Reporting a Landlord to Public Health in Saskatchewan: Step-by-Step Tenant Guide

If you rent a home in Saskatchewan and are dealing with unhealthy, unsafe, or unsanitary conditions your landlord won't address, you have the right to take action. Knowing how to report your landlord to public health can help protect your health, safety, and legal rights under Saskatchewan law. This guide explains when and how to involve public health authorities, what steps you should follow, and where to get support.

When Should Tenants Report a Landlord to Public Health?

Many rental issues can and should be addressed directly by the landlord, such as minor repairs or ordinary cleaning. But some issues become serious health or safety risks, including:

• Mould or persistent dampness
• Uncontrolled pests (such as bed bugs, cockroaches, or mice)
• Unsafe drinking water or sewage backups
• No heat in winter, unsafe electrical wiring, or hazardous structural damage

These problems are considered public health hazards. If your landlord does not respond quickly and thoroughly after you have notified them of these issues, contacting your regional public health authority is the next step.

First: Try to Resolve the Issue Directly

Before filing a public health report, give your landlord written notice of the issue. Keep documentation—such as photos, emails, or dated notes—about the problem and your communications. In many cases, landlords are legally obligated to maintain the property in a reasonable state of repair and health safety, as outlined in the Office of Residential Tenancies and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)^[1].

How to Report a Landlord to Public Health in Saskatchewan

Making a public health report should be done only if the issue is significant and the landlord is not responding or refuses to fix it. Here are the steps involved:

1. Determine the Responsible Public Health Authority

Saskatchewan is divided into regional health authorities. For rental housing, reports are usually made to your local Public Health Office (Environmental Health Department) within your health region. Find contacts on the Saskatchewan Public Health Offices page.

2. Prepare Your Information

• Your name, address, and contact details
• Your landlord's contact information
• A detailed description of the health or safety concern (date issue started, actions taken, etc.)
• Photographs or other evidence
• A copy of any written communication with your landlord

3. Submit a Complaint to Public Health

You can make your report by phone, in person, by mail, or in some regions, online. There is no standard provincial form for residential health hazards, but staff may request information in writing.
After your report, a public health inspector may contact you, visit the property, and investigate. If they find a health hazard, they can issue a written order to your landlord to fix the issue within a set timeframe. Non-compliance can result in penalties.

What Happens After You File a Report?

• A public health inspector will likely contact you for more details or to schedule a property inspection
• If the inspector issues an order against the landlord, this usually requires prompt compliance
• You will normally be informed of the resolution
• If the landlord refuses to comply, further enforcement can occur

It's important to keep copies of all related records. You may also be able to bring unresolved issues—such as repairs or unsafe conditions—to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for further help or compensation.

Relevant Forms and Resources

• Public Health Complaint (no standard form): Contact your regional office; provide information as detailed above. Find your local Public Health Office
• Application to the Office of Residential Tenancies: Use if your landlord fails to comply after inspection or to seek compensation. Forms and guidance can be found on the ORT Forms page.

For a full overview of legal obligations relating to repairs and safety, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

To understand health risks and residential responsibilities more broadly, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you’re looking for a new place with reliable landlords, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings for safe, up-to-date choices in your area.

For more about your rights in Saskatchewan, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I be evicted for contacting Public Health about my rental?
   It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you for making a health complaint under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan). If you believe you've been threatened with eviction or other consequences after a report, contact the Office of Residential Tenancies immediately.
2. How long does it take for Public Health to investigate a complaint?
   Response time depends on the urgency of the issue. Immediate hazards (like no heat in winter) will be prioritized. Less urgent concerns may take several days for an inspection to occur.
3. What if my landlord still won't fix the issue after a Public Health order?
   You may apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for further enforcement or seek compensation for any losses resulting from the unsafe condition.
4. Is there a fee for filing a Public Health report?
   No, tenants are not charged for reporting health and safety concerns to Public Health.
5. Are health inspections anonymous?
   Your name is usually kept confidential; however, it may be necessary for the inspector to inform the landlord of a tenant complaint, depending on the issue.

Conclusion: What Tenants Should Remember

• Start by notifying your landlord of any serious rental health or safety issues—always keep records.
• If urgent problems are not resolved, contact your Saskatchewan Public Health Office right away for an investigation.
• The Office of Residential Tenancies can provide further help if landlord non-compliance continues.

By reporting legitimate concerns, you help protect both your rights and the safety of all tenants in Saskatchewan.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Local Public Health Offices (Saskatchewan)
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Information, forms, and support
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: For discrimination or harassment concerns. saskatchewanhumanrights.ca
• Legal Aid Saskatchewan: legalaid.sk.ca
• Community legal clinics and tenant advocacy groups (check local listings)

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1. Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – see full legislation here
2. Office of Residential Tenancies: ORT official page
3. Find your regional health authority: Public Health Offices

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