Can Landlords Refuse Tenants With Children in Saskatchewan?

Looking for a place to rent with your family in Saskatchewan? Many tenants wonder if landlords can legally refuse applicants just because they have children. Understanding your rights as a parent or guardian is key to securing fair housing and navigating shared rentals or roommate situations in the province.

Your Rights as a Tenant or Roommate With Children in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, the law protects most renters against discrimination on the basis of family status, including having children. This applies whether you’re looking for a large rental home or Browse apartments for rent in Canada—the rules are the same province-wide.

Landlords cannot reject your rental application or evict you solely because you have children. This right is set out in both the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and residential tenancy law. However, there are limited exceptions, and it's important to know how the process works if you suspect unfair treatment.

Relevant Law and Tribunal

• Governing law: The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
• Human rights: Saskatchewan Human Rights Code
• Tenancy tribunal: Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)

If you want a deeper overview of local rules, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

What Counts as Discrimination?

User-friendly provincial guidance makes clear: landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict, or otherwise treat someone unfairly because their household includes children—this is considered discrimination based on family status. For example, a landlord cannot post ads saying “no children allowed,” or deny your application only because you have young kids living with you.

• Illegal: Refusing to rent to a family with children.
• Illegal: Setting higher rent or stricter rules for tenants with children.
• Legal in some cases: Certain units where the landlord or their family shares kitchen or bathroom space (see below for exceptions).

Exception: Shared Housing and Roommate Situations

If you are moving into shared housing where the landlord or their immediate family also lives in the unit and shares a kitchen or bathroom, the discrimination rules may not fully apply. In these cases, small-scale shared living arrangements can sometimes be excluded from some Human Rights protections. Still, landlords must generally uphold basic standards and act in good faith with all tenants, families, or roommates.

If you encounter unclear rules or are uncertain about shared housing exceptions, read about Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Can You Do If You Face Discrimination?

If you believe you have been turned away or treated unfairly because you have children, you have several options:

• Document the incident: Collect emails, messages, and notes of any conversations with the landlord.
• File a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission if you suspect unlawful discrimination.
• You may also contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for tenancy-related concerns.

Forms and Process for Complaints

• Human Rights Complaint Form (Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission): Download PDF. Use this to file a complaint if you’ve been denied housing due to children. Complete the form and submit it by mail or email as instructed. An intake officer will contact you for next steps.
• Application for Tenancy Hearing (ORT Form 5): Application for Hearing. Tenants use this if they wish to dispute an unfair tenancy decision or ask for an order about their rental rights. For example, if you believe you were unlawfully denied a lease, you might file this after consulting the ORT.

Realities of Family-Friendly Housing and What You Can Expect

While the law protects you from discrimination, some landlords may subtly discourage families in shared housing. Know your rights, keep written records, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you suspect you’ve been treated unfairly. For a smooth transition, check out Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

If you’re searching for your next place, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings, including family-friendly options across Saskatchewan and beyond.

FAQ: Tenants with Children in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Can a Saskatchewan landlord refuse a rental application because I have children?
   No. Except for certain small-scale shared accommodations, landlords cannot legally refuse applicants just because they have kids.
2. Are there exceptions for shared housing or roommates?
   Yes. If you’re moving into housing where you share kitchen or bathroom facilities with the owner or their immediate family, the anti-discrimination rule may not fully apply.
3. What should I do if I suspect discrimination?
   Gather any written or digital evidence, then file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission and contact the ORT for further support.
4. Which laws protect tenants with children in Saskatchewan?
   The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code protect against discrimination based on family status, including having children.
5. Can a landlord set special rules or higher rent for tenants with children?
   No. Landlords can't impose extra restrictions or higher charges solely because tenants have children.

Conclusion: Key Points for Tenants With Children

• Landlords in Saskatchewan generally cannot refuse your rental application just because you have children.
• There are limited exceptions for some shared living arrangements—know your situation.
• If you experience discrimination, document everything and use formal complaint channels for support and resolution.

Understanding your rights empowers you to find a safe, family-friendly place to live and ensures landlords treat all applicants fairly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Information and forms for resolving disputes or questions about rental law.
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: File complaints or get help with discrimination issues.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan: Overview of Saskatchewan tenancy law and key facts.

1. Saskatchewan. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
2. Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. Official website.
3. Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies. Official portal.