Can Saskatchewan Landlords Deny Housing for Bad Credit?

If you're a renter in Saskatchewan and worried about your credit score affecting your housing search, you're not alone. Many tenants face questions about credit checks when applying for a new place to live. Understanding your rights is essential if you've ever been turned down for housing based on your credit history in Saskatchewan.

Can a Saskatchewan Landlord Refuse to Rent to You for Bad Credit?

In Saskatchewan, landlords are allowed to request a credit check as part of the screening process for new tenants. However, while having good credit can make it easier to secure a rental, a low or poor credit score does not automatically disqualify you from renting. Landlords must still follow fair practices and the applicable human rights and tenancy laws.

• Landlords are permitted to ask for permission to conduct a credit check before accepting a new tenant
• They may use the results of the credit check when deciding whether to approve your application
• Refusing to rent to you solely for poor credit history is not considered discrimination under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, unless it intersects with a protected ground such as disability, family status, or receipt of public assistance
• All applicants must be treated equitably—applying the same credit requirements consistently

For a full overview of your rights and obligations as a tenant in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Understanding Discrimination and Your Protections

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 governs most rental housing in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code also provides protections regarding rental applications and tenancies.

• Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because of race, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, age, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or lawful source of income (for example, social assistance)
• If you believe your credit history is being used as a justification for discrimination on these protected grounds, you may file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission

How Credit Checks Work in Saskatchewan Rentals

Before a landlord can order a credit check, they must obtain your written consent. Here’s how it typically works:

• A landlord provides you with a rental application, usually containing a section to authorize a credit check
• You may be asked to provide personal information like your full name, current address, previous addresses, and date of birth
• The landlord reviews your credit report along with references and rental history

Tip: If you know your credit is less than perfect, be honest and offer additional information—such as pay stubs, a letter of employment, or references from past landlords—to improve your chances. For more on expectations when starting a new tenancy, read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

If You’re Denied Housing for Bad Credit: What Next?

Being turned down for a rental can be upsetting, but you have options:

• Politely ask the landlord the specific reason you were declined
• Request a copy of the credit report used, if you didn’t supply one yourself
• If you believe you’re facing discrimination, you can file a complaint to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
• Work on improving your credit rating for future applications, and gather strong rental references

Credit requirements for rentals must be applied consistently; landlords cannot use them selectively to disadvantage certain groups.

What About Rental Deposits and Application Fees?

While landlords may request a security deposit (sometimes called a damage deposit), it cannot exceed one month’s rent. Charging a non-refundable application fee is not allowed. Learn more about these rules in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Official Tribunal and Resources

Disputes about tenancies, deposits, or discrimination that cannot be resolved directly can be taken to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT). This administrative tribunal handles most rental disputes in Saskatchewan.

Forms You Might Need as a Saskatchewan Tenant

• Form 1: Application to the Office of Residential Tenancies – Use this form to file a complaint or dispute about a rental issue (for example, if you believe you were unfairly denied a rental). Download and instructions: Application to the ORT.
  Example: If you wish to challenge a rental decision or another tenancy matter, you can submit this form to initiate a hearing at the tribunal.
• Complaint Form – Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – Use this form if you think you were refused housing due to a protected characteristic (e.g., source of income, family status). Download and instructions: File a Complaint.
  Example: Fill out this complaint if you feel a landlord used your credit as an excuse to unlawfully discriminate.

Practical Tips to Improve Your Rental Chances With Poor Credit

• Offer a larger deposit if possible (up to the legal maximum)
• Provide recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer
• Get references or a recommendation letter from previous landlords
• Write a personal statement explaining your credit situation

If you’re actively looking for housing, remember to Browse apartments for rent in Canada to view options across Saskatchewan and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bad Credit and Rental Applications in Saskatchewan

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me only because I have bad credit?
   Yes, a landlord may reject your application due to bad credit as long as this rule applies equally to all applicants and is not used as a cover for discrimination against a protected group.
2. Is it legal for a landlord to charge me an application fee in Saskatchewan?
   No, landlords are not permitted to charge non-refundable application fees. Only a refundable security deposit is allowed, and it cannot exceed one month's rent.
3. What can I do if my application was denied and I believe it was discriminatory?
   You can file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission if you think the rejection was based on a protected ground, not just your credit.
4. How do I contest a rental-related decision in Saskatchewan?
   You can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies using the Application to the ORT form for a formal review or hearing.
5. Can I improve my chances to rent with poor credit?
   Yes, provide references, proof of income, or a larger deposit to help demonstrate your reliability as a tenant.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Renters

• Landlords can consider credit history, but must apply their criteria fairly and lawfully
• Discrimination based on protected personal characteristics is never allowed
• Tenants have the right to seek help from provincial agencies and can appeal unfair treatment

Remember, being proactive and communicating openly with landlords can often help overcome credit hurdles when seeking a home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Handles rental disputes, applications, and information
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: Submit discrimination complaints and learn about your housing rights
• Government of Saskatchewan – Housing and Renting: Official residency and housing resources

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan) governs landlord and tenant relations in the province.
2. Credit checks and application processes: Applying for a Rental in Saskatchewan, Government of Saskatchewan.
3. Human rights and discrimination complaints: Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – File a Complaint.
4. Rental dispute applications and resources: Office of Residential Tenancies Application Forms.

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