Common Lease Agreement Mistakes Tenants Should Avoid in Saskatchewan

Signing a lease agreement is a major step for any tenant in Saskatchewan. Understanding your obligations and rights under the law is essential to avoid costly errors or disputes. This article highlights key mistakes tenants often make when signing a rental lease in Saskatchewan and provides practical guidance to protect your interests.

Understanding Leases in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, residential tenancies are regulated by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) is the tribunal that oversees rental disputes and enforces tenant and landlord rights (learn more about the ORT).

To fully understand your legal protections in this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Top Lease Agreement Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Reading the Lease Thoroughly

It is common for tenants to rush through lease agreements. This can lead to misunderstandings about rent, rules, or responsibilities. Always review the entire document, including any addenda or rules attached.

2. Overlooking Deposit Rules

Security deposits in Saskatchewan have strict rules. By law, landlords can request a security deposit of no more than one month’s rent. Ensure you understand how deposits are collected, held, and returned at tenancy’s end. For further advice, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

3. Failing to Get Everything in Writing

Verbal agreements, even if made in good faith, are hard to enforce. Always ensure all terms, including move-in dates, repairs, or promises, appear in your written lease.

4. Ignoring Rules Around Rent and Utilities

Check whether your lease specifies which utilities are included and the exact rent amount. Unclear clauses can lead to surprise bills or disputes later on.

5. Not Doing an Initial Inspection

Skipping a move-in inspection can result in disputes about property damage when you move out. Always complete a condition inspection with your landlord and keep a copy of the signed inspection report. Learn more in our Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

6. Accepting Unlawful or Unfair Lease Terms

Some lease agreements may contain clauses that are against the law, like waiving your right to proper notice or repairs. Under Saskatchewan law, any lease clause that contradicts the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 is not valid.

7. Not Understanding Your Rights After Signing

After you sign the lease, your rights and responsibilities change. For a full overview, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Key Forms Tenants Should Know

Saskatchewan uses specific official forms during the rental process:

• Form 1: Application for Resolution
  This form is used to start a dispute process with the Office of Residential Tenancies, such as resolving issues about deposits, rent, or repairs. For example, if your landlord does not return your deposit, you can fill out Form 1 and submit it online or in person. Access the official Application for Resolution forms.
• Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Report
  This is not a numbered form but is required by law for an accurate record of the property’s condition at the beginning and end of the tenancy. Both landlord and tenant should complete and sign this together. Download the official Inspection Report sample.

Completing these forms properly protects your tenancy rights and helps prevent issues.

What If You Notice a Mistake After Signing?

If you discover an error in your lease agreement after signing, communicate with your landlord in writing as soon as possible. If an agreement can't be reached, you may file Form 1 with the Office of Residential Tenancies for dispute resolution.

Summary: Steps to Take Before Signing a Lease

• Read the lease from start to finish, note unclear sections.
• Discuss any concerns or questions with your landlord in writing.
• Request written clarification for any verbal promises.
• Do a condition inspection and keep a signed copy of the report.
• Never sign a lease you do not fully understand.

Using a checklist makes it easier to remember these steps and avoid common errors.

Remember: No landlord can make you sign away your basic tenant rights guaranteed by Saskatchewan law. Take your time and seek advice if unsure.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Lease Agreement Mistakes in Saskatchewan

1. What should I check before signing a lease in Saskatchewan?
   Carefully review all lease terms, ensure rent and utility responsibilities are clear, confirm permitted deposits, and inspect the unit before moving in.
2. Is my landlord allowed to include extra fees or conditions in the lease?
   Extra fees or terms must comply with Saskatchewan law. Any clause that violates the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 is not legally enforceable.
3. What do I do if I signed a lease with terms that seem unfair?
   Contact your landlord to discuss the concern. If unresolved, you can file an Application for Resolution (Form 1) with the Office of Residential Tenancies.
4. Are verbal lease agreements valid in Saskatchewan?
   Verbal leases are recognized, but written agreements are strongly recommended because verbal terms are hard to prove in disputes.
5. Do I have to pay a security deposit immediately?
   Landlords can require up to one month’s rent as a security deposit, but you may pay half at signing and the remainder within two months.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): For complaints, mediation, and applications
  Official ORT website | Phone: 1-888-215-2222
• Saskatchewan Tenants Rights Hotline: Advice and support for tenant issues
  Call: 1-888-255-4199 (Saskatchewan Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now - ACORN Saskatchewan)
• Official Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (full text)
• For a summary of your provincial rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

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1. Saskatchewan, Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
2. Government of Saskatchewan, Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)
3. Government of Saskatchewan, Application for Resolution Forms
4. Government of Saskatchewan, Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Report Sample

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