Employment Letters & Rental Application Rules for Saskatchewan Tenants

If you’re applying for a rental in Saskatchewan, you may be asked for proof of employment or income. Understanding the rules about employment letters and rental applications can help you protect your rights, avoid discrimination, and ensure a smooth renting process.

Who Can Ask for Employment Letters or Income Verification?

Landlords in Saskatchewan may ask prospective tenants for proof of employment, an employment letter, or proof of income as part of the rental application process. This information is typically used to confirm you can afford the rent. However, there are limits on what landlords may ask and how they can use this information.

What Can Landlords Ask On a Rental Application?

Landlords can request reasonable information to assess your suitability as a tenant. Commonly requested items include:

• Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
• A letter from your employer, pay stubs, or benefit statements
• References from previous landlords
• Credit checks (with your written consent)

It’s against the law for landlords to ask questions that violate your rights under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018, such as questions about your race, religion, family status, or disability.

What is an Employment Letter?

An employment letter is a document from your workplace confirming your job status, title, income, and duration of employment. It may be needed to show your ability to pay rent. If you are self-employed or do not have conventional employment, you can provide tax documents or benefit statements instead.

Rental Application Rules and Discrimination

Saskatchewan landlords must follow fair housing and anti-discrimination laws during the rental application process. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission enforces these rules. Landlords cannot refuse your application for reasons including:

• Race, colour, ancestry, nationality, or place of origin
• Religion or creed
• Sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity
• Family status or marital status
• Disability (including mental or physical illness)
• Source of income (e.g., social assistance, disability benefits, or pension)

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

Key Forms and Where to Find Them

There is no standard provincial form for rental applications in Saskatchewan. However, landlords often use their own or third-party application forms. You should be provided with copies of any documents you sign. If a security deposit is required, you may find useful information in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

If You're Asked for Income You Don't Want to Share

You aren’t required to disclose more information than reasonably necessary for the landlord to determine your ability to pay rent. If you’re concerned about privacy or discrimination, you could:

• Offer alternative proof of income
• Provide references
• Ask why a specific document is needed

Tenant Rights and the Application Process

When applying for a rental, your rights are protected by The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) and The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.¹ These rules apply from the moment you apply, throughout your tenancy, up to moving out. For more information on landlord and tenant rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application?

Once you submit your application, landlords will review your information and may follow up for clarifications. If you’re approved, you’ll be asked to sign a rental agreement and provide a security deposit—typically up to one month’s rent.²

For more on what’s involved after you’ve signed your lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement. When searching for a place, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—an option for comparing policies between listings.

FAQ: Employment Letters & Application Rules for Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Can a landlord refuse my application if I’m on social assistance?
   Saskatchewan landlords cannot reject tenants simply because their income comes from social assistance, disability benefits, or pensions. This would be considered discrimination under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018.
2. What if I don’t have a traditional job? Can I still apply?
   Yes. If you’re self-employed, a student, or retired, provide alternate proof like tax returns, scholarship letters, or benefit statements. Landlords must consider all legal sources of income.
3. Is it legal for a landlord to ask for a credit check?
   Yes, but you must consent in writing before a landlord can perform a credit check. You can also offer other proof of ability to pay, such as an employment letter or bank statement.
4. Does submitting a rental application guarantee I’ll get the unit?
   No. Landlords may consider multiple applications. However, their selection must not be discriminatory, and if you pay a deposit, rules about refunds may apply.
5. Where can I get help if I think I’ve been discriminated against?
   Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission or the Office of Residential Tenancies for guidance on filing a complaint or resolving disputes.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants

• You may be asked for an employment letter or income proof when applying to rent, but you have privacy and anti-discrimination rights.
• Landlords must follow fair housing laws—your source of income or family status cannot be used against you.
• Seek help from official bodies if you feel your rights were violated, and always keep copies of your application documents.

With this knowledge, Saskatchewan tenants can apply for rentals with confidence and protect themselves from unfair treatment.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Government of Saskatchewan – Renting and Leasing
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Handles applications, disputes, and questions about rental laws.
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: For discrimination complaints during the rental process.
• See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for a more detailed breakdown of provincial regulations.

---

1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Government of Saskatchewan – Renting and Leasing: Rights and Responsibilities

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy