Mould and Indoor Air Quality: Tenant Solutions in Saskatchewan

Mould—or 'mold'—and poor indoor air quality can affect your comfort and health as a tenant in Saskatchewan. Whether you see visible signs of mould, smell musty odours, or are concerned about excess humidity, knowing your rights and the right steps to take can protect both your wellbeing and your tenancy. This guide explains what to do when mould or air quality issues arise, what the law requires, and where to get help as a Saskatchewan renter.

Understanding Mould and Air Quality in Rentals

Mould grows in moist environments, especially where water leaks, condensation, or flooding have occurred. Poor indoor air quality can result from mould, as well as dust, chemicals, or inadequate ventilation. These issues are more than an inconvenience—they can cause health symptoms like coughing, headaches, or allergies, and may worsen other conditions.

Legal Rights and Responsibilities in Saskatchewan

Both tenants and landlords have important duties related to health and safety. Under Saskatchewan’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords must provide and maintain rental units in a safe and healthy condition, free from hazards that could affect a tenant’s health¹. Tenants must maintain reasonable cleanliness and promptly report problems like leaks or mould growth.

• Landlords are responsible for repairing structural issues, leaky plumbing, or problems causing mould growth.
• Tenants are responsible for cleaning visible surface mould and using kitchen and bathroom fans as directed, but not for fixing building or moisture problems causing persistent mould.

For a more detailed look at tenant and landlord obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Steps to Take When You Find Mould or Poor Air Quality

Knowing what to do helps you respond quickly to protect your health and your rental rights. Here’s what tenants should do in Saskatchewan:

• Document the Issue: Take clear photos and written notes of where and when you first see mould, water damage, or signs of poor air quality.
• Inform Your Landlord in Writing: Contact your landlord or property manager as soon as possible. Written notice (email, letter, or text) is best and creates a record.
• Request Repairs: Specify what you have found and ask that repairs be made to fix the underlying cause (e.g., plumbing leaks, poor ventilation). Keep copies of all correspondence.
• Allow Reasonable Access: Cooperate with repair visits and do your part to prevent additional damage (e.g., ventilating, cleaning minor surface mould).
• If No Action Is Taken: If the landlord does not respond or fix the issue within a reasonable time, you can seek help from the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Addressing mould and air quality promptly helps keep you and your home safe, and provides essential documentation if the problem isn’t remedied quickly.

When and How to Apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles tenant-landlord disputes and can order repairs where a landlord refuses necessary work. If your landlord doesn’t address the issue after reasonable notice, you may apply for an order requiring repairs or rent abatement.

• Use Form 6: Application for Repair Orders. Download it from the Government of Saskatchewan website.
• Include your documentation: written notice to the landlord, photos, and any responses.
• Submit the application to the ORT with the applicable fee. If successful, the tribunal may order your landlord to address the issue or adjust your rent.

Other Saskatchewan Forms and Resources

• Form 8: Application for Compensation or Abatement of Rent (apply here): Useful if health or comfort is affected and part of your rent should be reduced until repairs are complete.

Always review official guidance and instructions with each form. Processing times can vary, and documentation is key to a successful complaint.

If air quality or mould is making you sick, also contact your regional public health office—they may inspect and issue orders that support your case.
See: Saskatchewan Environmental Public Health.

Prevention Tips and Tenant Best Practices

Simple steps can keep mould at bay and support cleaner indoor air:

• Keep bathroom and kitchen fans running during showers and cooking.
• Open windows when safe to do so—especially after activities that create moisture.
• Clean up minor spills or water leaks promptly.
• Avoid blocking vents or air returns.

For more ways to ensure a healthy rental, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Learn More About Saskatchewan Tenant Rights

Saskatchewan’s rental laws protect tenants from unsafe or unhealthy living conditions. To read more, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mould and Air Quality in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Can I withhold rent if my landlord won’t fix mould problems?
   Not without an order from the ORT. It’s important to follow the legal complaint process rather than stopping rent payments, as this could risk eviction.
2. Do I have to pay for mould cleanup in my rental?
   You are responsible for routine cleaning and preventing excess moisture, but landlords must address repairs and persistent mould caused by building problems.
3. How long does my landlord have to fix mould or air quality issues?
   Landlords must act within a reasonable period after being notified. For urgent issues, prompt action is expected, but "reasonable" depends on the situation's severity.
4. Where do I find forms to file a repair complaint?
   Official forms are available on the Government of Saskatchewan’s ORT website.
5. Can I break my lease due to mould?
   Sometimes, if the problem is not fixed and your health or use of the rental is affected, the ORT may allow you to end your tenancy. Always seek legal advice before taking this step.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Report mould and air quality problems to your landlord in writing as soon as possible.
• Keep detailed records of issues and communications.
• If your landlord doesn't act, apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for help.

Staying informed and proactive helps you maintain a safe and healthy home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Official site, forms, and dispute resolution
• Saskatchewan Environmental Public Health: Guidance on indoor air quality complaints
• Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA): Tenant rights information and support
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan: Learn your rights and responsibilities

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, Saskatchewan: Read the full text
2. Government of Saskatchewan, Office of Residential Tenancies: ORT information and forms
3. Saskatchewan Health Authority, Environmental Public Health: Learn more

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