Can Landlords Refuse Emotional Support Animals in Saskatchewan?

Many Saskatchewan tenants need the comfort of an emotional support animal (ESA) but worry their landlord might say no. The laws protecting tenant rights around support animals can be confusing—especially since rules for pets are often different than for assistance animals. This guide explains what tenants and landlords need to know about ESAs in Saskatchewan, including your legal protections, what steps you need to take, and how to get help if you experience discrimination.

Are Emotional Support Animals Protected Under Saskatchewan Law?

In Saskatchewan, tenants with a disability are protected against discrimination under both the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. While landlords can generally have "no pets" policies, these do not override accommodation duties for people with disabilities who rely on a service or emotional support animal.

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) is the provincial body responsible for resolving rental disputes and enforcing tenancy law. Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan provides more background.

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals

• Service animals (such as guide dogs) have clear legal status under provincial law and are protected.
• Emotional Support Animals provide comfort for a mental health condition but are not always recognized as "service animals" under Saskatchewan law.

However, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code can require landlords to make reasonable accommodations for tenants who have a valid need for an ESA, supported by medical documentation.^[2]

Can a Landlord Legally Refuse My Emotional Support Animal?

Landlords in Saskatchewan generally may not refuse an emotional support animal when it is part of a disability-related accommodation request. Here’s what that looks like:

• If you have a disability and your healthcare provider says an ESA is part of your treatment, your landlord must consider making an exception to a "no pets" rule.
• Landlords can ask for a letter or certificate from a licensed healthcare professional explaining that the animal is needed due to a disability.
• However, landlords cannot ask for details about your diagnosis, or require certification that goes beyond this reasonable proof.
• They may refuse the accommodation only if it would cause "undue hardship", such as proven allergies in other tenants or serious property concerns—but they must demonstrate this.

This means that if you have proper documentation and follow the right process, you’re protected even if the building has a no-pets rule.

How to Request an ESA Accommodation from Your Landlord

To ensure you’re covered, follow these steps when you need an emotional support animal in your rental home:

• Get a letter or note from your doctor or licensed mental health professional. It should state you have a disability and an ESA is needed as part of your treatment.
• Give a written request to your landlord with a copy of the documentation.
• If needed, explain your willingness to cooperate about standards for cleanliness or behavior from your ESA.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• The province does not require a special form for requesting accommodation. However, written communication is best. You can use the Notice of Request for Accommodation (simple letter format). Sample letters are available on the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission website.
• If your landlord refuses without a valid reason: File a discrimination complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission using their Human Rights Complaint Form. Attach your letter and your medical note. The Commission investigates and may order the landlord to allow your animal.
• Disputes over tenancy terms: You can also file an application with the Office of Residential Tenancies if a landlord tries to evict you or refuses accommodation.

Most issues resolve when documentation is provided and communication is open.

Landlord and Tenant Ongoing Obligations

Both tenants and landlords have responsibilities. Tenants must ensure their ESA doesn’t cause excessive damage, noise, or health risks to the property or others. Landlords must respond promptly to accommodation requests and maintain a respectful dialogue. See Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more.

If issues arise, simple steps like regular cleaning, clear communication, and written agreements about ESA care can help prevent disputes.

Where to Search for Accommodating Rentals

If you’re searching for a rental in Saskatchewan and need a landlord open to support animals, you can Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca for flexible listings and helpful features across Canada.

FAQ: Saskatchewan Tenant Rights to Emotional Support Animals

1. Can my landlord ask for details about my disability?
   No. Your landlord can only request proof that you need an ESA for a disability from a licensed healthcare professional, not the diagnosis itself.
2. Do ESA protections override a building's "no pets" policy?
   Yes, if your accommodation request is supported by medical documentation, landlords must consider your need for an ESA even if there is a "no pets" policy.
3. What official forms do I need to request an ESA accommodation?
   There’s no special government form in Saskatchewan; a letter from your doctor and a written accommodation request is typically used. If denied, use the Human Rights Commission Complaint Form.
4. Can my landlord charge a deposit or extra rent for my ESA?
   Landlords cannot charge extra pet rent or deposits specifically for support animals. Normal damage deposits still apply—see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
5. What do I do if my landlord refuses my ESA request?
   Gather your documentation and file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. They can investigate and guide you on your next steps.

Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants

• Your right to an emotional support animal is protected under Saskatchewan’s Human Rights Code if disability-related and documented by a professional.
• Landlords cannot refuse a valid ESA request unless they can prove “undue hardship.”
• If you’re denied, document everything and seek help from the Human Rights Commission or Office of Residential Tenancies.

With clear documentation and open communication, most tenants are able to keep their support animals and their housing secure.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – Guidance on discrimination and accommodation complaints, filing forms, and free resources.
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – File tenancy applications, dispute resolution, tenant rights info.
• Tenant services groups such as the Regional Legal Aid Office can support low-income renters.
• For a deeper understanding of your rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

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1. Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
2. Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, S.S. 2021, c. S-24.2. Read the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code

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