Pet Ownership Discrimination in Saskatchewan Rentals: Tenant Rights

If you're a tenant in Saskatchewan and feel you've been denied a rental because of pet ownership, it's important to understand your rights and the laws that apply. While landlords have some discretion over pets in rental units, specific rules and anti-discrimination protections exist—especially if a pet is an assistance animal. This guide covers what Saskatchewan tenants need to know, including practical steps, legal options, and official support.

Are Landlords in Saskatchewan Allowed to Refuse Tenants with Pets?

In Saskatchewan, landlords generally have the right to include “no pets” clauses in their rental agreements. This means that in most cases, landlords can refuse to rent to tenants who have pets or wish to have pets in the rental unit. Pet policies should be stated clearly in the rental listing or at the time of application.

However, there is an exception if the pet is a service or support animal required for disability-related reasons. Discriminating against a tenant who has a certified service animal may be prohibited under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code^[1].

What Counts as Discrimination?

• Refusing to rent based solely on pet ownership is allowed unless the pet is a medically required service animal.
• If you have a certified service animal, it is discriminatory for a landlord to refuse you housing because of your animal.
• Tenants with emotional support animals may have different rights; documentation is often required and must be recognized under current law.

General pet restrictions (e.g., “no cats or dogs allowed”) are legal, provided they are applied equally to all applicants and do not amount to discrimination on the basis of disability.

How the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code Protects Tenants

The main provincial laws addressing rental relationships are found under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[2] and The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code. While the Residential Tenancies Act outlines general landlord and tenant responsibilities, the Human Rights Code specifically prohibits discrimination in housing based on protected grounds, including disability. This covers service animal usage.

If you’re unsure about your rights or want a broader perspective on provincial regulations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Service Animals and Disability Accommodation

Landlords in Saskatchewan cannot refuse to rent to a person with a disability who needs a service animal, even if their property typically forbids pets. A service animal must be trained and certified for specific assistance purposes. Emotional support animals may not always have the same protection unless they meet the definition under the Human Rights Code.

What to Do if You Face Discrimination

If you believe you have been denied housing because of a service animal, you may:

• Contact the landlord in writing, explaining your situation and rights under the Human Rights Code.
• File a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC).
• Seek advice from a tenant support organization.

Filing a Human Rights Complaint in Saskatchewan

The Request for Service form (Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission) is the primary way to file a housing discrimination complaint. Here’s how you can do it:

• Form Name: Request for Service (no form number)
• When to Use: If denied a rental because of a service animal or disability.
• How to Use: Complete the request online or download and mail it to the SHRC. You’ll be asked for details about your experience and documentation (such as proof of service animal designation).
• Access the official form and instructions

What the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 Says About Pets

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 does not require landlords to allow pets, except for circumstances involving service animals. Many rental agreements in Saskatchewan include pet-related clauses. If you have questions about your lease terms, review your rental agreement and see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Sometimes, landlords may ask for a pet damage deposit. In Saskatchewan, this cannot exceed half of one month’s rent and can only be collected if pets are permitted by the landlord. Learn more at Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals in Saskatchewan

Finding housing that allows pets can be challenging in some areas. Use trustworthy online platforms to help with your search. For example, you can Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca for up-to-date listings tailored to your needs.

Summary Table: Pets, Service Animals, and Rental Rights in Saskatchewan

• Pets: Landlords may prohibit or restrict pets at their discretion.
• Service Animals: Protected under human rights law; denying tenancy due to a service animal can amount to discrimination.
• Pet Deposits: Allowed if pets are permitted; maximum deposit is half a month’s rent.
• Application Denied for Pets: Only challengeable if discrimination relates to a protected ground, such as disability with a service animal.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pets and Discrimination in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a pet in Saskatchewan?
   Yes, unless your pet is a certified service animal required for a disability. Otherwise, landlords can set their own pet policies.
2. What should I do if my landlord denies my application due to a service animal?
   Document the details and file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission using their Request for Service form.
3. Are emotional support animals protected in the same way as service animals?
   Emotional support animals are not always granted the same legal status. You must provide proper documentation and meet the requirements under the Human Rights Code.
4. How much can a landlord charge for a pet deposit in Saskatchewan?
   The maximum is half of one month’s rent, and only if pets are allowed in the first place.
5. Where can I learn more about general tenant rights?
   Check out Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for an overview of rental laws in the province.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords can refuse pets, but not certified service animals; discrimination on disability grounds is unlawful.
• For issues related to service animals, file a complaint with the provincial Human Rights Commission.
• Review your lease carefully and know your deposit rights.

Understanding your rights—and the limits of landlord authority—can protect you from unfair housing denial. Take action when your rights are violated and use official resources for support.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: File a housing discrimination complaint
• Saskatchewan Government: Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Dispute resolution and forms
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

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1. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018, available at official CanLII site
2. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan), see official legislation text
3. Residential tenancy dispute resolution: Saskatchewan.ca – Renting and Leasing
4. Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission complaint process and Request for Service form: Official SHRC complaints page

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