If you’re a renter in Saskatchewan, you might worry about potential backlash when raising concerns about your rental or filing a formal complaint. Understanding your rights is crucial—it’s illegal for landlords to retaliate against tenants for asserting their legal protections in this province. Below, you’ll find practical guidance on preventing, identifying, and responding to landlord retaliation, with a focus on Saskatchewan law and resources.
What Is Landlord Retaliation?
Landlord retaliation happens when a landlord punishes a tenant for exercising their legal rights. In Saskatchewan, this commonly means trying to evict, refuse repairs, increase rent unexpectedly, or otherwise harass a tenant after the tenant:
- Files a complaint (about repairs, health and safety, or unfair treatment)
- Contacts the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)
- Joins or forms a tenant association
- Follows legal procedures available under The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Key Point: Retaliation can take many forms, not just eviction. If your landlord starts treating you unfairly after you file a complaint, you may have grounds to take action.
Saskatchewan Law: Tenant Protections Against Retaliation
Under The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA), landlords cannot penalize tenants for exercising their legal rights, including making complaints about health, safety, or repairs. Retaliation is a violation of the Act and could result in the landlord facing serious consequences, including orders to stop the offending behaviour or even pay compensation to the tenant.[1]
Common Examples of Retaliation
- Giving an eviction notice soon after a tenant complaint
- Suddenly increasing rent without proper notice after a dispute (which must always follow RTA rules)
- Refusing to renew a lease when the only reason is a recent complaint
- Threatening or intimidating the tenant
How to File a Complaint in Saskatchewan
If you believe your landlord is retaliating against you, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Document Everything: Record dates, details, and communications with your landlord. Keep copies of emails, written requests, and notices.
- Contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): The ORT is the tribunal for resolving landlord-tenant disputes in Saskatchewan. You can file a formal Application for Resolution with the ORT online or in person. Find Saskatchewan's ORT here.
- Use Official Complaint Forms:
The main form for tenants to address retaliation or other rental disputes is:
- Application for Resolution (Form 5) – Use this form to request the ORT to make an official decision about your complaint, including retaliation. Download Application for Resolution (Form 5)
Example: If your landlord gives you an eviction notice one week after you reported mold or requested repairs, you can fill out Form 5 and submit it to the ORT, explaining the suspected retaliation.
How the ORT Handles Complaints
Once you submit a complaint, the ORT will review the evidence and may invite both parties to a hearing. If the complaint is justified, the ORT can order remedies, including stopping the eviction, requiring repairs, or awarding compensation.
Your Practical Rights as a Saskatchewan Tenant
Tenants are protected from retaliation for:
- Requesting repairs or maintenance
- Raising health and safety issues
- Refusing illegal or improper rent increases
- Contacting the ORT or other authorities
- Participating in tenant organizations
For a complete overview of responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Other Common Tenant Issues
Retaliation may happen following issues like poor maintenance, overdue repairs, or health hazards. Visit How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide for more on making effective complaints and other strategies for resolving issues with your landlord.
You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you decide to seek new accommodations or explore your options.
For the most up-to-date, province-wide information, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can my landlord evict me just because I made a complaint?
Saskatchewan law doesn’t allow eviction as a form of retaliation for complaints. Any eviction notice given for this reason can be challenged with the ORT. - What proof do I need for a retaliation complaint?
Keep written records of your complaint, the landlord's responses, and any notices or communication related to the complaint. Detailed timelines help establish a case. - How do I file an application with the ORT?
Fill out and submit the Application for Resolution (Form 5) along with any supporting evidence. You can submit online, by mail, or in person. - Who can help if my landlord keeps retaliating?
The Office of Residential Tenancies, local tenant advocacy groups, or legal clinics are good options for support. See below for key contacts. - Can I report retaliation based on health or safety concerns?
Yes. Tenants raising health and safety issues are protected and should not face any negative consequences for making legitimate complaints.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Saskatchewan’s housing tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes
- Saskatchewan Renting and Leasing: Government Portal
- Community Legal Information Saskatchewan – Legal guidance for tenants
- Local tenant advocacy organizations in major Saskatchewan cities
