Owning a rental property comes with more responsibilities than collecting rent and responding to maintenance requests.

One recent Canadian court case serves as a reminder that routine property maintenance is also about protecting tenant safety—and reducing legal liability.

A landlord in Saskatchewan was ordered to pay more than $50,000 after losing an appeal in a lawsuit involving a tenant who slipped and fell on icy exterior steps. The courts found that the landlord had failed to meet their duty to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition.

While this case occurred outside Ontario, the lessons are relevant for landlords across Canada.

What Happened?

According to court decisions and news reports, the tenant suffered injuries after slipping on icy steps outside the rental property.

The case ultimately centred on whether the landlord had taken reasonable steps to keep the entrance safe during winter conditions.

The landlord appealed the original decision, but the appeal was dismissed, leaving the compensation award of more than $50,000 in place.

Although every case depends on its specific facts, the outcome highlights an important principle:

Landlords have an ongoing responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions at their rental properties.

Property Maintenance Is About Safety—Not Just Appearance

Many landlords think about maintenance only when something breaks.

However, proper property management also includes identifying hazards before they cause injuries.

Examples include:

• Snow and ice removal
• Loose handrails
• Uneven walkways
• Broken exterior lighting
• Damaged stairs
• Cracked sidewalks

Small maintenance issues can become serious safety hazards if they are ignored.

Winter Maintenance Requires Extra Attention

Canadian winters create additional risks for rental properties.

Snow accumulation, freezing rain, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can quickly make entrances, walkways, and staircases dangerous.

Regular winter inspections help reduce these risks.

Landlords should ensure that outdoor areas are monitored and addressed promptly when weather conditions create safety concerns.

Documentation Can Make a Difference

One lesson from many liability cases is that documentation matters.

If maintenance is completed, landlords should keep records such as:

• Maintenance schedules
• Snow removal logs
• Contractor invoices
• Inspection reports
• Photos before and after repairs
• Communication with tenants regarding reported hazards

Good documentation helps demonstrate that reasonable steps were taken to maintain the property.

Prevention Is Usually Less Expensive Than Litigation

Many maintenance issues cost relatively little to fix.

A loose handrail, damaged step, or icy walkway may only require routine maintenance.

However, if someone is injured, the financial consequences can become much more significant.

Beyond compensation, landlords may also face:

• Legal fees
• Insurance claims
• Increased insurance premiums
• Time spent dealing with litigation
• Stress and reputational damage

Preventive maintenance is often one of the best investments a landlord can make.

Regular Property Inspections Help Identify Risks Early

Routine inspections are one of the most effective ways to reduce liability.

During inspections, landlords or property managers can identify issues before they become emergencies.

This includes checking:

• Exterior stairs
• Railings
• Walkways
• Driveways
• Lighting
• Entryways
• Drainage
• Seasonal hazards

Addressing small problems early often prevents much larger issues later.

Professional Property Management Helps Reduce Risk

Many landlords simply do not have the time to regularly inspect their rental properties—especially if they own multiple properties or live outside the city.

Professional property management helps by providing:

• Scheduled property inspections
• Maintenance coordination
• Contractor management
• Documentation and record keeping
• Tenant communication
• Preventive maintenance planning
• Faster response to safety concerns

A proactive management approach helps reduce both maintenance issues and potential legal exposure.

Why More Landlords Choose Topromanage

At Topromanage, we believe property management is about more than collecting rent.

Our team helps landlords protect their investments through proactive maintenance and professional management.

Our services include:

• Routine property inspections
• Maintenance coordination
• Contractor scheduling
• Documentation management
• Tenant communication
• Property condition monitoring
• Preventive maintenance planning

By identifying issues early and keeping accurate maintenance records, we help landlords reduce risk while protecting the long-term value of their rental properties.

Final Thoughts

The recent Saskatchewan case is a reminder that maintaining a rental property is about much more than preserving its appearance.

It is about protecting tenants, reducing liability, and fulfilling a landlord’s ongoing responsibilities.

While every situation is unique, one message is clear:

Small maintenance issues should never be ignored.

Routine inspections, timely repairs, proper documentation, and proactive property management all play an important role in reducing risk and protecting both tenants and property owners.

For landlords, staying ahead of maintenance is almost always easier—and far less expensive—than dealing with the consequences after an accident occurs.

Source: Leaderpost

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