Denied Accessibility Modifications: Saskatchewan Tenant Rights & Actions

If you’re a tenant in Saskatchewan who’s been denied accessibility modifications by your landlord, it can feel stressful and overwhelming. Fortunately, Saskatchewan law protects the rights of tenants living with disabilities. Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and available remedies is the first step toward a safer, more accessible rental experience.

Your Right to Accessibility in Saskatchewan Rentals

Under Saskatchewan’s The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 and The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords must not discriminate against tenants with disabilities, and are required to accommodate reasonable accessibility modifications, unless it would cause undue hardship.^[1],[2] Common accessibility requests include installing grab bars, ramps, handrails, or changing door handles.

Understanding What Landlords Can and Can’t Do

While landlords cannot refuse reasonable modification requests based on disability, they can set conditions relating to:

• Quality and professional installation of modifications
• Restoration of the rental unit to original condition upon move-out (at the tenant’s cost)
• Written permission and proper documentation

It’s important to communicate openly, document all requests, and keep a written record of correspondence with your landlord.

What To Do If Your Accessibility Modifications Are Denied

If you have been denied a request for necessary accessibility changes, you have several options:

• Clarify Your Request in Writing: Send a written letter or email explaining what modification you need, why it’s necessary, and (if possible) include a note from a medical professional. Attach supporting documents.
• Request Mediation: The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) offers mediation and dispute resolution services for tenants and landlords.
• File a Human Rights Complaint: File a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) if you believe you’ve been discriminated against based on disability.^[1]
• Apply to the ORT: If your landlord’s denial results in loss of benefit or damages, you may apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for an order.

Relevant Forms for Tenants

• Application for Hearing (ORT Form): Use this form if you want the Office of Residential Tenancies to review your case.
  Official Application for Hearing Form – Complete the form, include details of your modification request, the denial, and any supporting evidence.
  Keep copies of all submissions and evidence (letters, emails, medical notes) to support your case.
• Human Rights Complaint Form (SHRC): File this if you believe the denial was discriminatory.
  Start a Human Rights Complaint – Briefly explain what happened, when, and include any evidence.

Action Steps: How to Respond to a Denied Request

• Step 1: Document your initial accessibility request (date, details, any supporting letters).
• Step 2: Collect your landlord’s response and any related correspondence (such as emails or letters of refusal).
• Step 3: Attempt open communication—ask your landlord to reconsider and clarify their reasons.
• Step 4: If unresolved, prepare your evidence and submit the appropriate complaint or application (to the ORT or Human Rights Commission).
• Step 5: Attend the hearing or mediation session as required, presenting your evidence clearly and respectfully.

A fair and legal outcome depends on clear supporting evidence and following the correct process for submitting forms.

Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Both parties have duties when it comes to accessibility in Saskatchewan rentals. Tenants should:

• Make accessibility requests in writing, with proper documentation
• Arrange and pay for installation and removal unless otherwise agreed
• Restore the premises to the original state if required at the end of tenancy

Landlords are obligated to accommodate up to the point of "undue hardship." For more on legal duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Health and Safety Considerations

If the denial of modifications puts your health, safety, or dignity at risk, note that Saskatchewan law requires all rental units to be safe and in good repair. Learn more at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

For more Saskatchewan-specific information, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

For a broader selection of accessible rental listings, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—a helpful resource for tenants searching for the right accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord refuse an accessibility modification?
   Landlords in Saskatchewan generally cannot refuse reasonable accessibility modifications for tenants with disabilities unless it would cause them significant difficulty or expense (undue hardship). The reasons for denial must be legitimate and not simply for convenience.
2. Am I required to restore the property after making modifications?
   Yes, tenants are often required to return the unit to its original condition when moving out, unless the landlord agrees otherwise. This should be discussed and ideally put in writing before modifications are made.
3. What happens if my landlord retaliates after I request a modification?
   Retaliation (such as eviction threats or harassment) is prohibited under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code. Tenants can file a complaint if they experience this behavior.
4. Who pays for accessibility modifications in Saskatchewan rentals?
   Typically, the tenant requesting the modification pays for installation and removal, unless a different agreement is reached with the landlord.
5. Which agency handles disputes about accessibility in Saskatchewan?
   Disputes are handled by the Office of Residential Tenancies and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, depending on whether it’s a tenancy or discrimination issue.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Saskatchewan tenants have the right to request reasonable accessibility modifications in their rental homes.
• Keep documentation of requests, responses, and supporting evidence to support your case.
• If denied, you can contact the Office of Residential Tenancies or file a human rights complaint for further action.

Being informed makes it easier to resolve accessibility issues fairly and legally.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Provincial tribunal handling tenancy disputes
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – For discrimination and accommodation complaints
• Government of Saskatchewan – Renters and Tenants

---

1. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 (SHRC)
2. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy