We share a driveway with our neighbour in Centretown — who pays for repairs and how do we handle the agreement?

Shared driveway repairs require a clear written agreement between both property owners, and costs are typically split 50/50 unless your property deeds specify otherwise. Without a formal agreement, disputes over maintenance, snow removal, and major repairs are common and can damage neighbour relationships.

Check Your Property Deeds First
Start by reviewing both property deeds and any existing easement agreements registered on title. Some shared driveways in Centretown's older housing stock have formal easements that specify maintenance responsibilities, cost-sharing arrangements, and usage rights. If your properties were subdivided from a larger lot decades ago, there may be a registered shared driveway easement that outlines each owner's obligations. Contact a real estate lawyer if the deed language is unclear — this upfront cost prevents expensive disputes later.

Draft a Shared Driveway Agreement
If no formal agreement exists, create one immediately. A written shared driveway agreement should cover: cost-sharing for routine maintenance (sealcoating, crack filling, snow removal), major repairs (resurfacing, base repair, full replacement), decision-making process for when work is needed, contractor selection and approval process, and what happens if one owner wants upgrades the other doesn't. Most agreements split costs 50/50, but you might adjust based on usage patterns — if one household has multiple vehicles and the other has one car, a 60/40 split might be fairer.

Centretown-Specific Considerations
Centretown's heritage character area has restrictions on driveway materials and alterations that affect both properties. Any major driveway work may require City of Ottawa heritage approval, and both property owners must agree to the proposed materials nd design. Many Centretown shared driveways are narrow asphalt strips from the 1960s-1980s that are approaching replacement age. The confined urban lots mean limited space for contractors and equipment, potentially increasing costs 10-15% compared to suburban driveways.

Handling Current Repairs
For immediate repairs like crack filling or sealcoating, the property owner who initiates the work typically pays upfront and invoices the neighbour for their share within 30 days. For major work like resurfacing or replacement, both owners should obtain quotes together, agree on the contractor, and either split payment directly to the contractor or have one owner pay and get reimbursed. Document everything — keep receipts, photos of damage, and written communication about agreed-upon work.

When Professional Help Is Needed
If your neighbour refuses to contribute to necessary repairs, consult a real estate lawyer familiar with property easements. In Ontario, both property owners benefiting from a shared driveway have legal obligations to maintain it, but enforcement requires proper documentation. For major structural issues like base failure or drainage problems affecting both properties, hire a professional paving contractor to assess the situation and provide a written report — this creates objective documentation of necessary work and prevents disputes over whether repairs are truly needed.

Practical Tips for Success
Schedule an annual spring inspection together to identify needed maintenance before problems worsen. Get three quotes for any work over $1,000 and agree on the contractor together. Consider setting up a joint account where both owners contribute monthly for future maintenance — this prevents the awkward conversation when expensive repairs arise. Keep detailed records of all shared expenses and agreements.

Need help finding a driveway contractor who can work with shared driveway situations? Ottawa Driveways can match you with experienced professionals familiar with Centretown's heritage requirements and confined urban lots.