How Renovations Affect Rent for Saskatchewan Tenants

For Saskatchewan tenants, renovations can bring the promise of improved living spaces—but also the worry of possible rent increases or even eviction. It’s important to know your rights under provincial law and how to handle renovation situations to protect your housing and budget.

How Renovations Can Impact Your Rent in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, landlords may wish to renovate rental properties for various reasons, including upgrades for health and safety, modernization, or compliance with codes. Renovations can have direct consequences for tenants, particularly concerning rent, tenancy agreements, and security of tenure.

Can Your Rent Increase After Renovations?

Saskatchewan does not have general rent control, and landlords may raise the rent at the end of a fixed-term lease or by providing proper notice for periodic tenancies. However, they:

• Must give written notice of any rent increase at least three months in advance.
• Can only increase rent once every 12 months for the same tenant.
• Are not allowed to raise rent during a fixed-term lease period.

If renovations are used as a reason for an increase, the landlord must still follow these notice requirements. There is no automatic right to increase rent solely because of renovations, unless the lease allows it or you agree to an updated contract.

Do Renovations Let Landlords End Your Tenancy?

Major renovations—those requiring the unit to be vacated—may entitle the landlord to end a tenancy. In this case, the landlord must provide a written Notice of Termination. Usually, the minimum notice period for major renovations is two months. Landlords cannot use renovations as a reason for eviction without proper notice and a genuine need for vacant possession.

Your Rights During Renovations

Tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment and to a unit that is safe and livable. Renovation work must not create health or safety hazards, and the landlord must take reasonable steps to limit disruption. If essential services are affected, or the home becomes uninhabitable, you may have the right to a rent reduction or even an early end to your lease.

If you have concerns about the safety or conditions during upgrades, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for tips on addressing unsafe renovation practices.

Official Forms and Steps for Saskatchewan Tenants

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) is the official tribunal that oversees rental disputes and applications in Saskatchewan.

Common Tenant Forms

• Notice of Termination (Form 6A or 6B): Used by landlords to end tenancies for renovations. Tenants should review this form for accuracy and legality. Download Form 6A
• Application to the Office of Residential Tenancies (Form 11): Used by tenants to dispute a Notice of Termination or apply for remedies, such as rent abatement. Example: If you believe an eviction for renovations is not justified, file Form 11. Download Form 11

Learn more about the responsibilities of both parties by reviewing Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What the Law Says

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan) sets the rules for rent increases, notices, and tenant rights during renovations.

Steps to Take if Renovations Affect Your Rent or Tenancy

When you receive renovation-related notices or face disruptions, follow these steps for your protection:

• Request all details about planned renovations in writing.
• Check your lease to see if renovation clauses and rent changes are addressed.
• If you receive a rent increase or termination notice, verify the notice period and consult the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
• If you disagree with a notice, use Form 11 to apply to the ORT for a dispute resolution.
• Keep records of all communication and copies of any notices received.

For more on rent hikes, read Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

If you need to find affordable alternatives due to renovations or rent increases, Affordable homes for rent in Canada are available online for immediate search.

Want to know more about your regional rights? See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord evict me just to renovate my rental unit?
   No, landlords must provide proper notice (usually two months) and have a legitimate reason for requiring vacant possession for major renovations. Tenants can challenge questionable or retaliatory evictions through the Office of Residential Tenancies.
2. Do I have to pay higher rent after my unit is renovated?
   A rent increase following renovations is not automatic. Your landlord may propose an increase, but must follow notice rules. You can dispute an unreasonable increase with the ORT.
3. What if renovations make my home unsafe or unlivable?
   You have the right to a safe unit. If renovations create hazards or violate health standards, contact your landlord to address the issue and consider applying to the ORT for remedies, including possible rent reductions.
4. How do I dispute a notice about renovations?
   Fill out Form 11 and submit it to the Office of Residential Tenancies for a hearing.
5. Are there forms I need to know about if I'm affected by renovations?
   Yes. Your landlord uses Form 6A or 6B to give notice, and you use Form 11 to challenge notices or ask for a hearing.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Renovations do not give landlords unlimited rights to increase rent or end tenancies—they must follow legal procedures and give proper notice.
• You have the right to dispute both eviction and rent increases related to renovations, using official forms and the ORT process.
• Stay informed, keep written records, and seek support when navigating renovation situations in rented homes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Main resource for forms, applications, and dispute resolution in Saskatchewan.
• Government of Saskatchewan—Housing and Renting: Information for both tenants and landlords.
• Saskatchewan Rental Housing Tribunal Help Line: 1-888-215-2222
• Local tenant support organizations can offer free advice and representation.

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1. Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/housing-and-renting/renting-and-leasing-information/landlord-and-tenant-board
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
3. Standard ORT forms: Residential Tenancy Forms – Government of Saskatchewan

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