Can a landlord ask about my mental health during a rental application?

No, landlords in Saskatchewan cannot ask about your mental health unless you request an accommodation and limited information is needed to verify the request.

What should I do if my landlord refuses my accommodation request?

You can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies using Form 7 to seek a formal resolution if a landlord refuses your request.

Can I be evicted for mental health reasons?

A landlord cannot evict you solely due to your mental health. They must consider accommodation before any eviction process.

Does my landlord have to allow a support animal?

Yes, if you provide documentation showing the animal is medically necessary, your landlord must accommodate, unless it causes undue hardship.

Landlord Duties in Saskatchewan: Supporting Tenants With Mental Health Needs

Mental Health & Tenancy Saskatchewan published: June 19, 2025

Understanding your rights as a tenant with mental-health needs is essential for safe, respectful, and fair housing in Saskatchewan. The province's tenancy law recognizes that landlords have clear obligations to support tenants living with mental health conditions. Whether you need an accommodation, time to address emergencies, or assurance that your privacy is protected, this article will walk you through what to expect, the forms you might use, and practical steps you can take.

Overview: Tenant Mental Health Rights in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, all tenants are protected by The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA). It prohibits discrimination based on mental health and requires landlords to provide reasonable accommodation. The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) oversees landlord-tenant issues and can review cases where mental health or accommodation needs are involved.

For a summary of local tenant and landlord duties, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

What Are Landlords' Legal Obligations for Mental Health?

A landlord must not discriminate against a tenant due to a mental health condition, whether during an application, throughout the tenancy, or at termination. Under Saskatchewan tenancy law and the Canadian Human Rights Act, this means:

Equal access: Landlords cannot refuse a rental solely because of a tenant's mental health history.
Privacy protection: Information about your mental health is confidential; landlords may only request details when a disability-related accommodation is being implemented, and even then, protected by privacy law.
Reasonable accommodation: Landlords must make changes (within reason) to rules or units to help tenants with mental health-related needs, unless this causes undue hardship (excessive cost or safety issues).

Examples could include allowing a support animal, changes in communication methods, or flexible procedures during medical emergencies.

Health and Safety for Tenants With Mental Health Needs

All Saskatchewan tenants, including those with mental health needs, are entitled to live in safe, healthy rental homes. Landlords are responsible for keeping units well-maintained and hazard-free. Issues like mold, pests, or poor heating can negatively affect mental well-being. For more on this, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Accommodation Requests: Required Forms and Steps

If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a mental health condition, communicate in writing with your landlord. While Saskatchewan doesn’t require a special provincial form, you may be asked for a letter from a healthcare provider supporting your request.

Step 1: Prepare a written request stating what accommodation you need, linked to your mental health condition (e.g., "permission for my emotional support animal").
Step 2: Attach a note from your doctor or mental health professional—this should confirm the need for accommodation but does not require disclosure of your diagnosis.
Step 3: Send your request to your landlord or property manager by email or registered mail, and keep a copy.

If your landlord refuses or you face eviction or other issues after making an accommodation request, you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for dispute resolution.

Key Official Forms for Accommodation and Complaints

Application for Resolution (Form 7): Used to make a formal complaint or seek a ruling from the ORT if your landlord refuses to accommodate your needs or you feel discriminated against.
When to Use: If discussion with your landlord does not resolve the issue
How to Submit: File online, by mail, or in person to the ORT.
Download Form 7 from the Saskatchewan Government website.

The Office of Residential Tenancies will set a hearing date and can order landlords to make accommodations if legally required.

What Is a "Reasonable Accommodation" for Mental Health?

Reasonable accommodation means a landlord's duty to change policies, services, or the rental unit (without undue hardship), so a tenant with a mental health condition can use and enjoy their home equally. Examples include:

Allowing a tenant to have a therapy or emotional support animal
Providing extra notice before inspections or visits
Adjusting eviction procedures to allow more time for crisis support

Caution: Landlords can only refuse accommodation if it would create real safety risks or significant financial hardship. They cannot rely on stereotypes or assumptions about mental illness.

Other Important Rights and Responsibilities

While tenants with mental health needs have the right to request accommodations, they also must follow standard lease terms. Tenants remain responsible for rent, maintaining the unit, and respecting neighbours. See Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more details.

To search for supportive and accommodating housing options, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—offering filters for accessibility, pets, and more.

FAQ: Tenant Mental Health and Rental Rights in Saskatchewan

Can a landlord ask about my mental health during a rental application?
No, Saskatchewan landlords cannot ask about your mental health history unless you request an accommodation that requires limited medical information to confirm your needs.
What if my landlord refuses my accommodation request?
If discussions do not resolve the issue, escalate by submitting an Application for Resolution (Form 7) to the Office of Residential Tenancies. The ORT can order the landlord to comply.
Can I be evicted for issues related to my mental health?
A landlord cannot evict simply because of your mental health status. If a lease violation occurs, reasonable accommodation must be considered before eviction.
Does my landlord have to allow a support animal?
Yes, if a support or therapy animal is medically necessary, and proper documentation is provided, your landlord must make this accommodation unless it causes undue hardship.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

Landlords must respond to reasonable accommodation requests tied to mental health needs, unless it creates undue hardship.
If you experience refusals, discrimination, or lack of support, contact the ORT and use the right provincial forms.
Your privacy and safety are protected—landlords must treat any disability information confidentially and respectfully.

Supporting tenants with mental-health needs means everyone benefits from a fair, accessible rental housing market.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – File applications, forms, and find info
Saskatchewan – Government Tenant & Landlord Info Hub
Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth – Help for young tenants
Mental health support: Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatchewan

See: The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, Saskatchewan
Discrimination and duty to accommodate: Canadian Human Rights Act
Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies: Dispute Resolution and Forms