Tenant Guide: What To Do During Heavy Snowfall.

Shelterly Snow Advisory

Shelterly Snow Advisory

A major winter storm is moving through Toronto, bringing heavy snowfall, reduced visibility, and slower municipal clearing. To keep yourself safe and avoid property damage, please follow the steps below based on your home type.

Condos
Houses
Snow covers a Toronto condo entrance with icy walkways, reminding tenants to stay cautious, report hazards, follow building guidelines, and use Shelterly’s winter advisory steps to remain safe during heavy snowfall.

For Condo Tenants

Explore our range of services designed to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you're headed next.

A snow-filled house walkway illustrates important winter safety tasks for tenants, including clearing paths, preventing slips, checking heating systems, and following Shelterly’s snowfall guidance to protect themselves and their homes.

2. Report Any Unsafe Conditions

If you notice the following, notify building management or submit a maintenance ticket immediately:

  • Icy entrances or walkways

  • Blocked pathways

  • Snow preventing doors from closing properly

  • Garage doors not opening/closing

  • Water leaking into the unit or near balcony doors

Nighttime city street with snow falling, tram moving along tracks, and tall buildings on either side.

5. Be Careful in Parking Garages

Snow and ice may drip from cars, causing slippery patches. Drive slowly and cautiously.

6. Expect Delays in Building Services

This includes:

  • Concierge response times

  • Package delivery

  • Snow clearing team

  • This is normal during heavy snowfall.

1. Stay Inside When Possible

Building entrances, pathways, and parking lots may be slippery until cleared.

A snowy city street with pedestrians walking, some carrying umbrellas, and a church with stained glass windows and brick architecture in the background.

3. Avoid Overloading Balconies

Do NOT shovel snow off balconies (unsafe + against most condo rules).
Instead:

  • Leave snow in place.

  • If accumulation is excessive and causing drainage issues, report it to management.

4. Keep Heat On (Min. 20°C)

Cold snaps can freeze pipes, especially in end units or units with exterior walls.
Do NOT turn heat off, even if you leave for a short period.

A person standing outside near a large, illuminated Christmas tree, looking at a mobile phone on a winter evening.

For House Tenants

Explore our range of services designed to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you're headed next.

Snowy city street scene viewed from inside a bus, showing vehicles including a bus, a car, and buildings, with snow falling heavily.

2. Prevent Frozen Pipes

The risk is high during winter event and where temperatures quickly drop..

Please ensure:

  • Temperature stays at least 20°C

  • Cabinet doors under sinks are open for airflow (kitchens/bathrooms on exterior walls)

  • Let a small trickle of water run if temperatures drop below –10°C. Ensure that you close the tap when it is safe to do so..

City street scene with tall modern glass skyscrapers, people walking on the sidewalk, some trees, and a bus on the right, with a clear blue sky overhead.

5. Be Careful with Space Heaters

If used:

  • Keep 3 feet from fabric

  • Never leave unattended

  • Do not plug into extension cords

6. Expect Delays in Building Services

This includes:

  • Concierge response times

  • Package delivery

  • Snow clearing teams

    This is normal during heavy snowfall.

Nighttime scene at an outdoor ice skating rink decorated with Christmas lights and a large, illuminated Christmas tree. A person in winter clothing and a red hat stands near the tree, looking at their phone, with city buildings and a tower lit in colorful lights visible in the background.

1. Clear Snow and Ice Safely

Under most residential lease terms in Ontario, tenants are responsible for snow clearing unless otherwise stated.
Please:

  • Clear walkways, steps, and driveways

  • Add salt or ice melt

  • Avoid letting snow pile against the house foundation

A city skyline at sunset with the CN Tower prominent on the left, featuring high-rise buildings and a waterfront with snow and a wooden fence in the foreground.

3. Check Furnace and Vents

Snow can block outdoor furnace/HRV vents.
If blocked, the furnace can shut down.
Please:

  • Locate exterior vents

  • Clear snow from around them (keep a 1–2 ft radius open)

Nighttime photo of a modern, angular building with a geometric design next to an older, traditional brick building. A street sign indicates Queens Blvd, with passing car lights creating light trails on the street.

4. Keep Roof & Gutters in Mind

Do NOT climb on the roof or attempt dangerous clearing.
Notify us if you see:

  • Ice dams

  • Water leaking inside

  • Heavy overhangs forming at the roof edge

Thinking about moving? Don’t forget to provide at least 60-days notice.

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