Neighbour Complaints: Pets and Smoke in Saskatchewan Rentals

If you’re a tenant in Saskatchewan, sharing a building means cooperation with neighbours. But what happens if a neighbour complains about your pet or smoke from your unit? Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and the proper complaint process can help you resolve conflicts and maintain a good rental experience.

Common Neighbour Complaints: Pets and Smoke

In apartment buildings or shared rentals, two frequent concerns are:

• Excessive noise, damage, or allergens caused by pets (such as barking dogs or cat dander)
• Tobacco, cannabis, or other types of smoke drifting into neighbouring units or common areas

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles most disputes between landlords, tenants, and sometimes neighbours in Saskatchewan.

Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

What do Saskatchewan rental laws say about pets or smoke? Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, tenants have the right to reasonable enjoyment of their home. However, you are also responsible for:

• Not disturbing others’ peaceful enjoyment (e.g., excessive noise or persistent pet issues)
• Following pet and no-smoking clauses in your lease (if they exist)
• Ensuring guests do not cause problems

Landlords must address complaints promptly and fairly, investigating reported issues and enforcing the lease agreement. For more details on legal requirements, see the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained page.

What to Do If a Neighbour Complains About Your Pet

If you receive a direct complaint or an official notice:

• Review your rental agreement for pet policies
• Talk calmly with your neighbour to understand the issue
• Try to resolve the problem (e.g., reduce barking, clean up after your pet)
• Inform your landlord about the complaint and your steps to improve the situation

Smoke-Related Complaints: Know Your Rights

Second-hand smoke, including tobacco and cannabis, is a common concern in shared spaces. Your lease may prohibit or restrict smoking. The landlord can act if:

• Your smoke enters neighbour units persistently
• The building is designated non-smoking
• Repeated complaints are made and documented

Landlords must give proper written notice before changing building rules about smoking. Tenants with medical needs should discuss accommodation requests in writing.

Filing and Responding to Complaints in Saskatchewan

Inevitably, not all disputes resolve with a conversation. If the problem continues:

• Your neighbour can report the issue to your landlord or property manager
• The landlord may issue a formal written notice or request evidence of the problem
• Persistent violations can result in a Notice to Vacate (Form 7) or other action

If you feel a complaint is unfair or you need to make a counter-complaint, you can apply to the ORT:

• Application for Hearing (Form 6): Used to dispute written notices or request a hearing about tenancy matters. For example, if you believe a neighbour’s complaint is unfounded and the landlord is trying to evict you without cause, you can challenge the notice using this form.
  Download from the official ORT forms page.
• Notice to Vacate (Form 7): If ongoing noise/smoke violations are confirmed, your landlord may serve this notice. Ensure you read all instructions and respond within the required timeframe.
  Find Form 7 at the Saskatchewan Housing and Renting Portal.

Always keep written records and dates of complaints, communications, and actions taken.

Health and Safety Considerations

If complaints involve pet-related allergens or second-hand smoke, this may impact health and safety in the rental. Landlords must ensure properties are reasonably safe. Learn more at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Resolving Conflicts and Preventing Escalation

Quickly addressing complaints can help avoid legal escalation or eviction:

• Work to resolve disputes amicably first
• Document all communications in writing
• Use mediation services, if available
• Apply to the ORT for a formal hearing only if needed

For practical tips on working through rental issues, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

You can also browse apartments for rent in Canada if you decide a move would better suit your needs or preferences.

For additional detail on tenant and landlord rights locally, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

1. How can I prevent neighbour complaints about my pet?
   Keep your pet under control, clean up after them promptly, limit noise, and follow any specific rules in your lease.
2. What should I do if my neighbour complains about smoke?
   Check your lease for smoking policies, try sealing gaps to prevent smoke transfer, and discuss concerns calmly with your neighbour. If your lease prohibits smoking, comply to avoid formal notices.
3. Can my landlord evict me if my neighbour complains?
   Not for a single complaint, but repeated or severe issues may lead to a Notice to Vacate if not resolved. Tenants have the right to challenge such notices through the ORT using the correct form.
4. What official forms do I use to dispute a complaint or eviction?
   Use Form 6, Application for Hearing, to request the ORT review a complaint or notice to vacate.
5. Where can I get help if I feel I’m being treated unfairly?
   Reach out to the ORT, local tenant support services, or legal aid for advice and assistance.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Pet and smoke complaints should be addressed quickly and respectfully.
• Understand your lease and rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Use official forms and the ORT process if disputes cannot be resolved directly.

A little communication and documentation can help you resolve most issues before they escalate.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Information, applications, and dispute resolution
• ORT Forms Access: Download official complaint, hearing, and notice forms
• Saskatchewan Publications Centre – Tenant Guides
• Local legal aid and tenant support organizations (check your municipality)

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1. Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Full text and updates
2. Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies: Official site
3. Official Forms: Forms and fees

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