Discrimination and Accessibility Rights for Saskatchewan Tenants

As a tenant in Saskatchewan, it’s essential to understand your rights around discrimination and accessibility. The province’s laws safeguard renters from unfair treatment based on protected characteristics and set clear standards for accessibility in residential rentals. This guide breaks down your rights, how to recognize illegal discrimination, and what actions to take if those rights are violated, so you feel supported in your rental journey.

Understanding Discrimination in Saskatchewan Rentals

Discrimination in housing means being treated unfairly or denied opportunities because of personal characteristics protected by law. In Saskatchewan, it’s illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants based on:

• Race, ancestry, or place of origin
• Religion or creed
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
• Marital or family status
• Disability
• Age (18 or over)
• Source of income (legal income)

These protections are outlined under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018¹ as well as the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006². If you feel you’ve been denied a rental, evicted, or harassed for any of these reasons, you may have experienced illegal discrimination.

Examples of Discrimination

• A landlord refusing to rent to you because of your ethnicity or religion
• Advertising that a unit is “not suitable for children” unless justified by building type
• Refusing reasonable modifications for tenants with disabilities

Learn more about your overall rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Accessibility in Rental Housing

Every Saskatchewan tenant with a disability has the right to request reasonable accommodations in their home. The law requires landlords to work with you to ensure you can access and enjoy your rental, unless it causes the landlord undue hardship (serious difficulty or cost).

• Installing grab bars, ramps, or visual/alerting systems
• Allowing service animals, even in "no pet" buildings
• Permitting accessibility upgrades at your own expense

Tip: Always make accommodation requests in writing and keep records of all correspondence.

Health and Safety and Accessibility

Your landlord is required to keep the unit safe and liveable for all tenants—including accessible features where needed. To learn more about your right to a healthy and safe home, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Address Discrimination and Request Accessibility Changes

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against or your accessibility needs are unmet, there are clear steps you can take:

1. Communicate with Your Landlord: Explain your concern and request changes in writing.
2. Keep Documentation: Save all communications, notices, and responses.
3. Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC): If the issue isn’t resolved, file a complaint with the SHRC.
4. Apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): For matters related to tenancy rights, like evictions or repairs, apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies, Saskatchewan’s tribunal for landlord and tenant disputes.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Complaint Form: Use if you believe a landlord discriminated against you for a prohibited reason.
  • Example: You apply for an apartment and are refused based on your disability. File the form at Lodge a Complaint – SHRC.
• ORT Application Form (Form 7: Application for Resolution): Use if you have a dispute, such as a landlord refusing to make accessibility-related repairs or modifications.
  • Example: Your landlord doesn’t allow the installation of a needed ramp. Apply with Form 7 at ORT - Application Form.

What If My Rights as a Tenant Are Ignored?

If landlords persistently refuse accommodations, harass, or attempt to evict you for protected reasons, you can pursue action against them. Document everything, seek advice, and don’t hesitate to make formal complaints or apply to the ORT.

For further housing information, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and find accessible rental homes across Canada.

FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children or receive social assistance?
   No. Refusal based on family status or source of legal income is a protected ground under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.
2. What should I do if my landlord won’t allow modifications for my disability?
   Submit a written request. If refused, you can file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission or apply to the ORT using Form 7.
3. Are service animals allowed in no-pet rental buildings?
   Yes, a landlord must allow a certified service animal as a reasonable accommodation for a disability, regardless of building policy.
4. Who do I contact for tenancy disputes in Saskatchewan?
   The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles tenancy matters and disputes between tenants and landlords.
5. Where can I see more details about tenant rights in Saskatchewan?
   Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for a comprehensive overview.

How To: File a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint in Saskatchewan

1. How do I file a human rights complaint as a tenant?
   Complete the SHRC Complaint Form online at the official portal and submit supporting documents about your experience.
2. How do I apply to the ORT for tenant disputes?
   Fill out Form 7: Application for Resolution, explaining the dispute, and submit it via the ORT application process.
3. What evidence supports my accessibility request?
   Provide medical letters or documentation showing your need for modification or accommodation. Keep all written interactions with your landlord.
4. How should I document possible discrimination?
   Record dates, times, names, and exact details of all incidents. Save texts, emails, and notes about phone calls or meetings.

Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants

• You are protected from discrimination by provincial law as a tenant.
• Landlords must consider reasonable accessibility accommodations.
• File complaints with the SHRC or ORT if your rights are ignored.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – Information, advice, and complaints about discrimination.
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Applications and information on tenant-landlord disputes.
• Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Information – Government guides and legislation.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

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