Housing Discrimination Cases: Saskatchewan Legal Precedents

Every tenant deserves equal treatment when searching for or living in rental housing in Saskatchewan. However, discrimination in housing still occurs, prompting several important legal cases and decisions. This article explores key Saskatchewan case studies, tribunal processes, and what tenants can do if they believe they've faced discrimination. Understanding these legal precedents can empower you to defend your rights.

What Constitutes Housing Discrimination in Saskatchewan?

In Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 protects renters from discrimination based on characteristics like race, religion, gender, disability, family status, and more^[1]. This means landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict, or treat you unfairly because of these protected grounds.

• Refusing to rent to a family with children
• Denying a unit to someone because of their ethnicity or Indigenous background
• Offering different rental terms based on gender or religion

Discrimination can be direct (an outright refusal) or systemic, where policies seem neutral but disproportionately affect a group.

The Official Tribunal: Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)

Residential tenancy disputes, including certain discrimination cases, may be handled by Saskatchewan's Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT). For more serious human rights matters, cases are usually decided by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC).^[2]

For most disputes on rental contracts, repairs, or evictions, tenants and landlords engage with the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan page for more details on provincial processes.

Recent Saskatchewan Case Studies: How Discrimination is Addressed

Reviewing legal decisions helps clarify how law is applied to real-life rental situations. Here are a couple of key examples from Saskatchewan decisions:

Case 1: Discrimination Due to Family Status

In a past case at the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, a landlord refused to rent to a single mother with young children, stating a preference for 'adults only.' The tribunal found this violated the Code's protections regarding family status and ordered compensation plus a directive to cease the discriminatory practice^[3].

Case 2: Barriers for Indigenous Renters

Another SHRC case involved advertising language and application processes that effectively deterred Indigenous tenants. After investigation, the landlord agreed to change their policies, receive anti-discrimination training, and compensate the complainant.

These outcomes set precedents and remind landlords to treat all rental applications fairly, regardless of personal attributes.

What Should Tenants Do If They Experience Discrimination?

If you suspect you've faced housing discrimination, there are clear steps you can follow in Saskatchewan. Always start by documenting what happened—recording dates, conversations, emails, and any posted advertisements.

Filing a Human Rights Complaint

• Step 1: Gather evidence of discrimination, including written communication, witness statements, or photos of discriminatory ads.
• Step 2: Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission to start your complaint. The standard form is the Complaint Form (SHRC-1). Official form source
• Step 3: Submit your completed form by mail, email, or in person to the SHRC office. They will review and may contact you for more information.
• Step 4: If resolved in your favour, remedies may include compensation, policy changes, or public apologies.

For rental contract issues related to discrimination (such as unfair eviction or denial of repairs), tenants can contact the Office of Residential Tenancies using the Application for Hearing (Form 15). Official form source

Relevant Laws and Tenant Protections

Saskatchewan’s rental system is guided by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (SK) for core housing rules, and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 for anti-discrimination protections.^[1][4]

• If you believe your landlord is not meeting legal obligations around maintenance, health, or safety due to bias, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
• For a full overview of your rights and responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Key Action Steps for Tenants Facing Discrimination

• Document all relevant evidence and interactions.
• Reach out to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission to file a complaint with Form SHRC-1.
• If related to tenancy contract issues, apply for a hearing with the Office of Residential Tenancies (Form 15).
• Learn your rights and available remedies by consulting official resources.
• Find legal or tenant advocacy support if you need guidance through the process.

Quick summary: Responding quickly and documenting carefully gives your case the best chance of a fair result.

If you’re looking for a new rental where your rights are respected, Browse apartments for rent in Canada with fair and transparent listings.

Common Questions for Saskatchewan Tenants

1. What types of discrimination are forbidden when renting housing in Saskatchewan?
   Saskatchewan law protects against discrimination on grounds such as race, religion, gender, age, disability, family status, and many others.
2. How can I file a complaint about discrimination by a landlord?
   You can file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission using their official complaint form.
3. What evidence should I collect if I suspect discrimination?
   Keep written records of all communication, rental ads, application forms, and witness statements whenever possible.
4. Where can I get help understanding my tenant rights?
   Visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan page for a detailed overview and provincial contacts.
5. What outcomes can a tribunal or the Human Rights Commission order?
   Remedies may include compensation, changes in landlord policies, or public apologies, depending on the severity and impact of the discrimination.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination in rental housing is illegal in Saskatchewan and can have significant legal consequences for landlords.
• Documenting your experience and using official complaint forms is crucial for fair resolution.
• Provincial bodies like the ORT and SHRC provide support and decisions to uphold your rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – For filing discrimination complaints and getting advice
• Office of Residential Tenancies – For all rental contract, eviction, and tenancy-related disputes
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan – Comprehensive guide on rights and resources
• Community legal clinics and tenant advocacy groups for free advice and support

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1. Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 (Government of Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) - Saskatchewan
3. SHRC Case Summaries
4. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)

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