Can my landlord evict me if I sign a petition with other tenants?

No. Saskatchewan law protects your right to organize and prevents landlords from evicting tenants for collective action.

Is there a fee for filing a group complaint at the ORT?

Yes, there is a standard application fee, but you can split this among all tenants involved. Check the ORT website for current fee amounts.

What kind of issues can we file a collective complaint for?

You can file collective complaints for repairs, safety issues, or group rent increases affecting multiple tenants.

Do we need a lawyer for collective action?

No. Tenants can represent themselves at the Office of Residential Tenancies but can bring an advocate or friend if needed.

What should I do if I suspect landlord retaliation after taking collective action?

Include any evidence and concerns about retaliation in your ORT application. The Tribunal can address and reverse unfair actions.

Collective Tenant Rights and Protections in Saskatchewan

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Saskatchewan published: June 19, 2025

As a tenant in Saskatchewan, you aren't alone if you face challenges related to your rental home. Many issues—like sudden rent increases or building-wide repairs—can affect all residents in a property. Saskatchewan law protects your right to take collective action with other tenants, empowering you to address shared concerns and improve your living conditions together.

What Are Protected Collective Actions?

Collective action means working with other tenants to address a common concern. This can include organizing meetings, signing petitions about rent or repairs, communicating with your landlord as a group, or making a joint application to Saskatchewan's Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT). Importantly, your landlord cannot evict or punish you for participating in these legal collective activities.

Your Rights Under the Law

Saskatchewan's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 protects tenants who participate in group efforts. Specifically, Section 70 prohibits landlord retaliation if you:

Join together with other tenants for a common purpose (including meetings or petitions)
Make a joint complaint to the landlord or the ORT
Contact tenant advocacy organizations for help

Landlords cannot legally threaten eviction, raise your rent unfairly, or reduce services because you took part in protected collective activities. If this happens, you can bring a claim before the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Common Reasons Tenants Act Collectively

Addressing inadequate repairs or unsafe living conditions
Disputing unreasonable rent increases that affect many units
Requesting pest control or improved maintenance for the building
Advocating for new amenities or changes in building rules

For a deeper look at problems tenants often face and recommended steps, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. Acting with your neighbors can increase your chances of positive change and make your landlord more likely to respond.

Taking Action: Steps for Tenants

Here's a simple outline of how tenants in Saskatchewan can exercise their collective rights:

Meet and organize: Talk with other tenants about shared concerns. Put issues in writing if possible.
Communicate with the landlord: Send a group letter, email, or petition stating your demands. Always keep a copy for your records.
Apply to the ORT if needed: If the landlord does not cooperate, several tenants can file a joint application using Form 7: Application for Resolution of a Dispute. This official process enables groups of tenants to seek formal resolution.

About the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles all official complaints, applications, and disputes between landlords and tenants in Saskatchewan. This is where you bring issues that can’t be resolved directly with your landlord.

Official Forms for Group Tenant Action

Form 7: Application for Resolution of a Dispute – Use this form to start a joint complaint if you and other tenants face the same problem (e.g., unsafe conditions or collective eviction notices). Each tenant involved should be named on the form.
Where to find it: Download Form 7 (PDF) on the Saskatchewan government website.
Tip: When filing as a group, gather as much supporting evidence as possible (photos, dated letters, emails).

After submitting the form, the ORT will notify your landlord and schedule a hearing, where all parties can present their case. If you win, the ORT can order remedies like repairs, compensation, or stopping an illegal rent increase.

Your Protections Against Retaliation

Under the Act, your landlord cannot legally retaliate because you acted with other tenants. If you suspect retaliation (like a sudden eviction notice after a petition), tell the ORT in your application. The Tribunal takes these claims seriously and can reverse unfair actions.

For more general information on tenant rights and obligations, see the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained page.

Remember: Working collectively does not remove your responsibility to pay rent or otherwise meet your individual obligations. If rent is owed, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Helpful Summary

Collective tenant actions are powerful tools. They are protected by law and give tenants a stronger voice when dealing with unresolved problems. Filing complaints together often leads to faster, more effective resolutions.

For more information on tenant rights and key facts in Saskatchewan, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

To find a new rental home or search for places where tenants' rights are respected, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada with Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord evict me if I sign a petition with other tenants?
No. Saskatchewan law protects your right to organize and prevents landlords from evicting tenants for collective action.
Is there a fee for filing a group complaint at the ORT?
Yes, there is a standard application fee, but you can split this among all tenants involved. Fee amounts and payment instructions are available from the ORT website.
What kind of issues can we file a collective complaint for?
Issues like building-wide repairs, safety problems, or group rent increases can be addressed collectively.
Do we need a lawyer to take collective action?
No. Tenants can represent themselves in ORT hearings, but you may bring an advocate or friend for support if you wish.
If my landlord tries to retaliate after a group complaint, what should I do?
Gather evidence and add this concern to your ORT application. The Tribunal can protect your rights.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Tenants in Saskatchewan have the right to act collectively about shared rental issues.
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for legal group activities.
Use Form 7 and the ORT to resolve problems if direct discussions fail.

Taking action together is usually more effective and helps protect everyone’s rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Official information, complaint forms, and tenant resources
Tenant advocacy services: Access information or find support through local tenant organizations or legal clinics in your city
Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)