Age discrimination in rental housing can take many forms, from being denied a unit because of your age to receiving different rental terms or treatment. Whether you are a younger renter or a senior, Saskatchewan tenants have protections under provincial tenancy rules and human rights law. This article explains how age discrimination is defined for renters in Saskatchewan, what evidence to collect, the official forms and offices to contact, and practical steps for filing a complaint or pursuing a tenancy dispute. Read on for clear, tenant-focused guidance so you can protect your rights and find the right help and resources in Saskatchewan.
What counts as age discrimination in rentals?
Age discrimination happens when a landlord or rental agent treats someone differently because of their age. Examples include refusing to rent to older adults, setting higher screening criteria for younger applicants, or making eviction threats based on age. Some differential treatment relates directly to tenancy terms, while other actions may overlap with broader civil rights protected under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and provincial tenancy rules.[3]
Your rights and the relevant law
Tenants in Saskatchewan are covered by two complementary systems: the Residential Tenancies Act (which governs lease terms, deposits, repairs, and eviction procedures) and the Human Rights Code (which prohibits discrimination in accommodation on protected grounds, including age). If a rental decision or treatment is based primarily on age, it may be a human rights issue; if it concerns lease enforcement, deposits, or eviction, the Residential Tenancies Act typically applies.[1]
Documenting incidents and collecting evidence
- Keep detailed written notes of conversations, including dates, times, and the names of people you spoke with.
- Save texts, emails, advertisements, or screening criteria that show age-based language or requirements.
- Ask for written reasons when you are refused a unit or offered different terms; written explanations can be strong evidence.
- Collect witness statements from other applicants or neighbours if they saw discriminatory behavior.
- Note any timelines or deadlines given to you, and act within them if you plan to file a formal complaint.
How to raise concerns: tenancy dispute vs human rights complaint
If the issue involves a lease term, deposit, repair, rent increase, or eviction, you will usually start with the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) under the Residential Tenancies Act. If the core issue is discriminatory treatment because of age, you can file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. Sometimes both routes may apply — for example, if you were evicted and you believe age was the reason, you may file with ORT for the eviction and with the Human Rights Commission for discrimination.[2][3]
Forms you may need and when to use them
- Application for dispute resolution (Office of Residential Tenancies): use this to request a hearing about tenancy issues such as eviction, deposits, repairs, or illegal rent increases — for example, if you were served a notice you believe is discriminatory in purpose.[2]
- Human Rights Complaint form (Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission): use this to allege discrimination in housing because of age; include your evidence and date-stamped records when submitting the complaint.[3]
Practical steps to file a complaint
- Gather documents: copies of ads, messages, lease clauses, notices, and dated notes of conversations.
- Attempt a written resolution: email or letter the landlord describing the issue and requesting a fair outcome.
- Submit the correct form: file with ORT for tenancy disputes or the Human Rights Commission for discrimination, attaching your evidence.
- Meet deadlines: file within the timelines the statutes or offices require to avoid losing the right to have your case heard.
- Attend hearings or interviews: bring original documents, witnesses if any, and a concise timeline of events.
- Follow any orders or decisions and, if necessary, ask about appeal or enforcement options if the outcome is not followed.
What to expect at a hearing or resolution meeting
Hearings are typically evidence-based. The adjudicator or decision-maker will consider your records, the landlords explanations, and applicable law. Remedies can include monetary awards, orders to stop discriminatory practices, or orders related to tenancy terms. Keep communications factual and avoid accusatory language to maintain credibility.
Resources and searching for alternative rentals
If you need to find housing while a complaint proceeds, consider listing or searching tools that cover multiple cities. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to compare options and filter by features that matter to you. For general tenant guidance on common problems, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. For responsibilities and expectations between parties, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and for Saskatchewan-specific rights see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.
FAQ
- Can a landlord ask my age on an application?
- Yes, a landlord can ask your age, but using that information to refuse housing or apply different terms solely because of age may be discriminatory and unlawful.
- Which office handles discrimination complaints in Saskatchewan?
- The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission handles discrimination complaints based on protected grounds like age; tenancy disputes about leases and evictions are handled by the Office of Residential Tenancies.
- What if my landlord evicts me after I complain about discrimination?
- If you face eviction after raising a complaint, document the timeline, file with ORT for the eviction matter, and consider filing a human rights complaint if age motivated the eviction.
How-To
- Collect and organize all evidence, including messages, notices, photos, and witness names.
- Send a clear written request to the landlord seeking an explanation or resolution and keep a copy.
- Complete and submit the appropriate official form (ORT application or Human Rights complaint) with attachments.
- Track filing deadlines and respond promptly to any requests for more information.
- Prepare for any hearing by summarizing facts, organizing documents, and lining up witnesses.
Help and Support / Resources
- Office of Residential Tenancies
- Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
- Saskatchewan government: Renting a home
