How Often Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Saskatchewan?

Understanding when and how rent can be increased is essential for tenants in Saskatchewan. The province sets clear rules to protect tenants from sudden or unfair rent hikes. If you’re renting in Saskatchewan and concerned about possible increases, this guide offers the latest legal facts, government forms, and practical steps for responding to rent increases in 2024.

When Can Landlords Increase Rent in Saskatchewan?

In Saskatchewan, landlords must follow specific timelines and requirements to raise the rent for residential tenancies. The key rules are set by the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), the official body handling landlord-tenant matters in the province.

• Frequency: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months for the same tenant in the same rental unit.
• Notice Period: Landlords must provide written notice at least three full months before the increase can take effect.
• Applies To: Both fixed-term and month-to-month leases.

There are no provincially-mandated caps or limits on the amount of rent increase, except for units governed by the rules for rental communities under government rent control programs.

Notice of Rent Increase: What Tenants Should Expect

A landlord must serve you a written notice if they want to raise your rent. This notice must include:

• The amount of the new rent
• The date the new rent starts
• The signature of the landlord
• Your name and address

You are not required to agree to a rent increase. However, if you do not agree and do not move out, the new rent takes effect on the specified date if the landlord followed the law.

Which Form Is Required for Rent Increases?

For most private rentals, no specific government form is mandated, but landlords typically use a written “Notice of Rent Increase.” For mobile home sites, landlords must use the “Notice to Tenant of Rent Increase (ORT-7),” available on the Saskatchewan government website:

• Notice to Tenant of Rent Increase (Form ORT-7)

How to use the form: A landlord must fill out the form, serve it to the tenant at least three months before the increase, and keep a copy as proof. For example, if your landlord wants to raise the rent on July 1, they must serve the notice by March 31.

What If You Believe the Rent Increase Is Unfair?

While Saskatchewan doesn’t limit the dollar amount of rent increases, tenants can apply to the ORT if they believe the rent was increased without proper notice or not according to the law.

• Complete the Application for Resolution form and submit it to the ORT.

The tribunal will review your case and make a decision based on Saskatchewan’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.^[1]

What’s Different for Subsidized and Affordable Housing?

Subsidized, social, and government-assisted housing may have additional rules regarding rent increases, especially if part of a rent-geared-to-income program. Always check your tenancy agreement and contact your housing provider for details.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant

As a tenant, it’s important to know your overall rights and obligations under Saskatchewan law, especially after the rental agreement is signed. For more on this topic, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

For a wider view of legal rights for both landlords and tenants across the province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Want to explore housing options or see if rents are rising in your area? Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Houseme, an all-in-one site for nationwide rental listings.

FAQ: Saskatchewan Rent Increases

1. How much notice does a landlord need to give for a rent increase?
   A landlord must give at least three months’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
2. Can my landlord raise the rent more than once a year?
   No, landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months for the same tenancy.
3. Is there a limit to the amount of rent increase in Saskatchewan?
   There is no legal maximum for how much rent can be increased, except in some government-assisted complexes.
4. What if my landlord did not provide proper notice?
   You may file a dispute with the Office of Residential Tenancies using their official forms if the correct notice period was not followed.
5. Does the law change if I live in affordable or subsidized housing?
   Special rules may apply for social housing; review your tenancy agreement or contact your housing provider for details.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways on Rent Increases in Saskatchewan

• Landlords must give three months’ written notice and can only increase rent once every 12 months.
• There are no limits on the amount of rent increase for most private rentals, but rules apply to government-assisted housing.
• Tenants can dispute illegal or improperly noticed rent increases through the ORT.

Knowing the rules gives you confidence and clarity when dealing with rental changes or planning for the future.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Saskatchewan Tenant Information & Forms
• Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Read the Residential Tenancies Act
• Provincial guidance: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

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^[1] See: Saskatchewan’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006; Office of Residential Tenancies official website and forms.

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