Maintenance & Repairs Checklist for Saskatchewan Tenants

Maintaining a safe, healthy, and comfortable home is a shared responsibility between tenants and landlords in Saskatchewan. Understanding your maintenance and repair rights can make a big difference if you ever face broken appliances, leaky plumbing, or other issues in your rental. This checklist is aimed at helping Saskatchewan tenants know what to do, which forms to use, and where to get help if something goes wrong.

Your General Rights and Responsibilities

Under Saskatchewan’s Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), both tenants and landlords have specific obligations when it comes to repairs and maintenance. The legislation governing these responsibilities is The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006¹.

• Landlords must provide a rental unit that is habitable, safe, and meets health standards.
• Tenants must keep their unit reasonably clean and report any necessary repairs promptly.

For a broad understanding of these duties, check out Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Maintenance & Repairs: What Landlords Must Take Care Of

• Heating systems, hot water, plumbing, and electrical fixtures (unless damage was caused by the tenant)
• Appliances provided as part of the tenancy (like stoves and fridges)
• Leaks, drafts, mold, or pest infestations
• Windows, doors, floors, and structural safety
• Common areas (hallways, laundry rooms) in apartment buildings

Landlords must start repairs within a reasonable time after being notified. Emergency repairs (like broken heating in winter) require urgent attention. For more on handling emergencies, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

What Tenants Are Responsible For

• Keeping your rental home clean and sanitary
• Promptly informing your landlord of needed repairs
• Repairing damage that you or your guests cause (beyond normal wear and tear)
• Notifying the landlord in writing when something needs urgent attention

Tenants are not required to pay for or arrange major repairs caused by normal use, building systems, or age.

Maintenance & Repairs Checklist for Saskatchewan Tenants

Use this checklist to keep your rental in good condition and ensure your rights are protected:

• Document the initial condition of your rental (photos, written notes, inspection checklist)
• Immediately report all problems or hazards to your landlord, preferably in writing
• Request repairs using clear, dated communication (email, letter, or maintenance request form)
• Keep copies of all correspondence and photos related to repairs
• Allow reasonable access for repairs once notice is given
• If repairs are not completed, follow up with your landlord and escalate if necessary

Routine repairs can often be resolved directly. Learn more about expectations on both sides in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

When Health or Safety Is at Stake

Unaddressed repairs causing unsafe or unsanitary conditions may violate health codes. Common issues include:

• Mold due to leaking pipes or roof
• Pest infestations
• Broken locks, windows, or heating
• Unsafe wiring or plumbing

For more details, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Key Forms for Repairs & Action Steps

• Office of Residential Tenancies “Application for Resolution of a Dispute” (Form 7)

When to use: If your landlord has not addressed needed repairs after you’ve properly notified them, and the issue persists, you may file this application with the ORT to have the matter reviewed.

How to use:

• Download Form 7: Application for Resolution of a Dispute (scroll to Application & Response Forms).
• Complete the form with details on the issue and steps taken so far.
• Submit to the ORT with any relevant documents (e.g., emails, repair requests, photos).

For a full list of forms, visit the Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies Forms page.

What If Repairs Are Still Not Done?

If your landlord fails to respond, these steps can help:

• Apply to the ORT to request an order for repairs
• Seek a rent reduction if living conditions are substandard (decided by the ORT)
• Never withhold rent without a legal order – you risk eviction

If you need to report pests or infestations, Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions offers clear guidance.

Inspections and Preventing Disputes

Regular inspections and detailed records can prevent problems. Document everything with photos and written notes. For best practices, see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

For More Facts

Want more details about Saskatchewan rental laws, including repairs and tenant protection? Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What repairs are my landlord legally responsible for in Saskatchewan? Landlords must ensure your rental is fit to live in by repairing major systems, appliances provided with the unit, windows, doors, and fixing anything that affects health or safety.
2. What if my landlord doesn’t fix a major problem? If the landlord ignores repair requests, you can file an Application for Resolution of a Dispute (Form 7) with the Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies.
3. Can I withhold rent if repairs are not done? No. Withholding rent without a legal order from the ORT may result in eviction. Always follow the legal process and apply for an order if needed.
4. How quickly must emergency repairs be addressed? Emergency repairs must be done as soon as possible. If not, contact the landlord immediately and escalate to the ORT if there’s no timely response.

How-To: Taking Action on Repairs in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. How do I make a formal maintenance request in Saskatchewan? Describe the issue in writing (email or letter), include the date, and keep a copy. Give your landlord a reasonable time to fix it.
2. How can I apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for repairs? Complete Form 7: Application for Resolution of a Dispute, attach supporting documentation, and file it with the ORT to request an order for repairs or other remedies.
3. How should I document repair issues? Take clear dated photos, keep written notes, and maintain copies of all correspondence with your landlord.
4. How do I escalate if repairs are not completed? Contact the ORT for further steps, and follow the process for filing an application if issues persist.

Key Takeaways

• Saskatchewan tenants should report repair needs quickly and document all steps.
• The Office of Residential Tenancies provides a clear process and forms if repairs go unresolved.
• Never withhold rent; instead, use the official dispute resolution process.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies – Main office for repairs, dispute applications, and guidance
• Saskatchewan Government: Renting and Leasing – Information, forms, and rights
• Local legal clinics and tenant associations can also help with advice and advocacy.

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies

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