Discrimination in rental housing, including shared and roommate arrangements, is a serious issue in Saskatchewan. As a tenant, you have rights when seeking or occupying housing, regardless of your immigration status. This article explains what the law says, what to watch for if you share a home, and your options if you experience unfair treatment.
Immigration Status and Discrimination: What the Law Says in Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 protects tenants against certain forms of discrimination. But, for shared housing or roommate situations, you are often covered by provincial human rights law rather than tenancy law alone.
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code prohibits landlords and roommate seekers from denying accommodation based on your country of origin, citizenship, or other grounds—including race, religion, and gender. However, "immigration status" as a unique ground may not always apply the same way as other protected categories. If you possess a valid visa, study permit, or work permit, you have the right to fair treatment when renting in Saskatchewan, including in shared housing arrangements.
Examples of Discrimination in Shared Housing
- Advertising rooms with phrases like "no international students" or "Canadian citizens only"
- Refusing your application after you reveal you are a newcomer or on a temporary permit
- Asking for extra deposits, proof, or guarantees not required for other Canadian tenants
If you've encountered these situations, understand that you are not alone, and help is available.
Your Rights, Rental Applications, and the Role of Roommates and Landlords
When searching for shared housing in Saskatchewan, landlords and even other tenants looking for roommates must follow the law. They may:
- Ask for standard identification, proof of ability to pay rent, or references
- Request information related to residential tenancy screening, as permitted by law
They may not:
- Reject your application solely because of your immigration status or nationality
- Deny a rental based on stereotypes or generalizations
- Impose different rental conditions, such as higher deposits or rent
For more details on the rights and responsibilities of all parties in Saskatchewan, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.
What If You Experience Discrimination?
If you believe you've been treated unfairly, consider these steps:
- Document all communications (texts, emails, ads)
- Politely ask the landlord or roommate to clarify their decision in writing
- Reach out to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) to discuss your options
The SHRC oversees complaints about housing discrimination. They offer an online complaint form ("Complaint Form") which you can use to start an inquiry.
Official Forms and How to Use Them
Filing a Human Rights Complaint:
- Form: Complaint Form (File a Complaint)
- Use Case: If you are denied a room or rental based on your immigration status (or another protected ground), fill out this form online or print and submit it to the SHRC.
- Tip: Summarize your experience and submit evidence like messages or application rejections.
Residential Tenancies Disputes: If your discrimination relates to issues like eviction, deposits, or contract disputes, the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles applications using their standard forms. For example, an “Application for Hearing” form may be used to dispute unfair eviction related to discrimination.
Practical Tenant Advice
If shared accommodation issues extend to general rental rights, such as repairs, deposits, or contracts, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for further guidance. And if you need to move due to an unsafe environment, check our moving out tips for a smooth transition.
No matter where you're from or your status in Canada, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme that welcome all backgrounds and offer diverse shared housing options.
FAQ: Discrimination and Immigration Status in Saskatchewan Rentals
- Can a landlord or roommate reject me just because of my immigration status?
Generally, landlords or roommate-seekers cannot refuse accommodation solely due to your immigration status, especially if it is a proxy for protected grounds like nationality or citizenship. - What should I do if I see a rental ad that says 'Canadians only'?
Document the advertisement and report it to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, as it may violate anti-discrimination laws. - If denied a room, how quickly should I file a human rights complaint?
File as soon as possible. There are time limits (usually within one year); the process starts by filling out the SHRC online complaint form. - Do anti-discrimination rules apply to all roommate situations?
Most shared housing is covered, but if the owner lives on the property and shares kitchen/bath, some exemptions may apply under the Human Rights Code. Always check with SHRC. - Where can I learn more about my general tenant rights in Saskatchewan?
Our Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan page provides a full legal summary for tenants and landlords.
Summary: Key Takeaways for Tenants
- Discrimination based on nationality or citizenship is not allowed under Saskatchewan law, even in roommate situations.
- Document discrimination issues, seek advice, and use official complaint forms if needed.
- The SHRC and the ORT can both help, depending on your situation.
In summary, know your rights and speak up if you face housing discrimination in Saskatchewan.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: Handles housing discrimination complaints and provides resources.
- Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): For disputes about rental contracts, deposits, or eviction.
- Government of Saskatchewan – Renting and Leasing: Official guides, forms, and tenant support.
- Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, SS 1979, c S-24.1, View Saskatchewan Human Rights Code
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, SS 2006, c R-22.0001, View Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – How to File a Complaint
- Government of Saskatchewan – Renting and Leasing Information
