Saskatchewan Condo Rentals: Who Handles Repairs?

Renting a condo in Saskatchewan comes with unique questions about repair responsibilities. Condos can have different maintenance needs compared to apartments or houses, making it crucial for tenants to understand who handles common—and not so common—repairs. This guide explains how repair duties are divided in Saskatchewan condos, what tenants should do if issues arise, and where to get help.

Understanding Repair Responsibilities in Saskatchewan Condo Rentals

The main legislation that governs residential tenancies in Saskatchewan is the The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. In condos, there are extra layers of responsibility due to the involvement of a condo corporation. Here's a general breakdown:

• Landlord obligations: Must keep the rental unit in a good state of repair, compliant with health, safety, and housing standards, even if the property is part of a condo.
• Tenant obligations: Must keep the unit reasonably clean and repair any damage they or their guests cause (beyond normal wear and tear).
• Condo corporation: Handles repairs and maintenance to common areas, such as hallways, elevators, and exterior grounds.

If a repair is needed inside your unit, the landlord is usually responsible unless you've agreed to something different in your lease or the damage is your fault. For common areas (like elevators), the condo corporation steps in.

Common Types of Repairs: Who Handles What?

Inside Your Condo Unit

• Appliances, plumbing, heating: Usually the landlord’s responsibility, unless you or your guests caused the problem.
• Damage from normal wear and tear: Landlord must repair.
• Minor maintenance (changing lightbulbs, batteries): Typically the tenant's job, unless otherwise agreed.

Common Areas and Shared Systems

• Hallways, stairs, elevators: Condo corporation handles repairs.
• Building roof or exterior walls: Condo corporation responsibility.
• Pest infestations in common areas: Condo corporation should address these, but report them to both your landlord and property manager.

  For more help on what to do in these situations, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Sometimes, lease agreements try to change these default rules. Always check your lease and be clear about which repairs you’re expected to handle. If something seems unfair or confusing, you can refer to Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more details.

What If Repairs Aren't Done? Taking Action

If your landlord is not completing required repairs inside your condo unit:

1. Notify your landlord in writing and give a reasonable time for repairs (keep a copy).
2. If no response, contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) in Saskatchewan. This is the tribunal that handles rental disputes. Visit the ORT website.
3. You can apply to the ORT for an order to have repairs completed. Use the official form "Application for Dispute Resolution" (Form 5) available on the Saskatchewan government website.

Practical Example: If your heating stops working and your landlord isn’t fixing it, notify them in writing. If they still don’t respond, submit Form 5 to the ORT to request a decision forcing the landlord to make the repair.

What Repairs Are Urgent?

Repairs that impact health and safety (like lack of heat in winter or a water leak) are always the landlord’s responsibility. If immediate action is needed, include photos and clear details in your communication. For more information, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Moving In? Key Steps to Protect Yourself

• Request a written move-in inspection. This helps document any existing damage or repair needs.
• Read your lease carefully—note any sections about maintenance or repair duties.
• Record communications with your landlord or property manager on repair issues.

Understanding your condo repair rights ensures you have a safe, comfortable rental. For more about tenant obligations and landlord duties, check the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan page.

Need to move or looking for a different place? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for convenient, up-to-date listings.

FAQ: Saskatchewan Condo Repair Responsibilities

1. Who is responsible for repairs inside my condo rental in Saskatchewan?
   Your landlord is generally responsible for repairs unless you caused the damage yourself. Some small tasks like replacing lightbulbs might be up to you, but major repairs and appliances are usually the landlord’s job.
2. What if my landlord refuses to make repairs?
   Give notice in writing and, if repairs aren’t completed, you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies using "Application for Dispute Resolution" (Form 5).
3. Who do I contact for repairs in shared spaces like elevators?
   Notify both your landlord and the condo property manager. The condo corporation typically handles common area repairs.
4. Is the condo corporation ever responsible for repairs inside my unit?
   Usually no, unless the condo bylaws say otherwise. Repairs inside your unit are almost always managed by your landlord.
5. Do tenants have to pay for damage caused by guests?
   Yes, if your guest causes damage inside the unit, you are responsible for repair costs under the Act.

Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Condo Tenants

• Landlords handle most repairs inside your unit; condo corporations repair common areas.
• Always document repair requests in writing and follow up as needed.
• You have legal options if repairs go unaddressed for too long.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): For complaints, applications, and tenant-landlord dispute resolution (official tribunal for Saskatchewan).
• Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan: Free information for tenants.
• Saskatchewan Housing Information: Government services and resources.

---

1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), Province of Saskatchewan
3. Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 5) – Government of Saskatchewan

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy