Discrimination & Accessibility in Saskatchewan Rentals: A Guide for New Tenants

Moving into a new rental can be stressful, especially if you are unsure about your rights in Saskatchewan regarding discrimination and accessibility. Whether you are concerned about equal treatment or need accommodations for a disability, understanding the law as it applies to tenants can help you feel confident and secure in your new home.

What is Discrimination in Saskatchewan Rental Housing?

Discrimination occurs when a landlord or property manager treats someone unfairly—or denies them housing—based on certain personal characteristics. In Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code protects tenants from discrimination on grounds such as:

• Race, colour, nationality, or place of origin
• Religion or creed
• Sex (including pregnancy)
• Gender identity or sexual orientation
• Age
• Marital or family status
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Receipt of public assistance

If you are denied a rental or treated unfairly during your tenancy because of any of these factors, it may be considered discrimination under the law. Discrimination can also include a landlord failing to provide reasonable accommodations for your needs (for example, not allowing a service animal for someone with a disability).

Your Accessibility Rights as a New Tenant

Accessibility in rental housing means that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to rent, use, and enjoy their homes. Landlords are legally required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities unless it would cause undue hardship (such as very high costs or safety issues).

Practical examples of accommodations may include:

• Permitting guide or service animals—even if there is a 'no pets' policy
• Adjusting common areas to improve wheelchair access
• Allowing a transfer to an accessible unit if one becomes available

Related Tenant Responsibilities

As a tenant, you also have responsibilities—such as maintaining your unit and following building rules. To fully understand your duties and how they relate to your rights, review the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained page.

How the Law Protects You

Two main laws safeguard your rights in Saskatchewan:

• The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – Governs landlord-tenant relationships, including duties and procedures¹
• The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code – Prohibits discrimination in housing²

For more details on these rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Forms and How to Address Discrimination or Accessibility Issues

If you believe your landlord or property manager has discriminated against you or refused a reasonable accessibility accommodation, there are steps you can take:

• Keep records: Document all communications and incidents.
• Contact your landlord: Explain your concern in writing and request a prompt resolution.
• Apply to the Human Rights Commission: Use the Human Rights Complaint Form to report discrimination. This form is available from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission website. For example, if you are denied an apartment because you use a wheelchair, you can file this complaint form.
• Get help from the Office of Residential Tenancies: This tribunal handles disputes related to rental law, including issues that may arise alongside a human rights complaint. Their official site is the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).³

What Accommodations are Considered Reasonable?

Reasonable accommodations are changes or modifications that do not cause the landlord undue hardship. Landlords are not expected to take on very significant costs or disrupt the safety of others, but many modifications are straightforward—such as allowing assistive devices or changing parking arrangements.

Request changes in writing and give your landlord reasonable time to respond. If unsure, contact the Human Rights Commission for advice.

Health and Safety Concerns

If accessibility or discrimination issues affect your safety (for example, blocked emergency exits for a tenant with a mobility device), review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for additional guidance.

For anyone looking for a new, accessible place to live, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada and filter for accessibility features on trusted platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to accommodate my disability?
   If a landlord refuses reasonable accommodation, document your request and response, then consider filing a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission or the Office of Residential Tenancies.
2. Can a landlord deny me an apartment because I have children?
   No, family status is a protected ground in Saskatchewan, meaning landlords cannot deny housing because you have children.
3. Is my landlord allowed to ask for medical information for my accessibility request?
   Landlords may ask for enough information to verify the need for accommodation, but they cannot demand detailed medical diagnoses.
4. What is considered 'undue hardship' for a landlord?
   If accommodating your request would cost the landlord a large amount of money or seriously affect the safety of others, it might be considered undue hardship. Each case is unique and assessed individually.
5. Where can I find a summary of tenant rights specific to Saskatchewan?
   You can review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for a comprehensive overview.

How to File a Human Rights Complaint in Saskatchewan

1. Collect Documentation: Gather emails, letters, and notes about any discrimination or denial of accessibility requests.
2. Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form: Access the form on the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission website. Fill it out clearly, providing specific examples.
3. Submit Your Form: Send your completed form by mail, email, fax, or use the online submission portal.
4. Wait for Intake: The Human Rights Commission will contact you about next steps, which may include further information gathering or mediation.

The process is designed to be straightforward, but you can always contact tenant advocacy services if you need help.

Key Takeaways

• Saskatchewan law protects tenants against discrimination and requires reasonable accessibility accommodations.
• Keep records and communicate concerns in writing if you experience issues.
• Both the Human Rights Commission and the Office of Residential Tenancies can help if your rights are not respected.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – For discrimination and accessibility complaints and information
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Handles rental disputes and provides tenant guidance
• Government of Saskatchewan – Renting and Leasing – Official tenant resources
• For practical advice and updates, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Full text here
2. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code (Parts and details on housing): See details here
3. Office of Residential Tenancies – Saskatchewan Tribunal: Contact and forms

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