If you are a renter in Saskatchewan who suspects you were refused housing, treated differently, or denied services because of a protected characteristic, you have options to raise a formal complaint. This guide explains how tenants can identify discrimination, gather evidence, complete official complaint forms, and contact provincial bodies that handle housing discrimination. It covers both the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission process and how the Office of Residential Tenancies may be relevant, plus practical tips so tenants can act promptly and keep records that strengthen their case.
What counts as housing discrimination in Saskatchewan
Housing discrimination happens when a landlord, property manager, or housing provider treats someone unfairly for reasons that are protected by law (for example, race, religion, family status, disability, or gender identity). Examples include refusing to rent to a qualified applicant because of a protected trait, imposing different rules on certain tenants, or denying reasonable accommodation for a disability.
Where to file
The primary place to file a housing discrimination complaint is the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. They handle allegations that a person was discriminated against in housing under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and can accept a written complaint or guide you through an intake process.[1]
Some tenancy concerns that overlap with discrimination (for example, refusal to repair or illegal eviction tied to a protected characteristic) may also involve the Office of Residential Tenancies, which enforces the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 in Saskatchewan. You can raise habitability or eviction issues there while also pursuing a human rights complaint if discrimination is part of the problem.[2]
Preparing your complaint
- Gather evidence: keep emails, texts, written notices, photos, or screenshots that show the discriminatory act or unequal treatment.
- Create a clear timeline: note dates, times, locations and names of people involved so your complaint tells a chronological story.
- Collect witness statements: ask neighbours or others who saw or heard relevant incidents to write short statements you can attach.
- Keep financial records: rent receipts, deposit records, or invoices can show impacts like extra charges or withheld services.
Official forms and when to use them
Human Rights Complaint Form (Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission) — This is the standard form or online intake used to start a discrimination investigation. Use it when you believe treatment was based on a protected characteristic; for example, if a landlord refused to rent because of a disability, complete the complaint form and include supporting documents and a timeline.[1]
Residential Tenancies applications and forms (Office of Residential Tenancies) — These forms address tenancy-specific disputes like unlawful eviction, failure to repair, or disputes about rent or deposits. If the problem involves habitability or eviction that also appears discriminatory, file the appropriate residential tenancies application and note the discriminatory facts in your evidence package.[2]
How the process usually works
After you submit a human rights complaint, the Commission reviews intake information and may try early resolution or mediation. If mediation is not appropriate or successful, the Commission may investigate the complaint and, if there is sufficient evidence, refer the matter to a hearing process. The residential tenancies route uses adjudication or tribunal hearings for tenancy-specific claims under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
What to expect at each stage
- Intake contact: an intake officer may call to clarify the complaint and explain next steps.
- Mediation or early resolution: many cases are resolved informally with agreements or remedies.
- Investigation and hearing: if not resolved, there may be formal investigation and an adjudicative hearing with decisions that can order remedies.
FAQ
- Who handles housing discrimination complaints in Saskatchewan?
- The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission is the main body that handles housing discrimination complaints under the Human Rights Code; tenancy-specific disputes may also go through the Office of Residential Tenancies.
- What information should I include in a complaint?
- Include your contact details, the respondent's details (landlord or property manager), a clear timeline of events, the protected ground you believe applies, and all supporting documents or witness statements.
- Can I file with both the Human Rights Commission and the Office of Residential Tenancies?
- Yes. You can file a human rights complaint about discrimination and also use residential tenancies forms for habitability or eviction issues; both processes can proceed concurrently if appropriate.
How-To
- Collect and organize evidence: assemble messages, photos, receipts, and witness notes into a single folder.
- Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission for intake guidance and to confirm the correct form to use.
- Complete and submit the Human Rights Complaint Form with attachments and a clear timeline of events.
- If relevant, file an application with the Office of Residential Tenancies describing tenancy issues and include any discriminatory facts as evidence.
- Participate in mediation or hearings and keep copies of all correspondence and decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Keep detailed, dated records of every incident and communication related to the issue.
- Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission early to understand filing options.
- You can pursue human rights and tenancy routes at the same time when both apply.
Help and Support / Resources
- Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – Filing a complaint
- Office of Residential Tenancies – Residential tenancies
- Government of Saskatchewan – Housing and property
For help finding a rental or moving after resolving tenancy issues, you can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to review current listings and neighbourhood options.
