Can my landlord ban overnight guests in Saskatchewan?

Landlords generally cannot ban overnight guests unless your lease has a reasonable and lawful restriction. Broad bans are not permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act.

What should I do if a landlord tries to limit my visitors?

Talk with your landlord first to clarify any concerns. If the restriction is unreasonable, you can file a complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies for resolution.

Am I responsible if my guest causes damage?

Yes, as the tenant, you are usually responsible for any damages or disturbances caused by your guests during their stay.

How can I resolve disputes about visitor policies?

If informal discussion fails, complete Form 5 and submit it to the Office of Residential Tenancies for a formal decision.

Who handles tenancy disputes in Saskatchewan?

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) is the official authority for residential tenancy disputes in Saskatchewan.

Can Landlords Restrict Tenant Visitors in Saskatchewan?

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Saskatchewan published: June 20, 2025

As a tenant in Saskatchewan, you may wonder: can your landlord limit who visits your rental? Navigating the rules around guests and visitors is important, especially if you want to maintain your social life while respecting your landlord's property. This guide highlights what the law says, your rights as a tenant, and when a landlord can reasonably set some boundaries.

Your Legal Rights: Visitors, Guests, and Privacy

Under Saskatchewan's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, tenants are entitled to "quiet enjoyment" of their home, which includes the right to receive reasonable guests and visitors.^[1] Unless otherwise stated by law, your landlord generally cannot ban or heavily restrict visitors you invite to your rented home.

Tenants have the freedom to welcome guests, family, and friends.
A landlord cannot impose blanket bans on visitors or ask for advance notice of every guest.
Reasonable limits may sometimes apply (see next section for details).

When Can Landlords Set Limits on Visitors?

While your right to have visitors is protected, landlords do have a duty to preserve the safety, security, and reasonable enjoyment of all tenants. According to Saskatchewan legislation, a landlord may act if:

Visitors cause damage to the property.
Guests disrupt other tenants or break house rules (such as noise complaints or illegal activity).
A guest moves in permanently (becomes an unauthorized occupant), as opposed to just visiting.

For example, if a visitor is repeatedly violating building rules or threatening others' safety, your landlord may address the issue by giving written notice to stop the behaviour or, as a last resort, issue a notice to end the tenancy.

It's also common for rental agreements to outline general expectations for guests. However, a clause attempting to forbid all visitors is generally not valid under the law.

Tenant Responsibilities When Hosting Guests

Tenants are responsible for the behaviour of their visitors. If a visitor:

Damages the rental unit or common areas,
Disturbs the peace or quiet enjoyment of other tenants,
Violates building rules or the rental agreement,

— the tenant may be held accountable. That could mean paying for damages, facing formal warnings, or even risking eviction in severe cases.

To understand more about your day-to-day obligations or how issues such as this are handled, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Short-Term Guests vs. Unauthorized Occupants

Short-term visits by friends or family usually don't require landlord permission. However, if someone moves in with you for an extended period (usually over two weeks, or as stated in your lease), the landlord may have the right to approve their addition to the tenancy. This is to ensure proper screening and compliance with fire and safety codes.

Tip: Communicate with your landlord if you intend to have a guest stay multiple weeks, to avoid misunderstandings.

Steps to Take if a Dispute Arises

If your landlord tries to enforce unreasonable visitor restrictions, or if you are concerned about the behaviour of a guest, there are practical steps you can take:

Review your written lease for any visitor policies.
Talk with your landlord to clarify concerns and seek a compromise.
If the issue escalates, you can seek help from the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), Saskatchewan’s rental dispute tribunal.
File a formal application with the ORT if resolution is not possible informally.

Relevant Official Forms

Form 5: Application for an Order — Used by tenants to request an official decision from the Office of Residential Tenancies when a dispute about visitor restrictions (or related matters) can't be resolved directly.
Use case: If your landlord threatens eviction due to guests but you believe they are acting unlawfully, complete and submit Form 5.
Download Form 5 - Application for an Order (PDF) | Official instructions

On the Saskatchewan government website, you can find instructions on submitting forms, payment, and timelines for dispute resolution.

Where to Learn More: Tenant and Landlord Resources

If you want an overview of all tenant and landlord rights in Saskatchewan, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

To expand your rental search or move to a new location, Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view for options across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord ban overnight guests?
Generally, landlords cannot ban overnight guests unless your lease specifically prohibits this and is reasonable. Restrictions must not violate your basic right to have visitors and are only lawful if they protect the safety and security of the property or other tenants.
What if my guests cause damage or disturb neighbours?
As a tenant, you are responsible for the conduct of your guests. If their actions result in damage or breach rental rules, you may be liable for costs or penalties from the landlord.
Is there a limit to how many guests I can have?
Legally, the number must be reasonable and not disrupt others or violate fire/code regulations. Restrictions in the lease must be fair and within the law.
How do I challenge an unfair visitor policy?
Discuss the matter with your landlord. If unresolved, you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for a ruling using their official forms.
Who decides disputes about guests or visitors?
The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) is the authority in Saskatchewan that resolves these disputes formally.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in Saskatchewan

Your right to have visitors is protected by law, but you remain responsible for their actions.
Landlords cannot unreasonably restrict or ban guests, but may intervene if there is property damage, disturbances, or unauthorized additional occupants.
Disputes can be resolved through the Office of Residential Tenancies if necessary.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) — Handles all rental housing complaints and disputes in the province, including visitor restrictions.
Government of Saskatchewan: Renting and Letting — Official info, forms, and tenant resources.
Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City (CLASSIC) — Free tenant advocacy and legal assistance in Saskatoon.
Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan — Comprehensive facts for Saskatchewan tenants and landlords.

Saskatchewan Tenant Rights: Summary (PDF); The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (consolidated)