Eviction Notices and Emergency Orders in Saskatchewan

Tenants in Saskatchewan may face eviction notices or emergency orders that affect their housing quickly. This guide explains what common notices mean, how emergency orders work, and practical steps renters can take to protect their rights. It covers timelines, required paperwork, when to communicate with your landlord, and when to involve the Office of Residential Tenancies. The language is plain and focused on actions a renter can follow, such as documenting problems, responding to notices, and applying for review. If you are worried about losing your home or need to act fast after receiving a notice, these clear steps will help you understand options and prepare the documents officials expect.

What are eviction notices and emergency orders?

An eviction notice is a formal document from a landlord telling a tenant to remedy a problem or move out by a certain date. An emergency order may be issued when there is an immediate threat to health, safety, or habitability and may require urgent repair or vacating part or all of a unit. In Saskatchewan these processes are overseen by the Office of Residential Tenancies ^[1] and governed by provincial legislation such as the Residential Tenancies Act ^[2]. Follow timelines and preserve records to protect your rights.

Types of eviction notices in Saskatchewan

• Non-payment of rent: a notice to pay outstanding rent or face termination of tenancy within a set deadline.
• Serious breach or nuisance: a notice for behaviour that materially interferes with other tenants or the property that can lead to eviction.
• Illegal activity: notices related to illegal use of the rental unit that can prompt immediate action.
• End of tenancy or fixed-term expiry: a notice to vacate at the end of a lease term if the landlord provides proper notice.

Emergency orders and habitability issues

Emergency orders can address issues like loss of heat, major water leaks, or structural hazards. If a situation endangers health or safety, tenants should notify the landlord in writing and keep copies of messages and photos. For repair-related emergencies see guidance on emergency repairs and obligations, including how to escalate unresolved emergencies to the tribunal or municipal authorities. You can also review tenant guidance on emergency repairs for more detail: Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

What official forms and steps are used?

Saskatchewan provides online resources and forms for tenants and landlords. Common official items include notices and application forms used to request a hearing or an order from the Office of Residential Tenancies. Use the official tenancy forms page to find templates for notices and applications, and follow the instruction pages for submission details ^[3].

How to respond to a notice

Take practical, time-sensitive steps after you receive any eviction notice:

• Note the deadline on the notice and mark the calendar or set reminders.
• Gather evidence: photos, dated repair requests, receipts, text messages and names of witnesses.
• Contact the landlord in writing to try to resolve the issue, and keep a copy of that communication.
• If you cannot resolve it, file the appropriate application with the Office of Residential Tenancies before the deadline.

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FAQ

What should I do first if I receive an eviction notice?

Read the notice carefully, note the deadline, keep a copy, and start collecting any evidence related to the reason named in the notice. Try to communicate with your landlord in writing to clarify or resolve the situation.

Can a landlord evict me without a hearing?

No. In Saskatchewan a landlord generally needs an order from the Office of Residential Tenancies or a court to legally evict; follow the process in the notice and file a response or application if required.

When is an emergency order appropriate?

An emergency order is for urgent health or safety risks such as no heat in winter, major water intrusion, or structural danger; these orders can require immediate repairs or temporary vacating.

How-To

1. Read the notice and confirm the date by which you must act.
2. Collect and organise evidence: photos, receipts, messages and witness names.
3. Contact the landlord in writing to try to resolve the issue and propose realistic steps.
4. If unresolved, complete and submit the appropriate application to the Office of Residential Tenancies and attend any scheduled hearing.

Help and Support / Resources

• Office of Residential Tenancies, Government of Saskatchewan
• Tenancy forms and templates, Government of Saskatchewan
• Residential Tenancies Act (Saskatchewan) text and summary

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1. [1] Office of Residential Tenancies, Government of Saskatchewan
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (Saskatchewan)
3. [3] Tenancy forms, Government of Saskatchewan