Reporting Non-Compliant Landlords in Saskatchewan: A Tenant Guide

If you're a tenant in Saskatchewan facing problems such as ignored repairs, health hazards, or illegal rent increases, it's essential to know how to report a non-compliant landlord. Saskatchewanians have specific rights and procedures under provincial law to address these issues. This guide demystifies the reporting process and ensures you feel empowered to protect your rental rights in Saskatchewan.

When Is Your Landlord Non-Compliant?

Landlords in Saskatchewan must follow the rules set out in the The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. A landlord is considered non-compliant if they:

• Fail to complete necessary repairs or address health and safety issues
• Do not return rental deposits as required by law
• Attempt to evict a tenant without proper notice or legal reason
• Harass or intimidate tenants
• Increase rent improperly

If you are not sure whether your landlord’s actions break the law, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for an overview of your provincial rights.

Steps to Address Landlord Non-Compliance

Before making a formal report, try to resolve the issue directly. Here’s what you should do:

• Document the issue. Keep photos, letters, and notes.
• Send a written request to your landlord (email or letter) listing the problem and asking for action by a reasonable deadline.
• Keep records of all communications and the landlord’s response (or lack thereof).

If the landlord fails to act, you have the right to file a formal complaint with Saskatchewan's Residential Tenancies Office.

How to File an Official Complaint in Saskatchewan

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) is the official body for handling tenant–landlord disputes in Saskatchewan. Tenants can file for an order requiring a landlord to comply with the law.

Key Official Forms for Tenants

• Application for an Office of Residential Tenancies Hearing (PDF)
  Use this form when your landlord has not resolved an issue (e.g., repairs, deposit disputes, improper notices). File with supporting documents, including your written requests and evidence.

Practical Example: If your heat is not working in winter and repeated written requests go unanswered, complete the Application for a Hearing and submit to the ORT to seek an order compelling repairs.

How to Submit Your Complaint

• Download and complete the application form from the official Saskatchewan government forms portal.
• Submit by mail, fax, in person, or (for some cases) by email to the ORT. Check details and current process on the ORT website.
• Pay the application fee (fee waivers may be available if you qualify for financial hardship).

After you apply, the ORT will arrange a hearing to review your case. Both you and your landlord can present evidence before a decision is made.

What Can Happen After Filing?

The Office of Residential Tenancies may:

• Order the landlord to repair, refund, or follow the law
• Impose penalties or award compensation to you
• Facilitate mediation to resolve the dispute

All decisions are enforceable in Saskatchewan courts.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

While you have the right to report your landlord, you must also meet your responsibilities as a tenant. Failing to pay rent or follow lease rules may impact the tribunal's decision. For detailed information about your obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If your concern involves dangerous or unsanitary living conditions, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more on your rights and steps to take.

Other Supportive Steps

Some tenants may find solutions through mediation or by discussing the issue with a tenant advocate group before formalizing a dispute. Doing this can save time and help preserve a good landlord-tenant relationship.

For additional rental homes and housing solutions, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and access helpful tools for Canadian renters.

1. What issues should be reported to the Residential Tenancies Office?
   Saskatchewan tenants can report issues such as outstanding repairs, health and safety hazards, illegal eviction notices, and improper rent increases to the ORT.
2. Do I need to give my landlord a chance to fix the problem before reporting?
   Yes, always notify your landlord in writing first and allow a reasonable period for them to act. Keep all records as evidence.
3. How long does the complaint process take?
   Timelines vary, but most hearings occur within a few weeks of filing. Urgent issues (like essential repairs) are often prioritized.
4. Is there a cost to file a complaint in Saskatchewan?
   There is a filing fee, but financial hardship exemptions exist for qualifying tenants. Check with the ORT for details.
5. Can a landlord retaliate if I file a complaint?
   No. Saskatchewan law protects tenants from retaliation for asserting their rights or seeking help from the ORT.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Tenants have the right to officially report non-compliant landlords to the ORT in Saskatchewan.
• Document issues and try to resolve them directly before filing.
• Use the Application for a Hearing form and follow the correct steps to ensure your complaint is heard.

With accurate records and a clear understanding of your provincial rights, you can confidently take action to resolve rental disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Official Saskatchewan resource for tenant-landlord disputes
• Government of Saskatchewan — Tenant Rights: Provincial Renting Resources
• Saskatchewan Landlord and Tenant Support: Call 1-888-215-2222 or email ORT@gov.sk.ca for assistance
• General rights guide: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

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1. Government of Saskatchewan. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
2. Office of Residential Tenancies — How to Make an Application.
3. Saskatchewan Government — Forms for Applicants.

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