Roommate and Shared Housing Checklist for Saskatchewan Tenants

Shared housing with roommates can be both practical and rewarding, especially in Saskatchewan where rental options vary widely. To avoid misunderstandings, protect your rights, and ensure a positive experience, following a comprehensive checklist specific to Saskatchewan tenancy law is essential.

Starting Your Shared Rental: Essential Pre-Move Steps

Before moving in together, it's important for all roommates to have clear expectations. Here are key steps to take before you sign or move in:

• Clarify who's on the lease: Are all roommates official tenants or are some subtenants? In Saskatchewan, only those named on the lease have a direct contract with the landlord under The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1].
• Review the rental agreement: Make sure everyone reads and understands the lease terms. Knowing your collective and individual responsibilities avoids issues later. For more detailed guidance, read What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.
• Record shared financial obligations: Outline how rent, deposit, and utilities will be divided. Keep written records.

If a security deposit is collected (commonly up to one month's rent), get official receipts and confirm how it will be returned at move-out. For more details, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Completing the Initial Inspection

Do a rental property walk-through with your landlord present before you move in. Saskatchewan law encourages tenants and landlords to complete an inspection report at both move-in and move-out to document the unit's condition. This protects your deposit and clarifies pre-existing issues.

• Record damage, take photos, and ensure all roommates sign the inspection report.
• The inspection form is typically provided by the landlord, but you can also use the official Residential Tenancy Inspection Report form (available from the Saskatchewan Information Portal). Submit a copy to the landlord and keep one for yourself.

This step helps prevent later disputes about responsibility for damage.

Agreeing on House Rules and Shared Responsibilities

Good communication and written agreements between roommates go a long way. Consider drafting a simple Roommate Agreement to clarify everyday issues such as:

• How bills and rent are paid each month (and consequences for late payment)...
• Cleaning schedules and division of chores...
• Rules about guests, noise, and pets...
• Procedures if someone wants to move out early...

While this agreement isn't usually legally binding with the landlord, it can resolve conflicts between roommates.

Managing Health, Safety, and Maintenance

All tenants are entitled to a safe, healthy environment. Report maintenance or health concerns to the landlord in writing. Saskatchewan legislation requires landlords to keep rental properties in a good state of repair, including common areas.

• Check smoke detectors and locks are working on day one.
• Store emergency numbers and the contact information of your landlord.

If you face health hazards or ongoing repair issues, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Key Forms for Shared Housing Tenants in Saskatchewan

Familiarize yourself with these official forms and when to use them:

• Residential Tenancy Agreement: Provided by your landlord, this contract spells out the rental terms. All tenants should have a signed copy. View details
• Residential Tenancy Inspection Report: Used at both move-in and move-out to record the property's condition. Find the official form at the Saskatchewan Information Portal.
• Notice to Vacate Form: If a tenant wishes to leave, written notice must be given according to the requirements in The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. The official form and instructions are available at the Saskatchewan government site.
• Application for Hearing – Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): If a dispute arises (e.g., over deposits or eviction), submit this application form to the ORT. Official details and forms

Each form must be completed and served (delivered) as required by law. Keeping copies and proof of service is always wise.

Handling Common Roommate Issues

Conflicts over bills, room assignments, or quiet hours are common in shared housing. Communication is your first line of defence. If issues become serious, you may need to involve your landlord or, in some cases, the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).

Moving Out and Returning Your Deposit

When it's time to leave, give proper notice and arrange a move-out inspection. This helps ensure you and your roommates receive your deposit back fairly. For practical steps, read How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

For a deeper look at how roommate rights fit within local law, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

For those searching for new housing arrangements or shared homes, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and compare listings with ease.

1. What happens if one roommate wants to move out early in Saskatchewan?
   All official tenants are responsible for the rental agreement unless released by the landlord. If one roommate leaves, remaining tenants must still pay full rent. Agree in advance how to handle early move-outs to avoid disputes.
2. Are all roommates entitled to a share of the deposit back?
   Only tenants listed on the lease are legally entitled to the deposit, unless otherwise agreed. If you contributed to the deposit but are not on the lease, ensure your arrangement is in writing among roommates.
3. Can one roommate be evicted for breaking house rules?
   Landlords can only evict tenants based on grounds in The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. They cannot evict you for breaking roommate agreements unless it breaches the lease.
4. Who is responsible if damage occurs in a shared rental?
   All tenants on the lease are jointly responsible for damage unless one person takes responsibility. That’s why detailed inspection reports at move-in and move-out are so important.
5. What should roommates do if there is a dispute about bills or responsibilities?
   Start by discussing the issue together. If unresolved, mediation or applications to the ORT may be necessary, particularly if the dispute impacts rent or property condition.

1. How can I add a roommate to the lease in Saskatchewan?
   Contact your landlord and request to update the tenancy agreement. All parties must agree in writing, and a new or amended lease may be required.
2. How do we complete the inspection report as roommates?
   Arrange a walk-through with all roommates and the landlord, fill out the inspection form, photograph conditions, and sign copies for each party.
3. How do I serve a Notice to Vacate?
   Fill out the official Notice to Vacate form and deliver it as described in provincial requirements—usually in person, by mail, or as specified in your tenancy agreement.
4. How can I handle a dispute with my landlord as a group of roommates?
   Gather documentation (lease, correspondence, photos). Submit an Application for Hearing to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) with support from all affected roommates.

• Always get written agreements for shared costs and deposit returns.
• Document move-in, move-out, and any maintenance issues to protect your rights.
• Roommate communication and clear expectations are essential for a smooth shared housing experience in Saskatchewan.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Government – Renting & Leasing Overview
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Dispute resolution, hearings, and official forms
• Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA) – Tenant information and legal resources

1. Saskatchewan: The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)