What counts as an urgent repair?
An urgent repair is a problem that creates an immediate or serious risk to health, safety, security, or basic habitability. Examples may include no heat during dangerously cold weather, a major water leak, unsafe electrical conditions, a blocked toilet where there is no reasonable alternative, a serious pest or mould condition, or a broken exterior door that leaves the unit unsecured. The ORT will consider the facts and the seriousness of the impact rather than relying only on the label you use.
For more information about hazards and minimum living conditions, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. If there is an immediate threat to life or a dangerous fire, gas, or medical emergency, call 911 or the appropriate emergency service before contacting the ORT.
Start by notifying the landlord
Tell the landlord or property manager as soon as you discover the problem. Use the emergency contact method in your tenancy agreement when one is provided, then send a written message by email, text, or another method that creates a record. Describe what happened, where it occurred, how it affects the unit, and when you need a response. Ask for a repair appointment and provide reasonable access times.
- State the repair needed and identify the room, fixture, or area affected.
- Explain when the problem began and request a response within a reasonable emergency timeframe.
- Offer access times while protecting your right to reasonable notice and privacy.
- Keep a copy of every message, response, missed appointment, and repair visit.
Document the condition and your losses
Take dated photographs or videos, save messages, and keep a simple timeline. Record temperatures when heating fails, the location of water damage, odours, visible mould, damaged belongings, and any steps you took to reduce further harm. Keep receipts for reasonable expenses, such as temporary supplies or accommodation, but do not assume that every expense will automatically be reimbursed.
Do not make major repairs yourself or hire a contractor at the landlord’s expense unless the law, an agreement, or an ORT order supports that step. Avoid withholding rent as a substitute for filing an application, because unpaid rent can create a separate dispute.
Prepare an ORT application
The Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies handles residential tenancy disputes and can provide information about applications, service, hearings, and available remedies. Check the ORT’s current forms and instructions before filing, because the required process and filing method can change. The main tenant-focused document is the Application to the Office of Residential Tenancies, commonly identified in ORT materials as the tenant application form. Use it to describe the repair breach, the steps you took to notify the landlord, the remedy requested, and the evidence you will rely on.[1]
In the application, ask specifically for the result you need, such as an order requiring repairs by a stated date, compensation for proven losses, or another remedy the ORT can legally grant. Attach copies of your notice, photographs, repair records, receipts, and relevant tenancy documents. If the online or current form identifies a different form number or additional schedule, follow that version rather than relying on an old copy.
- Complete the current ORT tenant application and identify the landlord, rental address, and contact information.
- Attach organized evidence with dates, short descriptions, and a clear timeline.
- List each amount claimed and explain how it connects to the repair problem.
- Submit the application and monitor all hearing or response deadlines shown by the ORT.
Serve the landlord and prepare for the hearing
Follow the ORT’s instructions for filing fees, delivery, and service. Keep proof that the application and supporting documents were delivered in the required way. The landlord may respond, arrange repairs, dispute the facts, or raise questions about access and responsibility. Continue communicating in writing and update the ORT if the repair is completed or the situation becomes more serious.
At a hearing, explain the problem in date order and focus on evidence. Bring your tenancy agreement, notices, photographs, inspection records, invoices, witness information, and a copy of the application. Be ready to explain whether you provided access and what remedy remains necessary. Saskatchewan’s governing statute is The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, which sets out key rights and duties for residential tenancies.[2]
When the landlord enters or repairs
Landlords and their agents generally need to follow Saskatchewan’s rules for entry, except in situations allowed by law such as an emergency. Coordinate access where possible, keep pets and belongings safe, and report if a repair attempt creates a new problem. If the work is incomplete, unsafe, or repeatedly postponed, record the details and tell the landlord promptly.
For practical rental searching and housing information while a serious condition is being addressed, you can Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.
FAQ
- Can I contact the ORT without first telling my landlord about the urgent repair?
- You should normally notify the landlord promptly and keep proof of the notice, unless the situation is an immediate emergency requiring emergency services first. The ORT will consider whether the landlord had a fair opportunity to respond and whether the tenant provided reasonable access.
- What evidence should I attach to an ORT repair application?
- Attach the tenancy agreement, written repair requests, replies, dated photographs or videos, inspection records, receipts, witness information, and a timeline showing what happened and when.
- Can I stop paying rent until an urgent repair is completed?
- Do not assume that withholding rent is permitted. Unpaid rent can lead to a separate claim, so obtain advice from the ORT or another qualified Saskatchewan tenant service before taking that step.
- What if the landlord repairs the problem after I file?
- Tell the ORT promptly and explain whether any compensation, expense reimbursement, or other issue remains. The ORT can determine what parts of the application still require a decision.
How-To
- Inspect the condition safely and decide whether it threatens health, safety, security, or basic habitability.
- Notify the landlord in writing with the location, impact, date discovered, and requested repair response.
- Collect dated photos, videos, messages, receipts, access records, and a short repair timeline.
- Complete the current tenant Application to the Office of Residential Tenancies and attach supporting documents.
- File and serve the application as directed, then follow every hearing and response deadline.
- Attend the hearing or provide the requested information and clearly explain the remedy you are seeking.
Help and Support / Resources
- Office of Residential Tenancies for Saskatchewan tenancy information, applications, and hearing procedures.
- Saskatchewan ORT forms for current application forms and filing instructions.
- Saskatchewan residential tenancy legislation for the governing rules and statutory responsibilities.
