Challenging Unfair Rental Denials in Saskatchewan: Tenant Rights & Steps

If your rental application in Saskatchewan was denied unfairly, you might wonder what rights you have as a tenant and what steps you can take to challenge the decision. Understanding your rights under Saskatchewan tenancy law and anti-discrimination protections can help you respond confidently and effectively if you suspect a denial was unjust.

Your Rights as a Rental Applicant in Saskatchewan

Rental applicants in Saskatchewan are protected by both the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code. Landlords cannot deny you a rental unit for reasons that amount to discrimination, such as your race, religion, age, gender, family status, disability, marital status, or receipt of public assistance.^[1]

• Landlords may require reasonable information to assess your suitability (e.g., income, references, credit check)
• They cannot ask for information about protected characteristics or deny you due to those reasons
• If you believe the reason given for denial is unfair or discriminatory, you have legal avenues to challenge it

For an overview of general tenant and landlord rights in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Common Unfair Rental Denial Scenarios

Some examples of potential rental discrimination include:

• A landlord saying "we don't rent to families with children"
• Being turned away because you receive social assistance
• Denial based on your ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation

Landlords can legally deny your application for reasons like insufficient income, bad references, or pets (if pets are not allowed)—provided their policy is applied equally and does not mask a discriminatory motive.

Action Steps: How to Challenge an Unfair Rental Denial

If you suspect your rental application was unfairly denied, you have several options:

1. Ask for Clarification

Contact the landlord in writing to politely request the reason for denial. Keep all records of your communication. Sometimes, misunderstandings or incomplete applications can be resolved at this stage.

2. File a Human Rights Complaint

If you believe the denial was due to a protected ground (e.g., disability, family status), you can file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

• Form: "Complaint Form" (no specific form number)
• When to use: If you believe you were denied due to discrimination protected under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code
• How to use: Download or complete the Complaint Form online, describe the situation, attach evidence (emails, notes), and submit it to the Commission.

For a step-by-step guide to handling other common rental challenges, visit Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

3. Contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)

If your denial relates to something governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (for example, a landlord not following application or deposit laws), you may be able to file a complaint or seek information from the ORT:

• File a complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies

Tenants have the right to fair consideration when applying for housing. Keeping written records of interactions with landlords can strengthen your position if you need to challenge a denial.

Understanding Related Rights and Processes

Remember that your rental application process may also involve paying a deposit or providing certain documents. For more on this, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Not all application denials are discriminatory. Some are legitimate, but if you suspect a rights violation, you can act.

If you're seeking new rental opportunities after a denial, you can browse apartments for rent in Canada across Saskatchewan and other provinces on Houseme.

FAQ: Challenging Rental Denials in Saskatchewan

1. Can a Saskatchewan landlord refuse me for having children?
   No, refusing to rent to families with children is considered discriminatory under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code. You can file a human rights complaint if this happens.
2. What if a landlord says the unit is already rented but it’s still advertised?
   Ask for written confirmation of why you were denied. If you suspect discrimination, collect documentation and consider contacting the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
3. Can I lose my deposit if my rental is denied?
   In Saskatchewan, application or holding deposits must usually be returned if you are denied unless otherwise agreed. For info see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
4. Where do I file a complaint about unfair treatment by a landlord?
   For discrimination, contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. For tenancy law issues, contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).
5. Are there protections against denial based on social assistance?
   Yes. Refusing a tenant because they are on social assistance is prohibited discrimination under the Human Rights Code.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Rental denials must be based on lawful, non-discriminatory reasons
• Keep records of your application and all communication
• If you suspect discrimination, file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission or seek advice from the Office of Residential Tenancies

If you are denied a rental unfairly, knowing your rights and the correct process to challenge the decision is your best protection. For more on your general legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant, consult Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – For tenancy complaints and information
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – For discrimination complaints
• Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) – Tenant advocacy and guides

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1. Saskatchewan Human Rights Code (see: Saskatchewan Human Rights Code – Official PDF).
   Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, see full text.

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