Can Landlords Require Cleanliness Inspections in Saskatchewan?

As a tenant in Saskatchewan, you might be concerned if your landlord wants to conduct cleanliness inspections. It's important to know your rights, the rules around inspections, what notice your landlord must provide, and when these visits are legal under Saskatchewan’s tenancy law.

Your Rights to Privacy and Entry Rules in Saskatchewan Rentals

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan) protects tenants’ right to privacy. Landlords cannot enter your rental unit for cleanliness inspections whenever they please. There are specific situations and requirements landlords must follow when seeking entry:

• Landlords may enter your unit to inspect its condition, but only after giving you at least 24 hours written notice.
• Inspections must occur between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., unless you allow access at another time.
• The written notice must state the date, purpose, and time of entry.
• Landlords are not allowed to conduct excessive or unreasonable inspections.

If a landlord wishes to check the unit for cleanliness, this is typically considered a condition inspection. These inspections must be scheduled lawfully and should not be used to harass or intimidate tenants.

When Are Cleanliness Inspections Allowed?

In Saskatchewan, cleanliness expectations are closely tied to your responsibility to maintain "reasonable cleanliness" under your rental agreement. However, your landlord cannot perform inspections without proper notice or justification.

• Routine or scheduled inspections (e.g., once every few months) are allowed, but each must be accompanied by written notice.
• Inspections to address health or safety concerns, emergencies, or repairs are permitted within the law.
• If your unit is reported or suspected of being unsanitary and posing a health risk, additional inspection may be justified.

For more on your obligations and landlord responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Official Forms: Entry and Inspection Notices

Landlords must give tenants an official notice when entering for an inspection. Saskatchewan does not have a specific government-issued form for entry, but the notice must be in writing and include:

• Date and time of entry
• Reason for entry (e.g., cleanliness inspection)
• At least 24 hours’ advance notice

Example: If your landlord leaves a note on your door or mails you a letter that says, “I will be inspecting the unit for cleanliness on Monday, June 10th at 10 a.m.,” and it’s delivered at least 24 hours ahead, this meets the law’s requirements.

If a dispute arises about inspections or privacy, tenants may contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for resolution or to file a complaint.

What If the Inspection Finds Cleanliness Issues?

If a landlord’s inspection finds that the unit is not reasonably clean, they may formally request that you correct the issue. In severe cases (such as unsanitary or dangerous conditions), a landlord may issue a Notice to Remedy or potentially begin eviction proceedings if problems are not addressed. For guidance on solutions and resolving common problems, review Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Tenants’ and Landlords’ Mutual Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords share responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Tenants must keep their units reasonably clean, while landlords must respect a tenant’s privacy and provide lawful notice for inspections.

To understand what happens during initial and final inspections, see the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

If you have further questions about rules specific to your province, you can also consult Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord show up without notice to check for cleanliness?
   No. Your landlord must always provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering, except in emergencies.
2. What happens if I refuse an inspection?
   If the landlord has given proper notice, refusal could be seen as a breach of your lease. Try to resolve any concerns with the landlord or seek help from the ORT.
3. Can a landlord evict me for being messy?
   Only if your lack of cleanliness creates a health or safety issue, and you fail to address it after a written warning or Notice to Remedy. Eviction is always the last resort and follows a defined process.
4. How often can a landlord inspect for cleanliness?
   There is no specific rule, but inspections must be reasonable and not harassing. Once every few months is considered typical.
5. What should be included in an inspection notice?
   The landlord’s notice must say the date, time, and purpose of the visit, and must be given at least 24 hours ahead of time.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Saskatchewan can inspect for cleanliness but only with proper written notice and at reasonable intervals.
• Your privacy is protected by law—landlords cannot enter your unit without following these rules.
• If a dispute arises, official bodies like the ORT can help resolve your concerns.

Knowing your rights protects you and creates a respectful tenant-landlord relationship. Stay informed, keep communication clear, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Handles disputes, complaints, and applications about landlord-tenant issues in Saskatchewan.
• Full text of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• Saskatchewan Tenants Rights Hotline: 1-888-215-2222 or (306) 244-6529

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan): Read the Act (PDF)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Official ORT Website

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