Saskatchewan Rent Arrears Repayment Plans: Tenant Rights Explained

If you’ve fallen behind on rent in Saskatchewan, you are not alone—and you have options to get back on track. Saskatchewan law sets out clear rules about rent arrears, repayment plans, and eviction, giving tenants a pathway to stay in their homes while resolving overdue rent. This guide explains tenant rights, the official forms, and practical action steps based on the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) and current legislation.

Understanding Rent Arrears and Tenant Rights in Saskatchewan

"Rent arrears" means you owe your landlord unpaid rent from prior months. According to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, your landlord can apply to evict you if rent is overdue. However, Saskatchewan offers tenants the chance to negotiate a repayment plan, which could prevent eviction if you follow all the terms.

What is a Repayment Plan?

A rent arrears repayment plan is a written agreement between you and your landlord. It lets you pay the overdue amount over time—often in weekly or monthly installments—while you stay in your rental home. To be enforceable, repayment must be agreed to by both parties and meet Saskatchewan’s rules.

• Repayment plans must be in writing
• Both tenant and landlord must sign
• Due dates and amounts should be clearly listed
• Missing a payment may allow the landlord to continue eviction

What Happens if You Fall Behind on Rent?

If you cannot pay your full rent on time:

• Your landlord is legally allowed to give you a written notice demanding full payment of the arrears.
• If you do not pay within the time required (usually 15 days from the notice), the landlord can file for eviction with the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).
• You may submit a repayment proposal at any stage before the eviction is finalized.

It’s good to know your broader rights and responsibilities as a renter. Review the Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for general problem-solving strategies.

Required Forms for Saskatchewan Rent Arrears Repayment Plans

You may need the following forms when dealing with repayment agreements or eviction for unpaid rent:

• Eviction Application (Form 7): Used by landlords when applying to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) to evict for unpaid rent. If you receive this, you can still propose a repayment plan as a defense.
• Agreement to Withdraw Application (Form 13): Can be used if you and your landlord agree to a repayment plan before the hearing, allowing the landlord to withdraw their application to evict.

Always download official forms directly from the Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) forms page to ensure they are current.

How Repayment Plans Affect Eviction Proceedings

If you’ve received an eviction notice or application:

• You can propose a repayment plan to your landlord at any point before or during the ORT proceedings.
• The ORT may accept a signed repayment plan as a reason to pause or dismiss eviction, as long as you strictly follow the agreed payment schedule.
• If you miss a scheduled repayment, the landlord may proceed with eviction—so make sure payments are timely.

What to Include in a Saskatchewan Rent Arrears Repayment Plan

A good repayment plan should clearly outline:

• Total amount of arrears
• Payment schedule (due dates and amounts for each installment)
• Agreed method of payment
• What happens if a payment is missed
• Landlord and tenant signatures with the agreement date

Keeping your payments current is a key part of protecting your right to stay in your home. See the Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips for more ways to manage rent payments on time and avoid late fees.

Summary of Arrears Repayment Rights for Tenants

Tenants in Saskatchewan have a right to request a reasonable repayment plan if they fall behind on rent. Landlords must at least consider these proposals, and can often avoid lengthy legal proceedings with cooperation. Reviewing how Saskatchewan rules differ from other provinces, such as by reading Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan, can give you wider perspective.

More Rental Guidance

For tenants searching for new accommodations while resolving rent issues or simply seeking a fresh start, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme instantly with updated listings from coast to coast.

1. Can I ask my landlord for a rent arrears repayment plan at any time?
   Yes, you can propose a repayment plan at any stage before you are officially evicted—and landlords are encouraged to work with tenants whenever possible.
2. What happens if I miss a payment as part of the agreement?
   Missing a payment can restart eviction proceedings. Always contact your landlord immediately if something changes, and try to renegotiate or catch up as soon as possible.
3. How do I make the repayment plan legally valid?
   The plan must be in writing, signed by both you and your landlord, and include clear terms. Keeping copies protects your interests.
4. Is there a standard repayment plan form in Saskatchewan?
   No official standard plan exists, but any written agreement that covers the required details and is signed by both sides will be recognized by the ORT.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Housing and Renting – Official Guide
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Saskatchewan’s rental dispute tribunal
• Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City (CLASSIC) – Free legal resources for tenants in Saskatchewan

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)
3. ORT Official Forms for Tenants and Landlords

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