Emotional Support Animals in Saskatchewan Rentals: Tenant Rights Explained

Are you a renter in Saskatchewan wondering if landlords must allow emotional support animals (ESAs) in rental housing? This detailed guide outlines your rights, your landlord’s responsibilities, and what steps to take if you need an ESA in your home. We'll cover the applicable Saskatchewan laws, how to request accommodation, and how to resolve any disputes that may arise. This article is designed for tenants who want clarity and confidence navigating ESA issues in Saskatchewan rental properties.

Understanding Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Emotional support animals provide essential comfort and stability for people with mental health conditions or disabilities. While they are not the same as service animals (which are trained to perform specific tasks), ESAs can play a vital role in a tenant’s well-being. In Saskatchewan, the rules around ESAs and rental housing can be complex, but you have rights under human rights law.

Saskatchewan’s Laws on Emotional Support Animals

Provincial tenancy law does not specifically mention ESAs. However, tenants with a documented disability are protected from discrimination under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018. This means that if you need an ESA to help with a disability, your landlord may have a duty to accommodate, unless it causes them undue hardship (for example, risk to other tenants or significant damage to the property).

• The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission confirms that housing providers must accommodate tenants with support animals when medically necessary.
• The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 governs landlord-tenant relationships in Saskatchewan, but does not set out rules for ESAs specifically.

Summary: If you have documentation from a licensed health professional stating your need for an ESA due to a disability, your landlord generally cannot refuse based solely on a "no pets" policy.

Requesting an Emotional Support Animal: Forms and Documentation

Saskatchewan’s Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) does not provide a special form for ESA requests. However, tenants should take the following practical steps:

• Get a letter from a regulated health professional (such as a doctor or registered counselor), stating your disability and the need for an emotional support animal. No specific government form is required, but clear documentation is crucial.
• Submit your request and supporting documentation to your landlord in writing. Keep copies of everything for your records.
• If your landlord refuses or creates barriers to your accommodation, you may file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Complaint Intake Form. This form asks for your details, nature of complaint, and supporting documents.

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles general landlord-tenant disputes but not discrimination claims—they are reviewed by the Human Rights Commission.

What Landlords Can and Cannot Do

Landlords may only refuse your ESA if they can demonstrate undue hardship, such as:

• Serious health/allergy risks to other tenants
• Significant damage or safety risks
• Building bylaws prohibiting animals (only where no accommodation is possible)

They may request evidence from a health care professional, but cannot ask intrusive questions about your diagnosis. Once approved, the ESA must be under your care and not cause damage or disturbances.

Paying Pet Deposits or Extra Fees for ESAs

ESAs are an accommodation for disability, so tenants should not be charged a pet deposit or extra pet rent for an authorized emotional support animal.
If you have questions about Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know, review your lease terms as they relate to pets and human rights accommodations.

Unit Safety and Health Standards

Your landlord must continue to maintain the rental in a safe and healthy condition, even with an ESA present. Read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more information about maintaining suitable living conditions with support animals.

Dispute Resolution and Where to Get Help

If you and your landlord cannot agree, or if you face discrimination for your ESA:

• Try to resolve the issue directly, in writing
• If not resolved, file a human rights complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
• Contact a tenant advocacy service or legal clinic for advice

Looking for a new place that’s ESA-friendly? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings with search tools to filter pet-friendly options across Canada.

For a comprehensive look at local tenant protections, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Frequently Asked Questions About ESAs in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Do I need to disclose my disability to my landlord?
   You do not have to reveal your specific diagnosis—just provide a letter from a qualified professional confirming the need for an emotional support animal related to your disability.
2. Can my landlord charge me extra for having an emotional support animal?
   No. You should not be charged a pet deposit or extra pet rent if your ESA is an authorized accommodation for a disability.
3. What if another tenant is allergic to my ESA?
   The landlord must balance everyone’s rights. They may seek alternative accommodations for one or both tenants, but cannot automatically deny your ESA unless there’s no workable alternative and it causes undue hardship.
4. Who handles disputes about emotional support animals in rentals?
   Human rights complaints are handled by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, not the Office of Residential Tenancies.
5. Is my ESA allowed in all common areas of the building?
   Generally yes, unless reasonable alternatives can address specific risks. ESAs should not pose health or safety risks to others in shared spaces.

Key Takeaways: What Tenants Should Remember

• Landlords in Saskatchewan must usually accommodate emotional support animals for tenants with disabilities.
• Provide proper documentation from a licensed health professional to support your request.
• Understand the process for complaint and resolution if disputes arise.

Most ESA rental issues can be resolved with clear communication and documentation. Know your rights and reach out for help if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) – For complaints and information on ESAs and accommodations
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – For general landlord-tenant disputes and guidance
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (full legislation)
• Local legal clinics or tenant advocacy services provide free or low-cost advice

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1. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018: Read the full statute here
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Read the full act here
3. Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission - Service and Support Animals: Official guide
4. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Official tenant info

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