Saskatchewan Rent Increase Laws and Fines Explained

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Saskatchewan, understanding the rules around rent increases can help you stay protected and avoid surprises. This article will explain rent increase laws, required notices, possible penalties for improper increases, and what tenants can do if their rights are not respected.

Who Regulates Rent Increases in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan’s rental housing is governed by the The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006¹. The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) oversees rent rules, landlord compliance, and dispute resolution in the province.

What Are the Rent Increase Rules?

In Saskatchewan, landlords can generally set the rent and increase it when certain conditions are met. There are rules to ensure fairness and proper notice for tenants:

• Frequency: For most rental units, rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
• Notice Period: Landlords must provide written notice at least three full months before the increase takes effect.
• Rent-Controlled Units: Some properties (like those managed by housing authorities) may have additional restrictions. Check your agreement and the ORT for details.
• Notice Requirements: The notice must state the new rent amount and the date the new rent will begin.

There is no government cap on how much rent can be increased unless your unit is in a rent-controlled building or subject to a government agreement.

How and When Must Notice Be Given?

Landlords should provide a physical or electronic written notice. For example, if your landlord wants to raise your rent as of July 1st, they must give you notice on or before March 31st.

Practical Tenant Example

If your landlord notifies you of a rent increase in mid-May stating it takes effect July 1st, the notice is invalid because the required three full months’ notice was not given. You may remain at your current rent until proper notice is served.

What Official Forms Do Tenants Need?

• Notice of Rent Increase (Form 5): Landlords use this form to notify tenants of an increase. Tenants should carefully review any notice to ensure it meets all legal requirements. Download from the Government of Saskatchewan.
• Application for Resolution (Form 6): If you believe your landlord has not provided proper notice or is increasing your rent illegally, you can file this form with the ORT to dispute the increase or seek remedies. Get Form 6 here.

Penalties for Unlawful Rent Increases

If a landlord increases rent without proper notice, or more than once in 12 months, or uses intimidation to force tenants to accept rent hikes, tenants have options:

• The ORT can order the landlord to return any overpaid rent
• Administrative fines may be imposed on the landlord for non-compliance
• Other remedies such as an order for compliance or compensation

See Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know for further steps if you suspect improper rent hikes.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Once you sign a lease in Saskatchewan, both tenants and landlords have specific legal duties. To learn more about these duties beyond rent increases, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you want a province-wide overview, visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan facts page for a summary of all major protections.

What to Do If You Disagree with a Rent Increase

If you feel a rent increase is unlawful or not correctly served, you can:

• Contact your landlord (in writing) outlining your concerns and referencing the Residential Tenancies Act
• Apply to the ORT using the Application for Resolution (Form 6) if unresolved

Tips for Navigating Rent Increases

• Keep all written notices and correspondences from your landlord
• Act promptly if you receive a notice that appears incorrect
• Review your original lease and check for any unique terms

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1. What notice period does my landlord need to give for a rent increase?
   Landlords must give a minimum of three full months’ written notice before increasing rent in Saskatchewan.
2. What should I do if I receive an invalid rent increase notice?
   Respond to your landlord in writing. If the issue persists, apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies using the Application for Resolution form.
3. Is there a limit to how much rent can be increased?
   For most private rentals, there is no cap in Saskatchewan, but housing authorities may set limits.
4. Can my landlord increase rent more than once per year?
   No, they may only increase rent once every 12 months.
5. Where can I find more information about Saskatchewan rental laws?
   Check the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan page for a comprehensive overview.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must provide three months' notice in writing for rent increases in Saskatchewan.
• Unlawful increases can be contested through the Office of Residential Tenancies.
• Keep all communication and know your rights for a fair tenancy experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Saskatchewan
• Government of Saskatchewan – Renting and Leasing Information
• For forms and guides: Saskatchewan Tenancy Forms and Templates
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies – Government of Saskatchewan

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