some cases, the landlord and tenant may share the responsibility of clearing snow off their property. According to the Residential Tenancies Act, the landlord has to get rid of snow from common areas, particularly in residential buildings. However, the responsibility may vary depending on the lease agreement signed between landlord and tenant. Overall, in Ontario, landlords are legally required to remove snow from their properties, and tenants are required to monitor snow accumulation so that it can be removed on time and stay in compliance with the laws. The purpose of these laws is to keep entryways, driveways, sidewalks, and parking spaces clear, safe, and accessible. Plus, with clear pathways, emergency responders will be able to reach properties without the risk of any accidents due to slippery roads. Landlord Responsibilities To better understand the landlord’s responsibility for snow removal in Ontario, here are the primary responsibilities: Proper Snow Disposal Methods For Landlords In Ontario, landlords are also responsible for handling snow disposal property by keeping both legal and environmental factors in view. So, after getting rid of snow from the property, landlords must adhere to municipal guidelines that clearly state not to dump collected snow on public roads and sidewalks. This is because the snow on the streets and sidewalks creates hazardous conditions for pedestrians, vehicles, or anyone using the road.  Generally, the snow is collected and disposed of on the property itself, away from driveways, entryways, and walkways. After collecting it in one place away from traffic, make sure it melts and is disposed of in drains and gutters. To ensure efficient drainage, make sure to clean the gutters properly before the first snowfall.  Best Practices For Landlords And Tenants To avoid potential disputes, clearly define who is responsible for clearing snow and ice from the property. Here are a few practices both landlords and tenants should follow: Suggestions For Clear Snow Removal Agreements in Lease Contracts Best Practices for Landlords to Ensure Efficient Snow Removal  Best Practices For Tenants to Approach Issues Related to Snow Removal Conclusion Taking care of the property while adhering to local laws and regulations can be challenging. However, a proper understanding of the law and knowing what your responsibilities are as a landlord will help you prevent accidents and any legal penalties. From clearing snow off the property and disposing of it, property owners are legally required to comply with the regulations that are put in place to enusre safe, well-maintained, and accessible property for everyone.  However, if tenants are seniors or need help carrying out regular snow-cleaning jobs, it is recommended that they hire professional snow-removal services. Services like Custodia are very well-versed in local regulations by the city and offer home improvement and property maintenance services as per law.