Handling Housing Discrimination as a Tenant in Saskatchewan

Discrimination in housing can be an overwhelming experience, especially for tenants in shared or roommate situations. In Saskatchewan, it is illegal for landlords or roommates to treat you unfairly based on personal characteristics like race, religion, gender, family status, or disability. This article explains your rights under the law, how to take action, and where to find support if you face housing discrimination in Saskatchewan.

What Is Housing Discrimination?

Housing discrimination happens when a landlord or another tenant treats you unfairly due to a personal characteristic protected by law. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 prohibits discrimination in renting or living arrangements based on:

• Race or colour
• Nationality or place of origin
• Religion
• Age
• Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Marital or family status
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Receipt of public assistance

Examples of discrimination include being denied a room or apartment because of your ethnicity, being harassed about your religion, or facing unfair rules that impact families with children.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Shared Housing

Whether renting an entire home or just a room, you are protected from discrimination. Landlords and roommates cannot legally:

• Refuse to rent to you or evict you based on a protected personal trait
• Set different terms—like charging higher rent—due to your identity
• Allow a hostile or unsafe environment because of discrimination or harassment

Understanding your rights helps you respond confidently if issues arise. For more about tenant protections, see the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan page.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

Acting quickly can help protect your rights and document your experience if you face unfair treatment in your rental or shared home. Here are the recommended steps:

• Stay calm and clearly document what happened (write down dates, times, names, and details about conversations or actions).
• Keep copies of all communications (texts, emails, letters, photos).
• Let the landlord know, in writing, that the conduct or decision seems discriminatory.
• Contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) if you face consequences like eviction or denial of rental.
• File a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC).

Filing a Human Rights Complaint

The SHRC is responsible for investigating discrimination complaints in Saskatchewan. Their complaint process is free and confidential.

• Form Name: Public Complaint Form
• When to Use: If you believe your rights under the Human Rights Code have been violated in a rental housing context.
• How to Use: Describe what happened, when, and why you believe it was discrimination. The SHRC will review and may investigate your claim.
• Access the Public Complaint Form from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission

It typically takes several weeks for the Commission to review and respond, but you may be contacted for more details or supporting documents. Resolving complaints can take several months.

Other Practical Steps for Tenants

If discrimination leads to threats of eviction or changes in your tenancy, you may need to communicate formally with your landlord. Knowing Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained can help you understand what landlords are (and are not) allowed to do.

You can also consider exploring Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them, as these may overlap with experiences of discrimination, especially around maintenance, rent payment, or shared living issues.

Saskatchewan's Residential Tenancies Law & Tribunals

Your tenancy in Saskatchewan—whether in a private apartment or shared house—is regulated by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) resolves disputes between landlords and tenants, including some issues involving discrimination (such as wrongful eviction).

For certain matters—like when discrimination results in eviction—you might also need to address your issue through the ORT process in addition to or instead of the Human Rights Commission.

If you are looking for a new place or want to review rental options, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Tenant Questions About Housing Discrimination

1. What counts as discrimination in Saskatchewan rental housing?
   Any negative treatment—such as being refused a place to live or being harassed—because of characteristics like race, religion, age, or disability. Both landlords and roommates can be held responsible.
2. Who do I contact first if I am discriminated against?
   The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission handles discrimination complaints. For tenancy-related actions like eviction, also contact the Office of Residential Tenancies.
3. Can my landlord evict me for complaining about discrimination?
   No. It is retaliation and a violation of your rights if a landlord evicts you for asserting your legal protections.
4. What evidence should I collect before filing a complaint?
   Write down every incident, save all correspondence, and gather supporting documents, such as rental ads or witness statements, if possible.
5. Is there a deadline for filing a discrimination complaint?
   Yes. You generally must file your complaint within one year from when the incident took place.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants

• Discrimination in housing is illegal in Saskatchewan—know your protected rights and act if needed.
• If you experience discrimination, document details and file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
• Seek additional help from the Office of Residential Tenancies if your tenancy is affected.

Being aware of your legal options and supports can help you respond to unfair treatment and protect your right to safe, equitable housing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (complaints/information)
• Office of Residential Tenancies Saskatchewan (rental dispute resolution)
• Saskatchewan Government – Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
• For a summary of your legal rights, visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan page.

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

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