Is It Legal to Record Your Landlord’s Entry in Saskatchewan?

When you’re renting in Saskatchewan, it’s normal to want to protect your privacy—especially during times when your landlord enters your rental unit. Many tenants wonder if it’s legal to record such entries for their own protection. This article explains your rights around privacy and recording, what Saskatchewan’s laws say, and what steps you can take if you feel your rights have been violated.

Your Right to Privacy: Saskatchewan Basics

As a tenant, your right to privacy is protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) in Saskatchewan^[1]. Landlords are required to give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit, except in emergencies. They must state their reason and the time of entry, which must be between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Understanding these ground rules helps maintain clear boundaries and respectful landlord-tenant relationships.

Is It Legal to Record Your Landlord’s Entry?

In Saskatchewan, audio or video recording in your own rental unit is generally permitted if at least one party involved in the conversation consents. This means if you are present, you can legally record—whether audio or video—while your landlord is in the unit. However, you should not secretly record in spaces where others have a reasonable expectation of privacy (like a bathroom or someone else’s private room).

This is based on Canada’s criminal code for “one party consent” and Saskatchewan’s privacy laws. Where only the audio (sound) is recorded, if you are a party to the conversation, you can legally record it. When it comes to video, there are added privacy considerations if you’re recording in shared spaces or if surveillance is continuous—so it’s best to use recordings only when necessary to document a conversation, entry, or event of concern.

When Might Recording Be Appropriate?

• A landlord enters without proper notice, outside of allowed hours, or for unclear reasons
• You feel unsafe, harassed, or want to document the condition of the unit at the time of entry
• There are disputes about what was said or about property damage

Remember: Recording should only be used for legitimate reasons. Using recordings for intimidation, public sharing without consent, or in private spaces not part of the rental unit could violate privacy laws.

What the Law Says: Forms, Boards, and Legislation

Disputes about a landlord’s entry or your privacy are handled by Saskatchewan’s Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT). If you believe your landlord has entered unlawfully, you can file a complaint or application for a hearing.

• Application for an ORT Hearing – Form 5

When to use: If your landlord enters without notice or repeatedly violates your right to privacy, use Form 5 to apply for a hearing at the ORT. For example, if a landlord comes into your suite while you are away and didn’t provide 24-hour notice, you could submit Form 5 with explanations and any evidence (including recordings, if available).

Download Form 5 and instructions here (official Saskatchewan government site).

Recordings can be submitted as evidence in a hearing, but you should be prepared to explain why they were made and that you were a consenting party in the situation. Check ORT guidance for more details on evidence and their rules of procedure.

Tips: Using Recordings and Protecting Your Rights

• Always try to resolve disputes in writing before resorting to recordings.
• Inform your landlord you are recording if relations are cooperative—this may defuse tension.
• Keep recordings secure, do not share them publicly, and only use them for legal or tribunal purposes.
• Document each incident with date/time, what happened, and who was present.
• Know your broader rights by reviewing Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Balancing Landlord and Tenant Rights

Many disputes can be prevented by understanding both sides’ responsibilities. While you have a right to privacy, landlords have a right to enter for repairs, inspections, or emergencies—if they follow provincial guidelines. For a detailed breakdown, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

As a tenant, familiarizing yourself with the process after signing a lease also helps set healthy expectations—see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for more details.

For more on options available for housing, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQs: Recording, Privacy, and Saskatchewan Rental Law

1. Can I use my phone to record my landlord during an entry if I feel uncomfortable?
   Yes. As long as you are present and recording your own interactions, Saskatchewan law allows it. Avoid recording in private spaces like bathrooms.
2. Is it illegal to use a hidden camera when I’m not at home?
   This is generally not allowed. Recording when you aren’t present may violate privacy laws, especially if you capture audio or video without anyone’s knowledge or consent.
3. Can my landlord refuse entry if I say I’ll record them?
   No. If the landlord has given lawful notice, they can enter for allowed reasons. Your intention to record does not deny their right of entry, but it’s best to inform them politely to avoid conflict.
4. What should I do if my landlord enters without notice?
   Document the incident, gather any evidence (including recordings, if legal), and file a complaint using Form 5 with the Office of Residential Tenancies.
5. Will the ORT accept my recording as evidence?
   Yes, if you are a consenting party and the recording was made legally. Be prepared to explain why and how it was created.

Summary: What Tenants Should Remember

• Saskatchewan tenants have strong privacy rights: landlords must give notice and follow lawful entry rules.
• You can legally record landlord entries as long as you are present and not secretly recording private activities.
• Use official forms—like Form 5—to report any privacy violations to the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Being informed and respectful about your rights helps prevent disputes and keeps your home a safe space.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Handles complaints and hearings for landlord-tenant disputes in Saskatchewan.
• Saskatchewan Government ORT Information Page
• Saskatchewan Housing – Information for Tenants

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan) [official PDF]
2. Saskatchewan Renting and Leasing Information
3. Office of Residential Tenancies – Saskatchewan

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