Saskatchewan Fire Safety Rules: Landlord Duties Explained

Fire safety matters for all tenants in Saskatchewan. As a renter, you deserve peace of mind knowing your landlord must meet clear provincial requirements to keep you protected from fires and related risks. This article breaks down the essential fire safety rules for rental properties in Saskatchewan so you’ll know what to expect and how to respond if those standards aren’t met.

Landlord Fire Safety Responsibilities in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, fire safety in rental housing is governed by two key sets of rules: the Saskatchewan Fire Code and the provincial Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. Your landlord must comply with these to keep your home safe.

• Smoke Alarms: One operational smoke alarm is required on every floor and outside sleeping areas. Alarms must be properly installed, maintained, and replaced if faulty.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: If your rental has fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage, a working CO alarm is required near bedrooms.
• Safe Exits and Escape Routes: Emergency exits must be accessible, free from blockages, and clearly marked if required.
• Fire Extinguishers: Not required in all single-family or smaller rentals, but mandatory in multi-unit buildings and must be serviced regularly.
• Electrical Safety: The electrical system must be maintained to prevent fire hazards.
• Preventing Other Fire Hazards: Landlords are responsible for making sure the property is free from serious fire risks, like accumulation of combustible materials in common areas.

These duties are enforced by local fire departments and the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), which handles tenancy disputes in Saskatchewan.

Your Rights if Fire Safety Isn’t Met

If your landlord isn’t meeting fire safety requirements, you have the right to request repairs or report dangerous conditions. The law protects tenants from retaliation when raising genuine safety concerns.

What Should Tenants Do?

• Inform your landlord of missing or faulty alarms in writing, and keep a copy for your records.
• If urgent fire safety repairs aren’t made, you can make a formal complaint to your municipal fire department or the ORT.

Fire safety is considered a core part of Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. In emergencies, the tenant may also contact emergency services for immediate hazards.

Key Forms and Process for Tenants

There isn’t a province-wide “fire safety complaint form,” but tenants can use the following tools if an issue arises:

• Request for Repairs: Notify your landlord in writing—describe the specific fire safety concern (e.g., smoke detector not working).
• Residential Tenancy Application (ORT Form 5): If safety issues are not addressed, tenants may use ORT Form 5 – Application for Hearing to ask the ORT for an order to remedy the situation.

Example: A tenant discovers their smoke detector is missing or broken, informs the landlord in writing, and waits for a repair. If the issue is ignored, the tenant files ORT Form 5, attaching evidence such as photos or copies of their request, and submits it to the ORT (Office of Residential Tenancies).

Fire Safety and Move-In/Move-Out

Before moving in or out, be sure to check that smoke alarms and CO detectors are present and functioning. Document their condition during inspections. This supports your safety and any potential claims.

To learn how initial inspections protect your interests, visit our Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Where to Learn More About Tenant Rights in Saskatchewan

You can read detailed information on your rights and landlord obligations by visiting Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Essential Takeaways for Tenants

For more housing options and safe rentals, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rental Fire Safety in Saskatchewan

1. Can my landlord ask me to maintain the smoke detectors?
   Landlords must install and service smoke alarms, but tenants are responsible for basic maintenance like changing batteries and alerting the landlord if a unit is not working.
2. What if my landlord doesn’t respond to my fire safety concern?
   If your written request is ignored, you can contact the municipal fire department or apply to the ORT for an order to fix the problem.
3. Are carbon monoxide alarms required in all rentals?
   CO alarms are required only when a fuel-burning appliance (like a gas furnace) or an attached garage is present.
4. Can I withhold rent if fire safety issues aren’t fixed?
   No, withholding rent can put you at risk of eviction. Use the official complaint process instead.
5. Who pays for fire safety upgrades or equipment replacement?
   The landlord is responsible for costs related to required safety equipment or upgrades needed to meet the law.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Renting and Leasing – Government of Saskatchewan
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Handles fire safety complaints, hearing applications, and disputes.
• For fire code details or reporting serious fire hazards, contact your local fire department or fire inspector.
• Visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for broader info.
• For a complete guide, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

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1. Saskatchewan’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: full legislation text
2. Fire codes and standards for rental housing: Saskatchewan Fire Code
3. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Dispute resolution and forms

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