Illegal Rental Screening in Saskatchewan: Tenant Rights Guide

Finding a place to rent in Saskatchewan can be exciting, but sometimes landlords may ask for information or use screening methods that are not allowed. Knowing what is considered illegal rental screening under Saskatchewan law helps protect your privacy and ensures equal access to housing.

Understanding Rental Screening in Saskatchewan

Rental screening usually involves landlords requesting certain details to assess whether to rent to you. While some checks are allowed — like confirming basic identity or income — others are strictly prohibited. Saskatchewan’s laws are designed to protect tenants from discrimination and uphold their right to privacy.

What Landlords Are Permitted to Ask

Landlords can ask legitimate questions directly related to your ability to pay rent and maintain the property. Examples include:

• Name and contact information
• Employment status and references
• Past landlord references
• Permission for a credit check (must be obtained in writing)

They may also collect a security deposit but must follow the rules outlined in the legislation. For details, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Is Considered Illegal Rental Screening?

Certain questions and screening practices are illegal in Saskatchewan because they can lead to discrimination or violate privacy rights. Landlords cannot:

• Deny applications or ask questions based on race, religion, colour, ancestry, nationality, age, sex (including gender identity or expression), sexual orientation, marital or family status, disability, or receipt of public assistance.
• Request excessive personal or financial details not relevant to the tenancy.
• Ask if you plan to have children, about your citizenship status, or about any protected characteristic under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.
• Refuse to accommodate disabilities as required by law unless it would cause undue hardship.

Learn more about your rights and responsibilities in the province at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Recognizing Discrimination: Examples and Protections

Discrimination can be obvious or subtle. You might be told a rental is no longer available after inquiring, or you could be asked questions about your family plans or background. Under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, such actions are not allowed.

If a landlord refuses your application or treats you unfairly because of a protected characteristic, this is grounds for a complaint to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

What to Do If You Experience Illegal Screening

Saskatchewan tenants have the right to challenge unfair rental screening. If you suspect a landlord has acted illegally, you can:

• Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
• File a complaint if you believe you're being discriminated against

You may also want to review the obligations and rights expected from both landlords and tenants. For more guidance, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Relevant Official Forms for Tenants

• Human Rights Complaint Form – Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission:
  Complaint Form (PDF)
  Use this form if you believe you have been refused housing or treated unfairly during rental screening due to discrimination. Example: You are asked about your religion or denied accommodation because you have children. Complete and submit the form to the Commission for investigation and possible mediation.

If your issue concerns a dispute over application deposits or unfair rental practices, contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), Saskatchewan’s official residential tenancy tribunal. See their resources here: Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).

Relevant Saskatchewan Legislation

The key laws are:

• The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – sets tenancy standards
• The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code – prohibits discrimination in housing

These laws ensure screening decisions are made fairly and based only on relevant information.

Practical Steps: What to Do if You Suspect Discrimination or Illegal Screening

If you believe your rights have been violated, take the following steps:

• Gather all communications, applications, and supporting evidence.
• Contact the landlord or property manager to clarify their actions.
• If not resolved, submit a complaint to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission using the official form.
• For lease or rent-related disputes, reach out to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).

Protecting your rights starts with being informed. Remember, good communication can sometimes resolve misunderstandings quickly. For exploring more housing options, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and make your search easier.

FAQ: Saskatchewan Rental Screening and Tenant Rights

1. What questions can a landlord legally ask on a rental application in Saskatchewan?
   Landlords can ask about your name, contact information, employment, tenancy history, and request references. They may ask for permission for a credit check, but cannot ask about protected personal traits like religion, ethnicity, or family status.
2. Is a landlord allowed to refuse my application if I have children?
   No. Refusing to rent to someone because they have children is considered discrimination and is illegal under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.
3. What should I do if a landlord asks about my citizenship or immigration status?
   Landlords should not make rental decisions based on citizenship. If asked such questions, politely decline, and consider reporting the incident to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
4. How do I file a complaint if I face discrimination in rental screening?
   Download the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Complaint Form, fill it out, and submit it to the Commission online or by mail. Include all relevant evidence.
5. Who enforces rental laws and handles tenant complaints in Saskatchewan?
   The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles tenancy disputes. For discrimination issues, contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Renters

• Landlords cannot ask about protected characteristics such as religion or family status.
• If you experience illegal screening, gather evidence and file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
• Stay informed about your rights — knowing the law helps you avoid unfair treatment.

Being proactive and knowledgeable helps protect yourself and makes the rental process smoother.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) — Government of Saskatchewan: Handles tenancy disputes, including application deposits, unfair rental practices, and landlord-tenant disagreements.
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: File discrimination complaints and learn about your rights in housing.
• Government of Saskatchewan: Housing Portal: Information on rental laws, forms, and tenant resources.

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1. Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies: https://ort.saskatchewan.ca/
2. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Official Legislation PDF
3. Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: https://saskatchewanhumanrights.ca/
4. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code: https://saskatchewanhumanrights.ca/your-rights/the-code/

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