Legal Support for Tenant Discrimination Issues in Saskatchewan

If you're a tenant in Saskatchewan experiencing discrimination or accessibility barriers from your landlord, you have important rights and legal options. This article explains how Saskatchewan tenants can address housing discrimination, which laws protect you, and how to seek support—including filing complaints and accessing provincial resources. Whether it's refusing a service animal, lack of accessibility, or unfair treatment, knowing your steps is the first path to resolution.

Understanding Discrimination and Accessibility in Saskatchewan Tenancy

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) protects tenants from discrimination in housing. This means landlords cannot treat you differently because of characteristics like:

• Disability
• Gender identity or expression
• Race, colour, ancestry, or ethnicity
• Religious beliefs
• Family or marital status
• Sexual orientation
• Receipt of social assistance

If you're denied a rental, told not to have a service animal, or face other barriers, you may have grounds for a legal complaint under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 ^[1].

Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

While you have robust rights, tenants must also fulfill basic rental obligations—such as following the rules set out in the lease. If a dispute arises, your case is more likely to succeed if you uphold your end of the agreement. For a full overview, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

Document everything and take these steps if you believe your rights have been violated:

• Record: Save emails, letters, or texts with your landlord related to the issue.
• Communicate: Politely request reasonable accommodation—such as an accessible entrance or permission for your service animal.
• Review your lease: Ensure you understand tenancy rules and obligations.
• Gather witnesses: Ask others who saw/heard the discrimination to write down their accounts.

Discrimination or accessibility complaints can also overlap with maintenance or safety issues that impact your daily life. To understand related duties, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Filing a Complaint: Key Legal Steps and Forms

If the issue cannot be resolved with your landlord, you have the right to file an official complaint. In Saskatchewan:

Step 1: File a Human Rights Complaint

• Form: Human Rights Complaint Form (no number assigned)
• How it's used: Anyone in Saskatchewan who believes they have faced housing discrimination or accessibility barriers can complete this form to request an investigation.
• Where to get it: Download or file the Human Rights Complaint Form at SHRC

After submitting, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission will review your claim and may mediate, investigate, or refer your case to a tribunal hearing.

Step 2: Consider Tenancy Disputes Tribunal

For tenancy problems tied to discrimination (for example, a landlord trying to evict after your request for accessibility), the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles residential rental disputes. The ORT uses the Application for Hearing (form available on the official ORT page) to begin a dispute resolution process.

• Form: Application for Hearing
• How it's used: Submit this if your landlord took action against you (such as eviction or rent increase) that you believe was discriminatory, or if your request for accommodation is being denied.

Tip: You can apply to both the SHRC and the ORT if your situation involves both discrimination and rental law violations. Coordinating with an advocate or tenant support service is recommended.

Legislation That Protects You

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 – prohibits housing discrimination.
• The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – outlines tenant and landlord obligations and the dispute resolution process.

For a full overview of provincial tenant and landlord rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Accessibility: What Accommodations Are Reasonable?

Landlords generally must make "reasonable accommodations" for disabilities, unless doing so causes them undue hardship (like major structural changes or huge cost). Examples include:

• Allowing service animals—even if there's a "no pets" policy
• Permitting assistive devices or minor modifications (grab bars, ramps)
• Changing lease terms to adapt to medical needs (where reasonable)

For more insight into keeping your rental safe and accessible, check Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

For those relocating for accessibility, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—including accessible units in Saskatchewan and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rental Discrimination in Saskatchewan

1. What counts as discrimination by a landlord in Saskatchewan?
   Discrimination happens if a landlord treats you unfairly due to protected grounds like disability, race, or family status—such as refusing to rent to you, denying accommodations, or changing your lease for these reasons.
2. Can my landlord refuse a service animal?
   No. Service animals must be allowed even in "no pets" rentals as part of a reasonable accommodation for disability, unless it causes undue hardship to the landlord.
3. Where do I file a human rights complaint about my rental?
   All housing discrimination complaints go to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission using their complaint form.
4. What if my landlord tries to evict me after I ask for accessibility changes?
   If you believe the eviction is linked to your request for accommodation, you should file complaints with both the SHRC and the Office of Residential Tenancies. Gather all communications and documents as evidence.

How to File a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint in Saskatchewan

1. How do I file a human rights complaint about my landlord?
   Download, fill in, and submit the Human Rights Complaint Form (along with supporting documents) to the SHRC—either online or by mail.
2. How do I start a case with the Office of Residential Tenancies?
   Use the Application for Hearing form to request a tenancy dispute hearing (for issues like discriminatory eviction or retaliation). Submit to the ORT with your evidence.
3. What should I include with my complaint?
   Provide a clear timeline, supporting documents (correspondence, photos), and witness statements to strengthen your case.
4. How long does the process take?
   It varies—SHRC cases may take weeks to months depending on mediation or hearings. ORT hearings are usually scheduled within a few weeks.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Tenants are legally protected from discrimination and entitled to accessible accommodation.
• Use SHRC and ORT forms to file complaints—document all steps thoroughly.
• Support is available if you need guidance; don't hesitate to reach out.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) – File a Complaint
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Tenancy Dispute Resolution
• Tenant advocacy and legal clinics in Saskatchewan (PovNet resource)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan – Complete rights and obligations overview

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1. [1] Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018
2. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
3. How to File a Complaint - Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
4. Office of Residential Tenancies – Information for Tenants and Landlords

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