Is the Tenant Responsible for Raking the Leaves?

When you live in an apartment, there are so many things that you need to worry about in and outside of the place. The apartment is not yours, so you know it’s your duty to keep it clean and maintain it as much as you can.

You want to be the best tenant and never have any problems with the landlord, but some issues still occur from time to time. Most of the time, these problems happen due to a lack of knowledge on the part of the tenant or landlord, or maybe both.

The same thing can be said about simple chores like raking the leaves. If you’re here, then you're probably not aware of whose responsibility this is. That’s precisely why we wanted to help you out by explaining who is responsible for raking the leaves in Ontario and British Columbia, as well as the rest of Canada. Let's take a look:

Is the Tenant Responsible for Raking the Leaves in Ontario?

Winter is coming, and there are so many things that need to be done in the way of making sure you’re safe and warm inside. Raking the leaves outside of the building is probably the last thing you want to do. But do you have to do it?

If you live in Ontario – you don't. Ontario is the most tenant-friendly province of Canada, and the landlord does almost every chore that has to be done if it involves the common areas. 

However, there's more to it than that. If you rent a whole building (a house, a duplex, or similar), then what's usually considered the common area is used exclusively by you. When you or your family are the only ones who use it, then the law requires the tenant to rake the leaves, remove the snow, and all similar chores in the way of maintenance.

Additionally, if the tenant lives in a multi-tenant building, the landlord can change these rules and put the responsibility on the tenant’s shoulders. As long as they prepare a separate agreement that is signed by both parties, the rules are changed, and raking the leaves is now your responsibility.

Is the Tenant Responsible for Raking the Leaves in British Columbia?

The same rules apply in British Columbia and all other provinces and territories of Canada. Unless the lease or other agreement states otherwise, the landlord is always responsible for all maintenance of a multi-residential unit. It's only the tenant's duty when they exclusively use the area in question.

In general, most of these things won't be a problem for you as long as you and your landlord have a kind and respectful relationship. Most landlords in Canada are good and won't try to abuse their power. However, if they do, it's best to avoid confrontation and to try and resolve the situation peacefully. When all of that fails, you should contact the proper authorities and let them handle the situation according to the law.