10 Essential Facts About Rent & Deposits for Saskatchewan Tenants

Being a tenant in Saskatchewan comes with important rights and responsibilities, especially when it comes to rent and deposits. The province's The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1] outlines what landlords and tenants can and cannot do. Whether you're signing a lease, paying your security deposit, or facing a rent increase, understanding Saskatchewan’s rental laws helps you avoid costly misunderstandings.

Important Facts About Rent & Deposits in Saskatchewan

1. Maximum Security Deposit Allowed

Landlords in Saskatchewan can request a security deposit, but there is a legal maximum: it cannot be more than one month’s rent. If you’re paying your deposit in installments, the first half is due when you sign the agreement, and the other half within two months of moving in.

• Never pay more than one month's rent as a deposit
• Ask your landlord for a written receipt

For a deep dive into tenant deposit rights, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

2. What the Security Deposit Covers

Your security deposit is meant to cover things like unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear. It cannot be used for upgrades or regular cleaning, unless cleaning is needed due to neglect.

3. Timelines for Return of Security Deposit

Landlords must return your security deposit within seven business days after you move out, less any allowable deductions. If deductions are taken, you must receive a detailed statement explaining why.

4. Interest on Security Deposits

By law, your landlord must pay you interest on your deposit every year, based on rates set by the province. If you don’t receive interest, you can ask your landlord in writing.

5. Rent Payment Rules and Methods

Rent is due on the date you and your landlord agree on in the lease. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, or electronic transfer as agreed. Always get a rent receipt for every payment you make.

For tips and strategies, check out Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

6. What Happens If You Pay Rent Late?

If you are late with rent, the landlord can give you a 14-day notice to end your tenancy. If you pay the full rent within those 14 days, the notice is cancelled. Consistently late payments may lead to eviction.

7. Acceptable Rent Increases

There is no limit on how much rent can be increased, but your landlord must provide at least 12 months between rent increases and give you three full months’ written notice before the increase can begin.

If you’re facing a rent increase, learn more at Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

8. Importance of the Move-In Inspection Report

A condition inspection report is key to protecting your deposit. You and your landlord should complete this report when you move in and again when you move out, noting the state of the property.

9. Know Your Forms: Essential Paperwork

• Schedule B – Security Deposit Statement: Used by landlords to provide a breakdown of any deductions made from your deposit. Tenants should carefully review and, if they disagree with deductions, may contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).
• Form 7 – Application for Resolution: Tenants use this form to apply to the ORT for issues like deposit disputes or wrongful deductions.
  Download Form 7 from the Saskatchewan government

10. Who Handles Disputes: The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)

If you and your landlord disagree about your deposit or rent payments, you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for help. The ORT resolves rental disputes and provides information, forms, and guidance to both landlords and tenants.

Additional Tenant Resources

• For more on tenant rights in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.
• To search for new rental homes, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much can a landlord charge for a damage deposit in Saskatchewan?
   Landlords can charge up to one month's rent as a security deposit, payable in two installments.
2. When should my landlord return my security deposit?
   Your landlord must return it within seven business days of moving out, with any deductions explained in writing.
3. Can my landlord raise my rent at any time?
   No. There must be at least 12 months between increases, plus 3 months written notice before the new rent starts.
4. What should I do if I disagree with a deposit deduction?
   You can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) using Form 7 to resolve the dispute.
5. Am I entitled to interest on my deposit?
   Yes. Landlords must pay yearly interest based on provincial rates. If not received, tenants should ask in writing.

How To: Solve Common Security Deposit and Rent Issues

1. How to request your deposit back:
   Write to your landlord after move-out, referencing dates and providing your forwarding address.
2. How to file a dispute with the ORT:
   Complete Form 7 and submit it with any evidence (such as inspection reports, receipts, or correspondence) to the ORT online or in person.
3. How to respond to a rent increase:
   Check that you have been given 3 months’ notice and at least 12 months since your last increase. If not, contact the ORT.

Key Takeaways

• Security deposits are strictly regulated and must not exceed one month’s rent.
• Landlords are required to pay interest and return deposits promptly after move-out.
• For any disputes, the Office of Residential Tenancies is your primary support.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Provincial tribunal for rental disputes, deposit issues, and applications.
• The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (PDF): Full text of the law governing rental relationships.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan: More about your rights and protections in the province.

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Saskatchewan

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