Saskatchewan Tenant Maintenance & Repair FAQs

Maintenance & Repairs Saskatchewan published July 01, 2025 Flag of Saskatchewan

Keeping your rental home safe and comfortable is a basic right for every tenant in Saskatchewan. Problems such as broken appliances, leaky plumbing, or heating issues can be stressful, especially if you're unsure who is responsible for repairs or how to get action from your landlord. This FAQ guide answers the most common maintenance and repair questions for Saskatchewan tenants, explains your legal rights and obligations, and provides practical steps for dealing with routine fixes or urgent situations under Saskatchewan law.

Maintenance and Repairs in Saskatchewan: What Every Tenant Should Know

Both tenants and landlords have defined responsibilities for keeping the rental property in good shape. Understanding these roles can prevent disputes and help you address problems promptly.

Who Is Responsible for Repairs?

  • Landlords must keep the unit in a good state of repair, compliant with health, safety, and housing standards, even if the problem existed at the start of your tenancy.
  • Tenants must keep their unit clean and avoid damaging the property. You're also expected to inform your landlord as soon as you notice any repair issues.

The details of these responsibilities are outlined in Saskatchewan’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006[1].

What Counts as an Emergency Repair?

  • Loss of essential services (heat, running water, electricity in winter)
  • Major plumbing leaks or flooding
  • Serious damage threatening tenant safety

If you face one of these issues, you should notify your landlord immediately. For details on what to do, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

How Do I Request Routine Repairs?

For non-urgent problems (like broken appliances or minor leaks), it's best to send your landlord a written request, keeping a copy for your records. If the landlord doesn't respond within a reasonable timeframe, you may escalate the issue. For daily maintenance concerns, read Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

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When Can a Tenant Do Repairs and Deduct the Cost?

Tenants generally must get their landlord’s written permission before arranging repairs and asking for reimbursement, except in certain emergencies. Keep all receipts and document communication for your records.

Official Forms for Tenants

  • Repair Request (Written Notice): No set form, but written notice should include your contact info, address, problem details, and date. Example: Email or letter requesting urgent bathroom plumbing fix.
  • Application for Claim for Repairs (Form 7): Use this form to ask the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) to order your landlord to do repairs or reimburse you for emergency expenses. Download Form 7 (Tenant Application for Claim or Application for Repair)[2]. Submit along with proof (photos, correspondence, receipts).

What If My Landlord Refuses or Delays Repairs?

If reasonable time passes and repairs have not been made, you can:

The ORT is Saskatchewan’s official tribunal for rental disputes.

Health and Safety Concerns

If repairs affect your health and safety (like mold, pests, or unsafe wiring), mention this specifically in your complaint. For more on these issues, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Moving Out Because of Maintenance Issues

If your unit becomes uninhabitable and the landlord refuses to fix it, you may have the right to end your tenancy early. Contact the ORT for advice before making this decision.

More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions: Saskatchewan Maintenance & Repair

  1. Who pays for repairs in a rental in Saskatchewan? Landlords must pay for necessary repairs (unless the tenant caused the damage). Tenants pay for damage they or their guests cause.
  2. What can I do if my landlord ignores my repair request? After a reasonable wait, submit a written complaint to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) using Form 7.
  3. What qualifies as an emergency repair? Emergencies include loss of heat in winter or water leaks that threaten health and safety. Notify your landlord immediately and keep records.
  4. Can tenants withhold rent until repairs are done? No. Saskatchewan law does not allow tenants to withhold rent for maintenance issues. Instead, use the ORT complaint process.

How-To: Handling Repairs in Saskatchewan Rentals

  1. How do I request a repair from my landlord? Notify your landlord in writing, describe the problem clearly, and keep a copy of your request.
  2. How can I file for repairs with the Office of Residential Tenancies? Download Form 7, fill out the details and submit to the ORT along with supporting evidence.
  3. How do I document repair issues? Take dated photos, keep all correspondence, and note when you reported the problem and to whom.
  4. How can I stay protected during major repair delays? Continue to pay rent, seek temporary solutions if possible, and work with the ORT for legal remedies.

Key Takeaways

  • Landlords must maintain the rental property to legal standards under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
  • Keep all repair requests and records in writing to protect your rights.
  • Use Saskatchewan's official forms and resources for unresolved maintenance problems.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 — Saskatchewan
  2. [2] Tenant Application for Claim or Application for Repair (Form 7)

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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