Consent Orders at the Saskatchewan LTB Explained

Consent orders are written agreements approved by the tribunal that resolve disputes between tenants and landlords without a full hearing. For tenants in Saskatchewan, a consent order can set out payment plans for arrears, conditions for repairs, timelines for moving out, or other agreed terms that become legally binding once accepted by the tribunal. This guide explains when a consent order is appropriate, what information tenants should include, how to submit it, and practical tips to protect your renter rights. It uses plain language and examples so renters can decide whether proposing or accepting a consent order with the LTB is right for their situation.

What is a consent order at the Saskatchewan LTB?

A consent order is a written agreement between a tenant and a landlord that the Office of Residential Tenancies reviews and files so the terms become enforceable by the tribunal^[1]. In practice, a consent order can confirm a repayment plan for missed rent, an agreed schedule for repairs, a move-out date, or other mutually accepted solutions. If the tribunal accepts the agreement, it has the same force as a tribunal decision.

When tenants might use a consent order

• Agreeing to a repayment plan for rent arrears to avoid eviction.
• Setting a timeline for repairs or maintenance when the landlord agrees to complete work.
• Scheduling a voluntary move-out date with conditions like return of deposit or cleaning.
• Resolving a dispute where both sides want a fast, binding outcome without a contested hearing.

How consent orders become binding

Once the parties sign a written agreement and submit it to the Office of Residential Tenancies, the tribunal reviews the terms for fairness and jurisdiction. If accepted, the tribunal issues the consent order and it becomes enforceable like any other decision under Saskatchewan tenancy law^[2].

How to propose and submit a consent order

What to include

• Clear payment terms: amounts, dates, and what happens if a payment is missed.
• Timelines: deadlines for repairs, move-out dates, or completion milestones.
• Evidence and records: photos, receipts, repair logs, or emails that support the agreement.
• Signatures: both tenant and landlord signatures and the date the agreement was signed.

Forms and filing

Saskatchewan does not require a special "consent order" form in every case; often tenants submit the signed agreement along with the appropriate application or dispute form to the Office of Residential Tenancies^[3]. For example, a tenant might attach a one-page signed repayment plan to their application when asking the tribunal to record the agreement and make it enforceable.

Practical filing steps

• Draft the written agreement and have both parties sign it.
• Collect supporting evidence such as receipts or photos that confirm the facts.
• Submit the agreement with your application to the Office of Residential Tenancies (attach as evidence or request the tribunal to record the consent).
• Attend any scheduled review or hearing, or follow tribunal directions; if accepted, the tribunal will issue the consent order.

Common concerns tenants ask

If a landlord does not follow the consent order, tenants can return to the tribunal to enforce it as they would any decision. If a tenant cannot meet agreed payments, communicate quickly and seek a modification rather than missing deadlines without notice. When in doubt, ask for written confirmation before relying on verbal promises.

If you are moving after a consent order or negotiating terms tied to re-housing, you may find it helpful to search for new listings; Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to compare options and timelines.

For help with complaints or dispute negotiation see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide and for broader problem-solving tips consult Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

FAQ

Can a consent order be changed later?

Yes. If both parties agree to change terms they can submit a new signed agreement for the tribunal to accept and issue a replacement consent order.

What if a landlord ignores a consent order?

Return to the Office of Residential Tenancies to ask the tribunal to enforce the order; an accepted consent order is enforceable as a tribunal decision.

Do I need a lawyer to use a consent order?

No—many tenants draft and submit consent agreements without a lawyer, but you may choose to get legal advice for complex situations.

How-To

1. Draft a clear written agreement describing obligations, dates, and consequences for missed terms.
2. Gather supporting documents like receipts, photos, and messages that back up the facts.
3. Submit the signed agreement with your application or evidence to the Office of Residential Tenancies.
4. Attend any review or follow tribunal instructions until the consent order is issued.
5. Keep copies and comply with the order; if the other side breaches it, apply to the tribunal for enforcement.

Key Takeaways

• Consent orders make voluntary agreements enforceable through the tribunal.
• Include clear payment amounts, timelines, signatures, and evidence when you submit an agreement.
• If the consent order is breached, return to the tribunal to enforce the terms.

Help and Support / Resources

• Office of Residential Tenancies - Government of Saskatchewan
• Residential Tenancies Act - Saskatchewan (legislation)
• Office of Residential Tenancies - Forms and publications

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1. [1] Office of Residential Tenancies - Government of Saskatchewan
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act - Saskatchewan (legislation)
3. [3] Office of Residential Tenancies - Forms and publications