If your rented home in Saskatchewan needs repairs that affect habitability, this guide explains how tenants can request fixes, document problems and apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) when necessary. You will learn practical steps for communicating with your landlord, which official forms to use, and how to prepare evidence for a dispute resolution hearing. This information is written for renters who are not legal experts and focuses on clear, tenant-centred actions to protect your health, safety and rights while repair issues are resolved.
When to apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies
Apply to the ORT if the landlord does not fix serious issues after you give clear written notice and a reasonable time to act. Examples include loss of heat, no hot water, major plumbing leaks, or mould that affects health. Always start by notifying the landlord in writing and keep a copy of the notice, dates, photos and any receipts for repairs you paid for. [1]
What counts as a serious repair
- Loss of heat, lack of hot water or major plumbing failures that make the unit uninhabitable.
- Electrical hazards, significant water ingress, or structural problems that risk safety.
- Persistent mould or pest infestations affecting health when the landlord does not respond.
Official forms and where to get them
Use the ORT forms to start an application or respond to a landlord. The main documents tenants use are listed below with when and how you would use each.
- Application to the Office of Residential Tenancies — used when you ask the ORT to order repairs, compensation or enforcement after the landlord fails to act; for example, file this if a landlord ignored a written repair request and the issue affects habitability. [3]
- Notice of Repair Request (written notice) — a tenant-written letter or form telling the landlord what to fix and giving a reasonable deadline; use this as your first step, with photos attached as evidence.
- Response or Evidence Submission forms — use these to attach receipts, photos and a timeline when you file the ORT application or attend a hearing.
How the ORT process works
After you file, the ORT reviews the application and may schedule a dispute resolution conference or hearing. Hearings let both sides present evidence; the ORT can order repairs, compensation, or other remedies. Timelines vary, so check the ORT website and forms page for current instructions and service details. [1]
Preparing your application
- Contact the landlord in writing first and keep copies of all messages and dates.
- Document the issue with dated photos, videos and a log of when problems occurred or were reported.
- Give a clear deadline in your written notice (for example, 5–14 days depending on urgency) before filing the application.
- Attach receipts for any emergency repairs you paid for and explain why you paid (only do this when safe and necessary).
FAQ
- How long should I wait for the landlord to fix a repair before applying to the ORT?
- Wait a reasonable time after giving written notice; for urgent issues (no heat or dangerous leaks) a shorter deadline is appropriate, while non-urgent matters may allow more time. If the landlord does not act in the deadline you set, you can apply to the ORT.
- Can I withhold rent if repairs are not done?
- Withholding rent is risky and not generally recommended without legal advice; the ORT can order repairs or compensation, so apply for dispute resolution instead of withholding rent on your own.
- Will I need to attend a hearing?
- Often at least one conference or hearing is scheduled; attend with your documents and photos so the ORT can make an informed decision.
How-To
- Write a clear repair request to the landlord describing the problem and the date you first noticed it.
- Collect evidence: photos, videos, logs of communication and any receipts for emergency costs.
- Give the landlord a reasonable deadline in writing and state you will apply to the ORT if the issue is not fixed.
- File the Application to the Office of Residential Tenancies with your evidence and a cover letter explaining the outcome you want.
- Attend the conference or hearing prepared to explain the timeline and present your documents and witnesses, if any.
- If the ORT orders repairs or compensation, follow the order and keep records; contact the ORT if the landlord does not comply.
Key Takeaways
- Start with a written repair request and keep dated records of all communication and evidence.
- Use the ORT application when the landlord fails to act after a reasonable deadline.
- Bring clear photos and receipts to any hearing to support your claim.
Help and Support / Resources
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan
- Office of Residential Tenancies forms and publications
- Office of Residential Tenancies: rental rights and responsibilities
