How to Request Repairs as a Tenant in Saskatchewan

If you’re a tenant living in Saskatchewan and your rental needs repairs, knowing the proper process is essential. Acting promptly and documenting your requests can protect your rights and ensure your home remains safe and comfortable. This article will explain how to request repairs from your landlord, what to do if repairs are not made, and where to seek help if your concerns are not addressed.

Understanding Your Right to Repairs in Saskatchewan Rentals

Landlords in Saskatchewan are required by law to keep rental properties in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and compliant with health and safety standards. Tenants also have responsibilities to report any issues promptly and not cause damage themselves.

The Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 sets out these obligations for both tenants and landlords. You can contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) if you need help resolving a repair issue.

Common Examples of Repairs Covered

• Broken heating, plumbing, or electrical systems
• Unsafe or malfunctioning appliances provided by the landlord
• Water leaks or roof damage
• Infestations that impact health or safety
• Door and window locks or other security features

For issues that affect your wellbeing or safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more information.

The Process: Requesting Repairs from Your Landlord

Prompt, written requests are the most effective way to get repairs done and create a record of your communication.

Step-by-Step: How to Request Repairs

• Identify and document the problem. Take photos or videos and make notes about when the issue started.
• Notify the landlord in writing. This can be by letter, email, or the landlord’s preferred method.
• Specify the issue in clear detail, including date, location in the unit, and any impacts on health or safety.
• Request a reasonable timeline for repairs. Note any urgency if the repair affects safety or habitability.
• Keep copies of all correspondence and follow up if you do not receive a response.

Sample Letter to Request Repairs

Here’s a template you can use (adjust to your situation):

Subject: Request for Repairs to Rental Unit

Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to inform you about a repair needed at my rental unit located at [address]. On [date], I noticed [describe issue]. This has affected [explain if it impacts your health, safety, or enjoyment of the property].
Please let me know when you can arrange to have this repaired. I look forward to your response within a reasonable time.
Thank you,
[Your Name]

This written notice helps establish a timeline and your efforts to resolve the issue respectfully.

What If the Landlord Doesn’t Respond or Fix the Issue?

If your landlord does not reply or complete the repairs within a reasonable time, you can:

• Send a follow-up written request, referencing your earlier communication
• Contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) to file a repair application
• Consider applying for a rent reduction (if conditions are severe and your rental cannot be properly used)

Improperly withholding rent is not recommended; always seek advice first and follow the formal process.

Relevant Official Form: Application for Repairs

• Form Name: Application Regarding Repairs (ORT Form 3)
• When to Use: If your landlord has not fixed the problem after you’ve given written notice and a reasonable time has passed.
• How to Submit: Complete Form 3 and submit it to the Office of Residential Tenancies either online, in person, or by mail.
• Official Source: Download Application Regarding Repairs (ORT Form 3)

Once your application is submitted, an ORT adjudicator will review your case, conduct a hearing if necessary, and make a legal order if repairs must be done.

If you wish to understand broader tenant and landlord obligations in Saskatchewan, Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained can provide more guidance.

Routine Repairs vs. Emergency Repairs

Emergency repairs are issues that threaten your health and safety or cause major property damage (like flooding or no heat in winter). Routine repairs are regular fixes that don’t need immediate action but should still be addressed promptly.

Discover more about your rights for different repair types in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities and Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Additional Considerations and Useful Links

• For an accessible list of tenant rights and laws, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.
• If you need to find a new rental home with responsive landlords, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make repairs and deduct the cost from my rent?
   Generally, this is not recommended in Saskatchewan without explicit permission from the landlord or the ORT. Always use the proper procedure before taking this step.
2. What qualifies as an emergency repair?
   Issues that significantly impact your health or safety, such as no heat in winter, serious plumbing leaks, or electrical hazards, qualify as emergencies and require immediate attention.
3. How long must I wait before applying to the ORT if my landlord doesn’t act?
   You must give your landlord notice and a reasonable time to complete the repairs. "Reasonable" varies depending on the urgency—emergencies require quicker action.
4. Can my landlord evict me for requesting repairs?
   It is illegal for a landlord to evict or retaliate against you for asserting your legal rights, including requesting repairs.
5. Where do I find official forms for repairs?
   All forms, including the ORT Form 3 for repairs, are available on the official Office of Residential Tenancies website.

Key Takeaways

• Document all repair issues and notify your landlord in writing.
• Use official forms and procedures through the Office of Residential Tenancies if repairs aren’t made.
• Know your rights under the Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Handles repair disputes, applications, and hearings. Visit the ORT official website or call 1-888-215-2222 (toll-free in Saskatchewan).
• Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA): Free legal information for tenants. Visit PLEA.
• Government of Saskatchewan – Rental Housing Information: Saskatchewan rental housing portal.

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1. Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: View full Act (PDF)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Official site
3. ORT Form 3 – Application Regarding Repairs: View/download form
4. PLEA Saskatchewan: Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan

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