Is Your Rent Increase Legal? A Tenant’s Guide for Saskatchewan

Being informed about your rights as a tenant is crucial—especially if your landlord tells you your rent is going up. In Saskatchewan, rent can generally be increased, but only if your landlord follows the correct legal procedures. This guide will help you quickly determine if a rent increase is valid under current Saskatchewan law and what you can do if it isn’t.

Understanding Rent Increase Rules in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, most residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. Rent increases must comply with notice requirements and timing rules. Although Saskatchewan does not set a maximum cap on rent increases for non-regulated units, there are strict rules about how and when increases can happen.

Minimum Notice Requirements

Your landlord must give you proper written notice in advance of any rent increase. The required notice depends on your tenancy type:

• Yearly or fixed-term leases: At least 12 months’ written notice before the increase takes effect.
• Month-to-month, week-to-week, or periodic tenancies: Minimum 2 months’ written notice.

How Should Notice Be Delivered?

Written notice of the rent increase must either be:

• Personally delivered to you, or
• Left in your mailbox or place where you get mail, or
• Sent by registered mail.

The notice should clearly state:

• The amount of the new rent
• The date the new rent starts

Key Steps: How to Check If Your Rent Increase Is Legal

If your landlord gives notice of a rent increase, take these steps to protect your rights:

• Review your lease or tenancy agreement to confirm your tenancy type.
• Check the notice period—did your landlord give you enough advance notice, in writing, as required?
• Look for all required details on the notice: the new rent amount and the effective date.
• Know that for subsidized or non-profit rentals, special rules may apply—ask your housing provider or check with the tribunal named below.

See more general advice and steps in Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

If the Rent Increase Notice Is Improper

If your notice was not delivered properly or did not provide enough advance time, you do not have to pay the higher rent until those requirements are met. You may also file a claim with Saskatchewan’s Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).

Official Forms and What to Do If You Disagree

If you believe your rent increase is illegal or notice was improper, you have the right to dispute it.

• Form Name: Application for an Order (Form 5)
• When to use: Submit to the Office of Residential Tenancies if your landlord tries to raise rent without giving proper notice or reasons.
• How to use: Complete a Form 5 with your information, details of the dispute, and supporting evidence. Mail, email, or deliver in person to ORT.
• Download Form 5 - Application for an Order (PDF)

Where to Get Help and File Disputes

The official provincial body for landlord-tenant matters is the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT). The ORT resolves rent increase issues and other disputes. You’ll find their forms, guidance, and contact information directly on the official website.

For wider context on your lease and your responsibilities as a tenant, read What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement. For detailed, province-wide legal facts, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Want more options? Browse apartments for rent in Canada to compare market rates and availability in other cities.

FAQ: Rent Increases in Saskatchewan

1. How often can my landlord increase my rent in Saskatchewan?
   In most cases, rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and only with proper written notice provided according to your lease type.
2. Can my landlord increase the rent by any amount?
   For most units, Saskatchewan law does not set a maximum percentage or amount for rent increases. However, subsidized or government-regulated units often have limits—check with your housing authority or the ORT.
3. What should I do if I think my rent increase is illegal?
   Start by confirming the facts (notice period, delivery, lease type), then contact the ORT and consider filling out Form 5 to dispute the increase.
4. Is there special protection for seniors or people in subsidized housing?
   Some subsidized, non-profit, or cooperative housing may have different rules. Get details from your housing provider or contact the ORT.
5. Can I be evicted for refusing a rent increase?
   No, you cannot be evicted solely for challenging or refusing an illegal rent increase. Landlords must follow a formal legal process for eviction.

Conclusion: What Tenants Should Remember

• Review your rent increase notice and lease carefully. Legal notice periods and details matter.
• If a rent increase isn’t handled properly, you have the right to dispute it and get help from the ORT.
• Learn about your rights and always act promptly if you receive an increase that doesn’t seem right.

Staying informed helps you avoid surprise costs and protects your housing stability.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Official Saskatchewan government page
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Full legislation (PDF)
• Tenant advocacy: Saskatchewan Landlord Association - Tenants’ page: SKLA Tenants’ Resources
• Find rental homes or compare prices: Browse apartments for rent in Canada

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1. "Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, Saskatchewan." Read the full Act
2. "Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), Saskatchewan Government." Official information and forms

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