Requesting Housing Accommodations for Mental Health in Saskatchewan

Tenants in Saskatchewan are protected by law when it comes to requesting reasonable housing accommodations related to mental health or disabilities. Understanding your rights and the correct process can ensure you maintain safe, stable housing while receiving the support you need.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Saskatchewan

Under the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), tenants with mental health concerns have the right to request changes or supports that help them use or enjoy their rental home. This is protected both under Saskatchewan’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.

• Reasonable accommodation means landlords must make necessary changes (like adjusting policies or allowing a service animal) unless it causes undue hardship.
• You are not required to share your specific diagnosis, but may need to provide a letter from a health professional confirming the need for accommodation.

For a broader overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is any change in the rental environment or policy that enables a person with a mental health disability to have equal enjoyment of their home. Examples include:

• Letting a support person or service animal visit or live with you—even if there’s a "no pets" policy
• Adjusting a rule or procedure (like receiving communication in a format you understand)
• Allowing extra time for you to complete paperwork due to your disability

Steps to Request a Housing Accommodation

The process for requesting accommodation is straightforward, but it’s important to keep records and follow the right steps. Here’s a quick outline before a detailed guide:

1. Document your request in writing
2. Include supporting documentation (if needed)
3. Wait for your landlord’s response
4. If denied, contact the Office of Residential Tenancies or Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission

1. How to Make Your Request

While you can ask verbally, it’s recommended you submit your request in writing—email is acceptable. Clearly state the accommodation you need and why. For example, if you require an assistance animal, say so and provide a doctor’s letter stating this need (the letter need not specify your diagnosis).

If you’re unsure what to write, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission offers guidance and sample letters at https://saskatchewanhumanrights.ca/.

2. Supporting Documentation

Landlords may ask for reasonable documentation from a qualified health professional confirming you need the accommodation for a disability, but not details about your condition.

3. Landlord’s Response

The landlord must consider your request and respond promptly. They may grant it, propose an alternative, or, if it would be overly costly or disruptive (called “undue hardship”), may deny it with explanation.

Key Forms and Where to Get Help

• No specific provincial form is required to request accommodation. Written communication and a brief note from your health care provider are usually all you need.
• If you believe your request is unfairly denied, apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for dispute resolution.
• To file a human rights complaint, see the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission’s complaint instructions.

For tenants encountering other issues such as repairs or maintenance, the guide Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting can help.

Your Responsibilities & the Landlord's Duty to Accommodate

• Tenants must clearly communicate their needs and provide appropriate documentation if asked.
• Landlords must work with tenants to find practical solutions but may decline requests that cause significant financial or operational difficulty.
• Both parties should keep written records of all communication.

A full understanding of everyone’s obligations is covered in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

FAQ: Reasonable Accommodation for Mental Health in Saskatchewan

1. Do I need to tell my landlord my medical diagnosis?
   No, you only need to provide enough information to show you have a disability and need the accommodation. Your specific diagnosis is private.
2. What if my landlord ignores or denies my request?
   If your landlord refuses or fails to reply, contact the Office of Residential Tenancies or file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
3. Can a landlord refuse my request for a service animal?
   A landlord can only refuse if it would cause them "undue hardship"—very significant cost, health, or safety risk. Usually, service animals must be allowed even with a "no pets" policy.
4. What documents do I need to provide?
   A letter from a medical or mental health professional confirming your need for accommodation is usually sufficient. Attach this to your written request.
5. Can I be evicted for asking for an accommodation?
   No, it is illegal for landlords to evict, threaten, or retaliate against you for exercising your rights to accommodation.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Tenants in Saskatchewan can request reasonable housing accommodations for mental health—usually through a written request and documentation from a healthcare provider.
• Landlords must respond and can only refuse on the grounds of undue hardship. Retaliation is illegal.
• If your rights are not respected, options include dispute resolution at the Office of Residential Tenancies or a human rights complaint.

For more rental housing options, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan: Renting and Leasing – Provincial Information
• Tenant and Landlord Guide (Official PDF)
• Office of Residential Tenancies — dispute resolution, guidance, and forms (phone: 1-888-215-2222)
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission — information and complaint filing

1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
3. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)