Mold, Pests, and Health Hazards in Saskatchewan Rentals: Tenant Rights

If you're dealing with mold, pests, or other health hazards in your Saskatchewan rental home, knowing your rights and the responsibilities of both tenants and landlords is essential. Saskatchewan law is clear: rental properties must be safe and fit to live in. This guide helps you identify these hazards, explains the steps to take, and shows you where to get help and the official forms involved.

What Qualifies as a Health Hazard in Saskatchewan Rentals?

Health hazards can seriously impact your comfort, safety, and well-being at home. In Saskatchewan, these typically include:

• Mold or mildew due to moisture or leaks
• Pest infestations (such as bed bugs, cockroaches, mice, or rats)
• Unsafe drinking water, sewage problems, or lack of proper ventilation
• Lead paint, asbestos, or other toxic materials

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 requires landlords to keep rental units in good repair and compliant with health, safety, and housing standards at all times. Learn more about tenants' and landlords' legal duties.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Saskatchewan?

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) is the official tribunal that manages issues between tenants and landlords, including disputes over repairs, health hazards, and unsafe living conditions.

Mold: What Tenants Need to Know

Mold is a common—and sometimes dangerous—problem in Saskatchewan rentals, especially in damp environments or with plumbing issues. Mold can aggravate asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems.

How to Report Mold

• Take clear photos and notes of the mold location.
• Send a dated written notice (email or letter) to your landlord describing the issue.
• Keep copies for your own records.

If mold is not addressed in a reasonable time, you may apply to the ORT for an order requiring repairs.

Pest Infestations: Your Rights and Remedies

Pests like bed bugs, mice, and cockroaches can quickly turn a rental uncomfortable. In most cases, landlords are responsible for treating pest infestations unless the problem was caused by the tenant’s own actions.

• Document and report the problem as soon as possible
• Allow access for inspection and treatment

For a more detailed look, visit Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Other Health and Safety Problems

Additional hazards can include sewage issues, water leaks, unsafe heating, or broken doors and windows. Landlords must maintain the property and address these promptly.

Read more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Official Forms for Reporting Health Hazards

When a landlord fails to act, tenants can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for a remedy. Common forms and how to use them include:

• Application for an Order of Repairs (Form 5): Use this form if your rental needs urgent repairs for health or safety reasons and your landlord is not responding.
  Download Form 5 from the ORT.
  Example: A tenant living with severe mold or a broken furnace could file Form 5 requesting the tribunal to order the landlord to fix these hazards.
• Notice of Claim (Form 6): Used to make claims for compensation, such as if personal property is damaged by mold or pests and the landlord was negligent.
  Download Form 6 from the official source.

Tenants’ and Landlords’ Responsibilities

• Landlords must provide a clean, safe, and healthy home at the beginning and throughout the tenancy.
• Tenants must keep the unit reasonably clean and report hazards as soon as possible.
• Both parties have legal obligations under The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

For a deeper review, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Happens If the Problem Isn’t Fixed?

If the landlord does not act to resolve mold, pests, or health hazards after being informed in writing, you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for an order. Bring detailed evidence, including:

• Photos of the hazard
• Copies of written complaints
• Any invoices or records

Your Rights in Saskatchewan

For more on the rights and regulations specific to your province, refer to Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Wherever you move next, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada using Houseme’s platform for safe, healthy rental options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible for removing mold or pests in my Saskatchewan rental?
   Generally, landlords must fix mold and pest problems unless you caused them through negligence. Always report issues promptly in writing.
2. Can I withhold rent if the unit is unsafe to live in?
   No, under Saskatchewan law, you must continue paying rent. Instead, file an application with the ORT if needed.
3. How long does my landlord have to fix a health hazard?
   Repairs must be made in a reasonable time, especially for urgent health or safety issues. If ignored, apply to the ORT.
4. What evidence should I collect for a tenancy tribunal application?
   Photos, dates, copies of reports or written complaints, and any records showing the ongoing issue.
5. Where can I get help if my landlord won’t fix hazardous conditions?
   Contact the Office of Residential Tenancies, local health authority, or a tenant support service.

Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants

• Document all health hazards and notify your landlord in writing.
• If hazards aren’t fixed, use ORT forms to request repairs or compensation.
• You have the right to a safe, healthy rental under Saskatchewan law.

Taking action early can help resolve most issues without stress. Keep records, know your rights, and reach out for help if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): File complaints or applications related to rental health and safety (1-888-215-2222)
• Local Public Health Inspector: Investigate serious health violations.
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: For cases involving discrimination connected to rental housing.
• Provincial tenant rights information: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan), available at CanLII - Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Official Tribunal Website
3. Application for an Order of Repairs (Form 5): Official Application Form
4. Notice of Claim (Form 6): Official Application Form

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