How Saskatchewan Tenants Can Protect Against Rental Discrimination

Finding a rental home or a shared apartment in Saskatchewan can be exciting, but it's essential to know your rights if you ever face discrimination during the rental process. Understanding both the law and practical protections can make a big difference for tenants—especially in roommate or shared housing situations.

Understanding Discrimination in Saskatchewan Rentals

Discrimination occurs when a landlord, property manager, or even potential roommates treat someone unfairly based on certain protected grounds—such as race, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or source of income. In Saskatchewan, discrimination in rental housing is prohibited by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and supported by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1].

Your Rights as a Tenant

As a renter in Saskatchewan, you have the right to be considered for a rental unit based on your ability to pay rent and care for the property—not on personal characteristics protected by law. This includes situations with landlords, property managers, and sometimes even fellow tenants in shared housing.

• It's illegal for landlords to refuse a rental application because of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, or family status.
• Advertisements for rental units cannot state preferences or exclusions based on these grounds.
• In roommate situations, human rights protections still apply, though there can be limited exceptions if sharing kitchen or bathroom facilities with the owner.

Common Scenarios of Rental Discrimination

Discrimination can sometimes be subtle. Below are examples to recognize:

• Being told the unit is no longer available after the landlord meets you, but it is still advertised
• Asked personal questions not related to tenancy (e.g., ethnicity, religion, marital status)
• Receiving different terms or higher rent than other applicants for similar units
• Unfair or abrupt eviction notices after a roommate learns about your identity or background

Always ask for receipts, keep correspondence, and document your rental search in case you need to make a complaint later.

What to Do if You Experience Discrimination

The first step is to collect evidence and document exactly what happened. Then, you have several options to protect your rights:

• Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC): File a complaint regarding discrimination in housing directly on the SHRC website.
• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): For tenancy issues such as unfair eviction or withheld deposits, the RTO handles disputes. Visit the Residential Tenancies Office. They rely on the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for guidance and dispute resolution.
• Request written reasons for any rental denial, especially if you suspect discrimination.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

If you need to take action, here are key forms and resources:

• Human Rights Complaint Form: Used to file a claim with SHRC if you face rental discrimination.
  Access it here (PDF). Fill out the form with details of your experience and submit by mail, email, or in person to the SHRC office.
  Example: If you are denied a rental after disclosing a disability, you can submit this form citing your experience.
• Form 7: Application for Resolution of a Tenancy Dispute (from RTO): Used for tenancy problems such as evictions that may be linked to discrimination.
  Find the form and instructions: Residential Tenancies Office Forms. Complete with supporting evidence and submit to the RTO.
  Example: If you feel an eviction was not just and may be discriminatory, you can apply for dispute resolution using this form.

Roommate and Shared Housing Tips

Living with roommates? Remember, human rights obligations apply, though sometimes with certain limitations for shared accommodations (e.g., if you are living with the actual owner in the home).

• Make sure everyone is clear on house rules, shared responsibilities, and financial matters. Use written agreements to clarify terms.
• Try to resolve issues amicably first, but don’t hesitate to seek formal help if discrimination persists.

For broader help with navigating shared tenancies, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for advice.

After You Move In – Ongoing Protections

Your rights continue after you sign a lease or agreement. If issues arise later—such as being treated differently by roommates or the landlord because of your background—you can still seek help.

To better understand your ongoing rights and obligations, refer to What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Looking for more options? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and find homes that fit your needs without hidden barriers.

FAQ: Rental Discrimination in Saskatchewan

1. What can I do if a landlord refuses to rent to me because of my race or religion?
   If you suspect discrimination, gather evidence and file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. You can also submit a dispute application to the Residential Tenancies Office if tenancy rights are affected.
2. Does the law protect me from discrimination by roommates?
   Yes, in most cases roommates cannot discriminate based on protected grounds. However, if you are renting a room in the owner’s home and sharing facilities, the rules may have some exceptions.
3. Is it legal for rental ads to ask for a "female-only" or specify ethnic preferences?
   No, rental ads cannot state any preference or restriction based on sex, race, or other protected grounds (with some exceptions for shared accommodations with the owner). Such ads are usually against the law in Saskatchewan.
4. Can I lose my deposit if I complain about discrimination?
   No. Landlords cannot retaliate against you for asserting your rights, including refunding legitimate deposits, as outlined by Saskatchewan law.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Discrimination in rental housing is illegal in Saskatchewan. Know your rights and the actions you can take to protect yourself.
• Use government complaint forms or the dispute process when faced with unfair treatment.
• Documentation and clear communication are your best tools in any dispute.

If you feel uncertain, reaching out to official resources can provide clarity and support throughout your rental journey.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – For information about your rights and how to file a discrimination complaint.
• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – For tenancy disputes and to access forms for applications.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan – Comprehensive local rights and obligations guide.
• Legal Aid Saskatchewan: https://www.legalaid.sk.ca/

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1. Saskatchewan Human Rights Code: full text (official government link)
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan): read the legislation here
3. Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: https://saskatchewanhumanrights.ca/
4. Residential Tenancies Office, Government of Saskatchewan: official tenant guide and dispute process

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