In a province with an average snowfall of 146″ per year, snow removal is a serious matter to avoid issues like snow blocking doors and windows. Clearing sidewalks, driveways, and other outdoor areas isn’t just about convenience; it’s a matter of safety and legal compliance. Municipal bylaws across Alberta require timely snow removal to prevent accidents and fines, but who is responsible when the property is a rental?
This blog will outline the ins and outs of snow removal for rental properties. So, whether you’re a landlord drafting a lease agreement or a tenant understanding your obligations, knowing the snow removal legal framework and the best practices can save you from confusion and potential disputes this winter.
Alberta Snow Removal Legal and Municipal Requirements
Most cities in Alberta have legal requirements for snow clearing from private properties’ sidewalks within a certain timeframe, usually within 24 to 48 hours after the snowfall. For example, in Calgary, the sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours post-snowfall. If the snow isn’t cleared in time, the neighbours will most likely report the issue to the municipality to get an officer to visit the area. If the snow isn’t cleared by the officer inspection’s time, the property owner will receive a notice to comply with their snow removal obligations, giving them a timeframe to address the problem. If the owner fails to comply with the notice, The City will issue an invoice of $150 from cleaning the sidewalk on the owner’s behalf and a fine of $250 for first-time offenders or up to $750 for repeat offenders.
Under these bylaws, municipalities ultimately hold property owners responsible for keeping their property adjacent sidewalks snow-free, regardless of whether the property is owner-occupied, rented, or vacant. However, the landlord can transfer this responsibility to the tenants, adding explicit clauses in the lease agreement.
Delegating Snow Removal Responsibility to Tenants
Landlords can legally transfer snow removal duties to their tenants. Here’s how to do it to ensure clarity and avoid disputes:
- Detail the Obligations: Clearly specify what areas the tenant will be responsible for, such as the driveway, sidewalks and pathways.
- Monitor Compliance: Periodically check to ensure the tenant is fulfilling their obligation. Remember that you, as the property owner, will be held accountable to the municipality if snow is not cleared.
- Provide Tools: As a nice gesture of joint responsibility, you can commit to providing your tenants with shovels, salt-sand mixture, or access to a snowblower to facilitate the task.
The Third Option: Professional Property Management
If you don’t want to burden yourself or your tenants with snow-clearing responsibilities in the harsh Albertan winter, hiring a property management company is another option to consider. Most of them include this service and can handle the cleaning and compliance on your behalf.
Safer and More Accessible Neighbourhoods During the Winter
Whether you choose to handle snow removal yourself or make it part of your tenant’s responsibilities, the key is clear communication and proactive planning to stay compliant with the law and contribute to preserving safe and accessible routes for everyone in your rental and in the neighbourhood. If you are considering the option of hiring a professional and have a rental within the Calgary area, contact us to get a free quote.
