Living with roommates or in shared rental housing in Saskatchewan? It’s important to know that the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code offers you protection against discrimination. Whether you’re renting an apartment, sharing a house, or looking for a new place, understanding your rights can help you avoid problems and take action if you’re treated unfairly.
Human Rights Protections for Tenants and Roommates
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code protects tenants from discrimination in rental housing. This means landlords and, in many situations, co-tenants or roommates cannot deny you housing or treat you unfairly based on certain "protected grounds," such as:
- Race or colour
- Religion or creed
- Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Disability (physical, mental, or intellectual)
- Marital or family status
- Age
- Source of income
This applies to most rental situations, but there are some exceptions, especially in very small shared living arrangements (like when you rent a room in a home and share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner).
Shared Housing: Rights and Challenges
In roommate arrangements, especially where everyone signs a joint lease, everyone is equally protected. If you feel a landlord or a roommate is treating you differently because of a protected characteristic, you may have grounds for a complaint to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
Human Rights and the Residential Tenancy Process
Discrimination can occur at many stages of renting:
- Advertising or screening tenants
- Setting rental rules or policies
- Renewing or ending tenancies
- Handling complaints or disputes among roommates
If you suspect discrimination, document what happened. Keep copies of messages, advertisements, and notes of conversations.
Official Forms and How to Take Action
- Complaint Form (Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission): This is the main form to use if you believe your human rights have been violated in a rental situation.
When to use it: If you were denied housing, harassed, or treated unfairly by a landlord or roommate for a reason protected by the Code. For example, if a landlord rejects your rental application because of your disability, you can file this form.
File a complaint online with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
For issues related to your rental agreement, rent, and maintenance, the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) is the official tribunal handling disputes in Saskatchewan. They deal with problems like evictions, deposits, and other landlord-tenant issues.
For a full overview of rights and responsibilities in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.
Common Human Rights Issues in Roommate and Shared Rentals
- Landlord refusing to rent to you because of your background
- Rules or lease terms targeting a specific group
- Roommate conflicts involving harassment or exclusion based on protected grounds
Legislation that Protects Tenants in Saskatchewan
Your rights come from both the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. The Human Rights Code deals with discrimination, while the Residential Tenancies Act covers landlord and tenant obligations, deposits, and evictions.
For daily responsibilities as a tenant, like paying rent and maintenance, read: Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
If Your Rights Are Violated: Steps to Take
Take action if you experience discrimination or harassment:
- Talk to your landlord or property manager if you feel safe to do so
- Keep records and evidence
- Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission for advice or to file a complaint
- For rental contract disputes, contact the Office of Residential Tenancies
Finding Fair and Inclusive Housing
If you are looking for an inclusive place to live or need to relocate, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme. It’s a user-friendly tool for all renters, whatever your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What forms of discrimination are illegal when renting in Saskatchewan?
Landlords cannot discriminate against applicants or tenants based on race, religion, gender, disability, age, family status, sexual orientation, source of income, or other protected grounds under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code. - Does the Human Rights Code apply to all roommate arrangements?
In most cases, yes. However, if you live in the owner's residence and share kitchen or bathroom facilities with them, some exceptions may apply. Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission for details. - How do I file a human rights complaint about rental discrimination?
You can submit a complaint to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission online or by using their Complaint Form. Provide all available details and evidence. - Who handles disputes about rent, evictions, or deposits?
The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) is Saskatchewan’s tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes such as rent, deposits, repairs, and evictions. - Where can I learn more about rental rights and responsibilities?
Review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for comprehensive information on provincial rules.
Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants
- You are protected from discrimination by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code in most rental housing situations
- If your rights are violated, keep records and contact the Human Rights Commission or the ORT for help
- Roommate disputes about discrimination can be addressed through official complaint channels
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- File a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
- Office of Residential Tenancies Contact Page
- Government of Saskatchewan – Renting and Leasing
- General inquiries: Human Rights Commission 1-800-667-9249 | ORT 1-888-215-2222
- Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, available from Government of Saskatchewan: Human Rights Code
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, available from Government of Saskatchewan: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Office of Residential Tenancies Saskatchewan: Official Website
- Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: Official Website
