Understanding the Saskatchewan ORT process
The Office of Residential Tenancies is Saskatchewan’s tribunal for residential tenancy disputes. It can make decisions about matters such as unpaid rent, possession, damage claims, security deposits, repairs, and compliance with a rental agreement. The governing law is Saskatchewan’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.[1]
An ORT hearing may be conducted by telephone, videoconference, or another process identified in the hearing notice. Read the notice carefully because it should explain the hearing date, attendance method, filing deadlines, and how evidence must be delivered. A party who misses a deadline or does not attend may have fewer opportunities to present their position.
For general preparation about landlord and tenant duties, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
What evidence can a tenant submit?
Evidence should help the adjudicator understand what happened, when it happened, and how the issue relates to the claim or application. Use documents that are relevant, reliable, and easy to follow rather than sending large amounts of unrelated material.
- Rental agreements, addenda, notices, inspection reports, and written rules connected to the dispute.
- Rent receipts, bank records, payment confirmations, deposit records, and an arrears calculation if money is in issue.
- Photographs, videos, repair requests, messages, emails, and dated logs showing the condition of the rental unit.
- Names and contact information for witnesses who have direct knowledge of the relevant events.
If the dispute involves habitability, explain how the problem affected the rental unit and identify when you notified the landlord. Guidance about repair responsibilities may also be useful in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
Organizing photographs and digital records
Keep original files when possible, including the date and time information. Name copies in a consistent way, such as “2025-06-03-bedroom-window.jpg,” and place them in a numbered list that briefly explains what each item shows. For text messages and emails, include enough surrounding context to avoid presenting an isolated sentence that could be misunderstood.
Prepare a short written timeline with dates, actions, and supporting evidence numbers. If a document is not in English or is difficult to read, identify that issue early and ask the ORT whether additional instructions apply.
Submitting evidence to the ORT
Start with the official Saskatchewan ORT forms and applications page. The current forms page should be used for the applicable Application to Adjudicate or other application form, because form availability and filing instructions can change. Complete every required field, describe the remedy requested, and attach only evidence that supports the issue.
- Application to Adjudicate: use the current ORT application form when asking the tribunal to decide a tenancy dispute, such as a claim about repairs or money owed.
- Response or supporting submission: use the instructions provided with the notice or application when answering the other party’s claim and filing your evidence.
- Evidence package: combine a short index, numbered documents, photographs, records, and a timeline into a format accepted by the ORT.
When filing an application, a tenant should describe the facts in plain language and identify the order or outcome requested. For example, a tenant seeking action about unresolved water damage could attach repair requests, dated photographs, invoices or receipts, and a timeline showing when the landlord was notified. Follow the ORT’s current instructions for delivery to the tribunal and service on the other party.
Keep proof of filing and delivery, such as a confirmation email, receipt, upload confirmation, or a record of how and when materials were served. If the ORT directs you to use a particular portal or email address, use that method rather than an outdated address found elsewhere.
Tenants looking for a new home while managing a dispute can Explore rental homes in your area, but a new rental search does not replace the need to respond to an ORT notice or hearing deadline.
Preparing for the hearing
Review the other party’s evidence as soon as it arrives. Make a list of points you agree with, points you dispute, and documents that support your response. Keep the hearing notice, your evidence index, and your main notes together so you can locate them quickly.
- Confirm the hearing date, time, time zone, attendance method, and submission deadline.
- Test your telephone or video connection and arrange a quiet place where you can participate without interruption.
- Keep your evidence package, timeline, rental agreement, and payment records available during the hearing.
- Answer questions directly, remain respectful, and explain when you do not know or cannot recall a detail.
An adjudicator may ask questions about documents, credibility, notices, payments, or the condition of the unit. Do not interrupt the other party; write down the point and address it when invited. If you need an accommodation or cannot attend for a serious reason, contact the ORT as soon as possible and follow its directions rather than assuming the hearing will be postponed.
After the hearing
The ORT may issue a written decision or order after considering the evidence and submissions. Read it carefully, note any payment or move-out date, and follow instructions about review, enforcement, or other available steps. A tribunal order is different from informal advice, so retain the complete decision with your tenancy records.
If you believe an important procedural problem occurred, review the official decision and Saskatchewan legislation promptly to determine whether a reconsideration, appeal, or other remedy may be available. Time limits can apply, and the ORT can explain its current process but cannot provide personalized legal advice.
FAQ
- Can a Saskatchewan tenant submit photographs and text messages as ORT evidence?
- Yes, photographs and messages may be relevant evidence when they help prove an issue, date, notice, payment, or condition, but they should be organized and submitted using the ORT’s current instructions.
- What happens if a tenant misses the evidence deadline?
- Contact the ORT immediately, explain the reason, and ask whether late evidence can be accepted; do not assume it will automatically be considered.
- Does a tenant need a lawyer for an ORT hearing?
- A lawyer is not always required, but a tenant may seek legal advice when the dispute is complex, a substantial amount of money is involved, or an eviction is at issue.
- Where can Saskatchewan renters find current ORT forms?
- Current forms and filing instructions are available through the official Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies forms page.
How-To
- Read the ORT hearing notice and identify the claim, response deadline, hearing date, and required filing method.
- Collect relevant agreements, notices, payment records, photographs, messages, repair logs, and witness details.
- Create a numbered evidence index and a dated timeline that links each important fact to a document.
- Complete the current ORT form, state the outcome requested, and submit the application and evidence as directed.
- Deliver the materials to the other party when required and keep proof of filing and delivery.
- Attend the hearing, answer questions clearly, and refer to your evidence numbers when making submissions.
Help and Support / Resources
- Office of Residential Tenancies for tribunal information and contact options.
- Saskatchewan ORT forms and applications for current forms and filing instructions.
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 for the governing provincial legislation.
