Discrimination & Accessibility Tenant FAQs in Saskatchewan

If you're a tenant in Saskatchewan concerned about discrimination or accessibility in rental housing, you’re not alone. Understanding your legal rights can help you ensure fair treatment and safe, accessible living conditions. This guide covers frequently asked questions about tenant rights regarding discrimination and accessibility, recent legal changes, official forms, and where to find trusted help in Saskatchewan.

Your Rights Against Discrimination in Saskatchewan Rentals

Under Saskatchewan law, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on certain protected characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or family status. These protections apply to all stages of renting—from viewing a unit, to signing the lease, and even during your tenancy.

• If you believe you've been denied a rental or treated unfairly due to a protected ground, you can file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
• The The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 also requires landlords to treat tenants fairly and equally.¹

Both application processes and existing tenancies are protected by antidiscrimination law. For a more detailed look at broader tenant and landlord obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Accessibility and Duty to Accommodate in Saskatchewan Housing

Landlords have a duty to accommodate tenants with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship (a significant difficulty or expense). This includes reasonable modifications, like installing grab bars or allowing service animals, to ensure equal access to housing.

• Your request should be made in writing and may require documentation to show the need for accommodation.
• Landlords are legally required to work with you to find solutions that preserve your dignity and independence.

If you experience barriers related to physical accessibility or discriminatory policies, you can seek advice from the Human Rights Commission or file a formal complaint.

How to File a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

In Saskatchewan, discrimination and accessibility complaints regarding rental housing are handled by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. Residential tenancy disputes (like repairs or evictions) are overseen by the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).

• If your issue relates to housing discrimination, complete the Complaint Form (Human Rights) available from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission website. You will need to describe your situation and the actions you have taken.
• For accessibility changes or disputes about accommodations, you may also use the above complaint process. In some cases, reaching a solution directly with your landlord is possible and is often encouraged before filing a formal complaint.

For rental contract, eviction, or repair-related issues, the ORT provides its own application forms, such as the Application for a Hearing if you wish to resolve your dispute through the tribunal. Access forms directly at the ORT website.²

Repair, Safety, and Accessibility Standards

Tenants have the right to live in safe, well-maintained, and accessible homes. If your rental’s physical environment presents barriers to mobility or doesn’t meet health and safety standards, your landlord must address them.

• Document accessibility issues (e.g., broken ramps, inaccessible entrances) and submit written maintenance requests to your landlord first.
• If the landlord does not act, consider filing an application with the ORT for orders to remedy unsafe or inaccessible conditions.

For more about resolving common rental issues, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Be proactive—write down details and keep records of all communication whenever you face accessibility or discrimination issues. This will greatly help your application or complaint.

Looking for Accessible Housing in Saskatchewan?

Accessibility requirements differ between buildings. If you’re searching for homes that meet your needs, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and filter your search for accessible or pet-friendly features.

For a province-specific overview of tenant protections, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan to ensure you understand your legal foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of my disability or if I have children?
   No. This is prohibited by Saskatchewan law. Landlords cannot refuse applicants based on disabilities, family status, or other protected grounds. If you face discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
2. Am I required to prove my disability to ask for an accessibility accommodation?
   You may need to provide supporting documentation, such as a medical note, but only as much as is necessary to support your request for a reasonable accommodation.
3. What should I do if my landlord ignores repair requests for accessibility barriers?
   Document the issue and your communications. If unresolved, you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for an order to remedy the situation, or make a complaint to the Human Rights Commission if it involves discrimination.
4. Who handles complaints about discrimination in rental housing in Saskatchewan?
   The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission handles these complaints. The Office of Residential Tenancies manages rental contract disputes, repairs, and eviction matters.
5. Can my landlord increase my rent or evict me for requesting an accommodation?
   No, retaliating against a tenant for exercising legal rights is not allowed. If this happens, capture all documentation and consider filing a complaint with the Human Rights Commission or seeking help from tenant organizations.

How To: Filing a Discrimination Complaint in Saskatchewan

1. How do I file a discrimination complaint about my rental situation?
   Complete the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission’s Complaint Form and submit it online, by mail, or in person. Clearly describe your experience and attach supporting documents if available.
2. How do I request an accessibility accommodation from my landlord?
   Put your request in writing. State what you need and why. Provide any required documentation. Give your landlord a reasonable time to respond.
3. How do I apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for an order to remedy an accessibility issue?
   Fill out the ORT’s Application for a Hearing form. Submit it along with any evidence. The ORT will schedule a hearing and notify both you and your landlord.

Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants

• Landlords must not discriminate against tenants based on protected characteristics.
• Accessible housing accommodations are a right; landlords have a duty to reasonably accommodate disabilities unless undue hardship is proven.
• Use official complaint forms and keep records of all interactions if you face issues.

Stay informed and act early. Saskatchewan offers legal protections so every tenant can enjoy safe, accessible, and discrimination-free housing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): For hearings, forms, and rental disputes
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: Complaint process and advice on discrimination and accessibility issues
• Saskatchewan Tenant & Housing Resources: Advocacy and support
• Government of Saskatchewan - Human Rights & Tenancies: Overview of laws and guidance

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies - Official Forms and Information
3. Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission

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