What the ORT Does in Saskatchewan
The Office of Residential Tenancies is Saskatchewan's residential tenancy tribunal. It handles many disputes between landlords and tenants under The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, including unpaid rent, damage claims, repairs, ending a tenancy, possession, and some applications about rent or deposits.[1] The ORT is not a general court, and it cannot decide every type of housing dispute. Review its jurisdiction information before applying.
The Act and the regulations set the legal framework, while the ORT explains procedures, forms, service requirements, and hearing options. For practical background on each party's duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Step 1: Identify the Issue and the Remedy
Write down what happened, when it happened, and what you want the ORT to order. A tenant might ask for an order requiring repairs, compensation for a proven loss, a rent-related remedy, or another result allowed by the legislation. If the problem involves routine maintenance, review Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities before deciding whether an application is necessary.
- Describe the repair, maintenance, heating, water, or habitability problem and explain how it affected the rental home.
- Calculate each payment, rent amount, deposit, fee, or other financial loss you are claiming.
- Identify any notice, eviction, possession, or hearing issue and record the date it was received.
Step 2: Try a Clear Written Resolution
Before filing, send the landlord a brief written message describing the problem, the requested solution, and a reasonable response date where appropriate. This is not a substitute for an urgent application or a legal deadline, but it can clarify the dispute and create a useful record. Do not withhold rent or ignore a notice simply because you have made a complaint unless the ORT or another authorized process permits that step.
Step 3: Gather Your Evidence
Organize evidence in date order and make copies for the ORT and the other party as required. Evidence may include the tenancy agreement, notices, rent receipts, inspection records, repair requests, photographs, videos, messages, emails, witness information, and invoices. Label each item so a decision-maker can understand what it proves.
- Keep photographs and videos showing the condition of the unit, including the date and location where possible.
- Save records of notices, messages, repair requests, receipts, payments, and conversations with the landlord.
- Prepare a timeline with the important dates, deadlines, appointments, and responses.
Step 4: Choose and Complete the Correct ORT Application
Use the ORT's current forms and instructions rather than an old copy found online. The main tenant starting document is the Application for Dispute Resolution, which the ORT provides through its application process; the current online instructions should be checked for any form number, filing method, fee, and supporting documents. Use it when, for example, a landlord has not addressed a documented repair problem or you are seeking a financial order connected to the tenancy.
Some matters use a specific application or response form instead of the general application. The ORT forms page identifies the available forms and explains when they apply. Complete every required field, give the full address of the rental unit, identify the landlord or property manager correctly, state the facts in numbered paragraphs, and clearly list the orders you want.
- Open the official ORT forms page and select the application or response that matches your dispute.
- Submit the completed Application for Dispute Resolution and attach the documents required by the current instructions.
- Review names, addresses, dates, amounts, and attachments before filing because errors can delay the process.
The ORT may reject an incomplete filing, request more information, or direct you to use another process. Keep a copy of everything submitted and proof of the filing date.
Step 5: File the Application and Pay Any Required Fee
File through the method the ORT currently accepts, such as its online service or another listed submission method. Check whether a fee applies to your application and whether a fee waiver or another option is available. The official instructions control if they differ from this general overview.
After filing, read every confirmation, notice, or direction from the ORT. It may explain the next deadline, hearing date, document requirements, or service obligations. Missing a deadline can affect your ability to rely on evidence or continue the application.
Step 6: Serve the Landlord or Other Party
Filing with the ORT and serving the other party are separate tasks unless the ORT specifically tells you otherwise. Follow the permitted delivery methods and timing in the ORT instructions. Provide the application, hearing information, and supporting materials required for service, and keep proof showing what was delivered, how, and when.
Step 7: Prepare for the Hearing or Decision Process
The ORT may schedule a hearing, conference, mediation-related process, or another procedure depending on the matter. Attend on time, test your phone or video connection if required, and keep your evidence accessible. Explain the facts in order, answer questions directly, and avoid interrupting the other party or the decision-maker.
- Attend the scheduled hearing or appointment and request instructions promptly if you cannot participate.
- Use your timeline and labeled records to explain what happened and support each requested order.
- Contact the ORT using its official contact information if you need procedural help or accessibility support.
Step 8: Read and Follow the Decision
When the ORT issues a decision or order, read it carefully to understand what each party must do and by what date. Keep the complete decision with your tenancy records. If the order is not followed, use the enforcement information provided by the ORT rather than taking self-help action that could create a new dispute.
FAQ
- What is the ORT in Saskatchewan?
- The Office of Residential Tenancies is Saskatchewan's tribunal for many residential tenancy disputes, including issues involving rent, repairs, possession, damage, and ending a tenancy.
- Can a tenant apply to the ORT about repairs?
- Yes, a tenant may be able to apply about a landlord's failure to meet legal maintenance or habitability duties, depending on the facts and the remedy requested.
- What evidence should a tenant submit?
- Useful evidence can include the tenancy agreement, notices, photographs, videos, messages, repair requests, receipts, payment records, inspection reports, and a dated timeline.
- How does a tenant serve an ORT application?
- A tenant must follow the current ORT instructions for permitted delivery methods, timing, and proof of service, unless the ORT gives different directions.
- What happens after an ORT application is filed?
- The ORT may issue directions, request information, schedule a hearing or conference, and provide deadlines for serving documents and responding.
How-To
- Identify the tenancy problem and write down the remedy you want from the ORT.
- Gather the agreement, notices, photographs, messages, receipts, payment records, and dated timeline that support your position.
- Complete the current ORT Application for Dispute Resolution or the specific form identified for your issue.
- File the application using the ORT's accepted method and keep the confirmation and a complete copy.
- Serve the landlord or other party as directed and retain proof of service.
- Attend the hearing or other scheduled process, present organized evidence, and follow the final order.
Help and Support / Resources
- Office of Residential Tenancies for tribunal procedures, contact information, and tenant or landlord process guidance.
- Saskatchewan ORT forms and applications for current forms, filing instructions, and service information.
- The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 for the legislation governing residential tenancies in Saskatchewan.
- ORT contact and accessibility information for procedural questions and accommodation requests.
