Pets in Saskatchewan: Condo vs Apartment Tenant Rules

Understanding the rules for pets when renting a condo or apartment in Saskatchewan is essential for many tenants. Whether you already own a pet or plan to get one, the province’s legislation and individual building policies can affect pet ownership rights. This article explains what Saskatchewan tenants need to know about having pets in condos versus apartments, with practical advice and official resources.

Pets in Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies: The Basics

In Saskatchewan, the rules about keeping pets in rental properties depend heavily on the terms set out in your rental agreement and the type of building—condominium or apartment. The overarching law is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA), which outlines the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords¹.

Key Differences: Condos vs Apartments

• Condos: Condominiums may be subject to pet restrictions found in the bylaws of the condominium corporation. These bylaws can entirely prohibit pets, limit the kind or size of animals, or require approval from the condo board. Tenants in condos must comply with both their landlord’s lease and the condo bylaws.
• Apartments: In most apartment buildings, pet rules are laid out in the lease between tenant and landlord. A landlord can choose to prohibit or allow pets and can specify conditions (such as type or size).

Lease Agreements and Pet Clauses

Review your lease or tenancy agreement carefully. Look for clauses that mention pets, including:

• Whether pets are allowed or banned
• Any required deposit or fee (commonly called a pet deposit)
• Rules regarding noise, damage, or nuisance

If pets are allowed, ensure the agreement specifies any limitations. If you have questions about lease wording, check out What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for more details on your rights and responsibilities.

Pet Deposits: What’s Permitted in Saskatchewan?

Landlords in Saskatchewan can require a pet deposit, but it must follow these rules:

• The pet deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent
• It must be used only for damage caused by the pet
• The landlord should return the unused portion at the end of the tenancy

Read more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Happens if Pet Rules Are Broken?

If a tenant keeps a pet despite lease or bylaw prohibitions, the landlord (or condo corporation) may serve a written notice to remedy the breach. In apartment buildings, persistent violations could result in eviction proceedings. In condos, both the landlord and the condo board may take enforcement actions, which could include fines or an order to remove the pet.

Saskatchewan tenants and landlords resolve disputes about pets through the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), the administrative body overseeing rental disputes in the province.

Accessible Housing and Service Animals

Under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, a landlord or condo corporation cannot prohibit certified service animals that assist tenants with disabilities. However, tenants should provide proper documentation and inform their landlord.

Comparing Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

• Tenants in condos must follow both their lease terms and condo bylaws
• Tenants in apartments are bound only by their lease and the RTA
• All tenants must prevent pets from causing property damage, noise, or health and safety issues

You can learn more about your province-specific rights by visiting Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Common Issues Faced by Pet Owners

• Restrictions on pet type, size, or number
• Enforcement of pet noise or nuisance provisions
• Disputes over damage or cleaning fees

If your pet causes damage or disturbs other tenants, this may be considered a breach of your obligations. For more about general tenant and landlord duties, consult Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Address Pet-Related Conflicts

If you and your landlord or condo board disagree about pets:

• Start by reading your lease and, if in a condo, the building’s bylaws
• Try to resolve issues directly and in writing
• If needed, apply to the ORT for a decision

Relevant Official Form

• Application for Resolution of a Dispute (Form 5): This is used to ask the ORT to resolve issues like eviction notices, damage claims, or pet-related disputes. For example, if your landlord tells you to remove your pet in violation of the lease, you can submit this form to request a hearing. Access Form 5 here.

Be prepared to provide supporting documentation, such as your signed lease, evidence of the condo’s bylaws, photos, or medical proof if the dispute involves a service animal.

For those looking to move, remember you can Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca with filters for condos, apartments, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pets in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Can my landlord ban pets in an apartment or condo?
   Yes. In apartments, it depends on your lease. In condos, you must also follow the condo corporation’s bylaws, which can prohibit pets.
2. Is a pet deposit required, and is it different from a security deposit?
   Pet deposits are separate from damage/security deposits in Saskatchewan. A landlord may require both, but the pet deposit is only for pet-related damage.
3. What should I do if my condo board suddenly tries to ban pets after I move in?
   Check the date the bylaw was passed—most changes don’t apply retroactively. Consult with your landlord and the condo board, and apply to ORT if necessary.
4. Are service animals covered by the same pet restrictions?
   No. Landlords and condo boards cannot deny certified service animals, as protected by law.
5. How do I file a pet-related complaint in Saskatchewan?
   You must complete the Application for Resolution of a Dispute (Form 5) and submit it to the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Pet Owners

• Always check lease terms and, if in a condo, the building’s bylaws for pet restrictions
• Separate pet deposits are allowed, but amounts are limited by law
• Disputes can be taken to the Office of Residential Tenancies
• Service animals have special protections under human rights law

Pet rules can vary between condos and apartments, but clear communication and knowing your rights ensures a smoother rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Dispute resolution and official forms for Saskatchewan tenants
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan) – Full text of the governing legislation
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – Inquiries about service animals or disability accommodation
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan – Provincial fact sheet

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1. Saskatchewan’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Read the legislation
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Official Saskatchewan resource
3. Saskatchewan Human Rights Code: View the Code

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