Filing a Human Rights Complaint as a Tenant in Saskatchewan

As a tenant in Saskatchewan, you have the right to a home free from discrimination. If you've faced unfair treatment in your rental or shared accommodation, you may be able to file a human rights complaint under provincial law. This article guides you through your rights and the process involved, whether you rent an apartment alone or share housing with roommates.

Understanding Discrimination in Saskatchewan Rentals

Discrimination by a landlord or other occupants—such as in a roommate situation—can include unfair treatment because of your race, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or other protected grounds under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018^[1]. This applies to all renters, including those in shared accommodations like rooming houses, basement suites, or sublets.

Examples of Discrimination

• A landlord refuses to rent to you because of your ethnicity.
• A roommate evicts you after learning about your sexual orientation.
• A property manager denies reasonable accommodations for a disability.

In these cases, you may be able to file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC).

Your Tenant Rights in Saskatchewan

Tenants in Saskatchewan are protected from discrimination by both human rights law and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[2]. For a broader look at tenant and landlord rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Other Common Tenant Issues

Discrimination often accompanies other rental problems, such as repairs not being made or health and safety issues. For advice on addressing general tenant concerns, read Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Filing a Complaint: Step-by-Step Guide

You can file a human rights complaint if you believe you’ve experienced discrimination relating to your housing. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) handles these complaints for the province. Below is a summary of the process, with extra details in the How-To Steps at the end of this article.

Step 1: Collect Evidence

• Document events, dates, and interactions relevant to your complaint. Save emails, text messages, and letters.
• Identify witnesses who may be able to support your claims.

Step 2: File the Official Complaint Form

• Form Name: Human Rights Complaint Form – Housing (no number listed)
• Where to find it: SHRC Complaint Page
• How to use it: Complete the form with details of your discrimination experience. Describe what happened, who was involved, what grounds you believe were violated, and what steps (if any) you have taken to resolve the situation yourself.

Example: If your landlord denied you an apartment because you use a service animal, select the disability ground and provide your story with supporting evidence.

Step 3: Submit the Complaint

• You can submit your completed complaint form online, by mail, fax, or in person to the SHRC.
• The SHRC will review your case and determine if your complaint falls within their jurisdiction.

Step 4: Mediation and Investigation

• If accepted, the SHRC may try to resolve the dispute through mediation or may proceed with a formal investigation.
• If a solution is not reached, your complaint could go to a formal hearing.

For more information about your obligations and rights as a renter, especially if you have concerns about landlord responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Happens After You File?

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission will contact you for more information. They may propose mediation, launch an investigation, or, in rare cases, dismiss your complaint if it's outside of their jurisdiction.

• If mediation resolves your issue, a settlement agreement may be made.
• If there is a hearing, the outcome could include compensation or orders to stop the discrimination.

Remember that your other tenancy rights continue. You are protected from retaliation for filing a human rights complaint.

For more options on where to live, Browse apartments for rent in Canada to explore safe and inclusive rentals.

FAQs: Filing a Human Rights Complaint as a Tenant

1. What types of housing discrimination are covered by Saskatchewan law?
   Saskatchewan law protects tenants from discrimination based on various personal characteristics, including race, sex, disability, religion, family status, and sexual orientation.
2. How long do I have to file a human rights complaint?
   You generally have up to one year from the date the discrimination happened to file your complaint.
3. Do I need a lawyer to file a human rights complaint in Saskatchewan?
   No. The process is designed to be accessible, and the SHRC can guide you, but you may seek legal advice if desired.
4. Can multiple tenants or roommates file a complaint together?
   Yes, several people can file a joint complaint if they've faced the same discrimination from a landlord or property manager.
5. Will filing a complaint affect my tenancy?
   No. Landlords are not legally allowed to retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants

• You have strong protections against discrimination in housing and shared rentals in Saskatchewan.
• The SHRC provides a straightforward complaint process—be sure to gather evidence and file within one year.
• Use official forms and reach out to support organizations if you need help.

Stand up for your rights and don't hesitate to seek help or information as a tenant in Saskatchewan. For more on your rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – Complaint Process
• Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (Phone: 1-800-667-8577)
• Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Information
• Consider tenant advocacy groups, community legal clinics, or the Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan for guidance and support.

1. Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)