Tenants who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer-plus often face specific barriers when finding and keeping housing. This guide explains what protections exist in Saskatchewan for renters, how the province and human rights bodies handle discrimination, and practical steps you can take if you experience harassment, refusal to rent, or landlord actions that target your sexual orientation or gender identity. It covers how to document incidents, what official forms and tribunals can help, and where to get free or low-cost legal advice. The language is plain and aimed at renters and tenants in Saskatchewan who need clear, step-by-step options to protect their housing rights and safety.
What protections apply in Saskatchewan?
Provincial law and human rights protections both matter. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 governs landlord and tenant obligations in Saskatchewan, while discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited under Saskatchewan human rights protections. If you believe you faced housing discrimination you can contact the Office of Residential Tenancies for tenancy remedies and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission for discrimination complaints.[1][3]
Documenting incidents and communicating with your landlord
Good documentation and clear, written communication are essential when responding to discrimination or harassment. Keep a record that shows dates, times, witnesses, messages, and any steps you took to resolve the issue with your landlord or property manager.
- Document dates, times, names, messages, photos, and any witnesses to each incident.
- Send written notices or emails to your landlord asking them to stop discriminatory behaviour or to confirm agreed changes.
- Keep rent receipts, payment records, and any financial evidence that shows your tenancy is in good standing.
- Report and document any habitability or safety issues separately and request repairs in writing if the discrimination also affects living conditions.
Filing a complaint and official forms
If direct communication does not resolve the situation you can file with the Office of Residential Tenancies for tenancy orders or with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission for discrimination complaints. See How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide for practical steps and templates, and review provincial summaries like Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for rules that affect your case.[2]
- Application to the Office of Residential Tenancies (official application form available from the ORT forms page) — used when you ask the tribunal to make an order about your tenancy, for example to stop harassment or to enforce repairs.
- Notice to End Tenancy (tenant or landlord notices found on the forms page) — used when a party gives formal notice to end the tenancy according to statutory timelines; read the form instructions carefully before using.
- Human Rights Complaint form to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (see the commission site) — use this when the core issue is discriminatory treatment based on sexual orientation or gender identity rather than a tenancy technicality.[2][3]
FAQ
- Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I am LGBTQ+?
- No. In Saskatchewan it is unlawful to refuse housing based on sexual orientation or gender identity; you can file with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission for discrimination and with the Office of Residential Tenancies for tenancy-related remedies.
- What remedies can I seek if I win a tribunal or discrimination complaint?
- Possible outcomes include orders to stop discriminatory behaviour, financial compensation for losses, repairs or changes to tenancy terms, and other remedies the tribunal or commission considers fair.
- Do I have to tell a landlord about my gender identity or transition?
- No. You are not required to disclose private health or personal information to rent. You can request respectful treatment, use a preferred name, and ask for reasonable privacy accommodations.
How-To
- Document the incident with dates, times, messages, photos and witness names.
- Contact your landlord in writing to request that the behaviour stop and keep a copy of the message.
- File the appropriate application with the Office of Residential Tenancies if you need an order (use the forms page to find the correct application).
- Attend any tribunal hearing and bring all evidence, witnesses, and copies of written communication.
- Follow the tribunal or commission decision and get help enforcing orders if the landlord does not comply.
Key Takeaways
- Discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity is unlawful in Saskatchewan housing.
- Document incidents and communicate in writing to preserve evidence for complaints.
- You can file with both the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission and the Office of Residential Tenancies depending on the issue.
Help and Support / Resources
- Office of Residential Tenancies — forms and applications
- ORT forms and publications
- Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission — file a discrimination complaint
