It's a chore and no one really enjoys shovelling snow, but here in Okotoks it's something that must be done, especially this winter.

The recent dumps of snow have some residents grumbling that their neighbours, rental properties in particular, aren't shovelling or clearing their walk ways making them unsafe for use.

Some tenants believe it is their landlord's responsibility to ensure that all walkways and emergency exits are safe and cleared of snow, and in most cases they're right.

Jamie Tiessen, local landlord and property manager, says snow removal is considered general maintenance.

"So snow removal is commonly a landlord's responsibility as it's considered common maintenance under the residential tenancies act." Tiessen adds "It should be identified as who's doing what tasks in the lease agreement."

With how often it's been snowing though it's nearly impossible for landlords to be constantly shovelling their tenants sidewalks. Tiessen says having a maintenance agreement in writing can protect the landlord but tenants should also work together with landlords to protect both parties.

"Well we would hope that in society, people would use a general reasonableness and work together to ensure that everyone can be safe, whether that be on the sidewalks or in any common property."

Tiessen adds that checking on your property often can be a solution, saying most problems happen where there are absent landlords.  Other safeguards include ensuring your tenants have proper rental insurance and creating positive landlord/tenant relationships.

"Create good relationships with your tenants so that they're happy to cooperate with you, they're happy to help out when you can't be there and then you can step your game to help them out during the appropriate times as well."

Tenants can still be liable if someone was to slip and fall on the walkway though, especially if snow removal is written in their lease agreement.

Some things that landlords should ensure are being completed are snow removal on sidewalks, ensuring window wells in basement suites are shovelled out and accessible, and checking the home's vents are not covered with snow or ice as that can lead to carbon monoxide build up in the building.

It is within the tenant's responsibility to ensure that these items and other safety items are monitored and reported right away if there are any problems.

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