In Ontario, the landlord is responsible for snow removal unless responsibility for the task has been legally transferred to the tenant.
When winter rolls around and the snow begins to fall, disputes surrounding who’s responsible for snow removal tend to arise between landlords and tenants. Though a landlord may wish to have a tenant take on the task of snow removal, in most instances the responsibility of snow removal falls on landlords. In this post, explore common questions regarding snow removal at rental properties and help you ensure your property is adequately maintained in the winter months.
Looking for reliable snow removal services for your rental property? Contact us today for a quote. We look forward to helping you stay on top of snow removal and other property maintenance tasks.
How a Snow Removal Company Can Help Landlords in Ontario
In Ontario, snow removal is the landlord’s responsibility unless the task has been legally transferred to the tenant. If your rental property is not easy for you to access or you have too many properties to clear on your own, hiring a professional snow removal company is likely your best option.
A snow removal company can ensure that snow is removed from sidewalks and driveways promptly and can also help with managing ice. It may be a good idea to include the cost of snow removal in your expenses when leasing your property. A reliable snow removal company can provide you with a clear quote that helps you manage the costs associated with being a landlord.
Can I Ask a Tenant to Clear Snow?
Though landlords are responsible for snow removal, there are instances where the task can be transferred to a tenant. For snow removal to become the tenant’s responsibility, it must be agreed to outside of their lease. Some landlords may choose to pay the tenant directly or offer a rent reduction in exchange for taking on snow removal tasks. It may be best to consult with a lawyer for a deeper understanding of your obligations and rights as a landlord.
Can I Claim Snow Removal on Taxes as a Landlord?
Yes, in most cases, a landlord can claim snow removal on their taxes in relation to income from rental properties. It is always a good idea to speak with a tax professional before filing taxes to verify your claims. Our post, Are Snow Removal Services Tax Deductible, provides further insight into when snow removal services qualify for tax deductions.
When Should I Book Snow Removal Services?
If you’re looking to hire a snow removal company to clear snow at your rental property this winter, we can help. Let us provide you with a quote for snow removal and learn more about how we can ease the burden of property maintenance tasks year-round. Beyond snow removal, we can help landlords with seasonal cleanup, grass mowing, and landscaping services to ensure you stay on top of required tasks.
Aaron grew up in Bowmanville, working along side his dad for as long as he can remember. Aaron went to school to get his small engine repairs certificate to help keep all the machines running well. Aaron is very knowledgeable with all lawn care needs. He took and passed the pesticide license course so he could better help his customers. Aaron always makes sure to determine what your lawn needs and can give recommendations on how to make it better.
Mr. Trim has many awards from, three best rated, This Week Readers Choice, Durham Region Readers Choice and more. Both owners Lisa & Aaron have their pesticide licences. Their biggest accomplishment of all is having loyal customers that trust them year after year for all their lawn, garden and snow clearing needs.