Saskatchewan Tenant Maintenance and Repairs: Your Rights

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

As a tenant in Saskatchewan, understanding who is responsible for maintenance and repairs in your rental home is essential. This guide explains Saskatchewan’s legal requirements, what landlords and tenants must do, how to request repairs, and the steps to take if your concerns are not addressed. Staying informed protects your safety, helps avoid disputes, and ensures your rental continues to be a safe and comfortable home.

Landlord and Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities in Saskatchewan

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan), both landlords and tenants have clear and specific duties regarding the upkeep of rental properties.[1]

  • Landlords must keep the property fit for living, in good repair, and compliant with health, safety, housing, and building standards.
  • Tenants are responsible for keeping the unit reasonably clean and reporting needed repairs to their landlord promptly.

Some agreements may set additional, reasonable tenant responsibilities. Always check your rental agreement for specific details after you move in. For a broader perspective, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Types of Repairs Must Landlords Handle?

Promptly addressing issues keeps rentals safe and healthy for everyone.

Tenant Maintenance Duties

  • Keep your rental reasonably clean and sanitary
  • Prevent deliberate or negligent damage
  • Report problems (e.g., leaks, pest infestations) as soon as possible

Unsure what’s expected after you move in? Read What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for guidance.

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How to Request Repairs

When you notice an issue needing repair:

  1. Notify Your Landlord: Contact them in writing, such as by email or a letter. Clearly describe the problem and its location.
  2. Keep Records: Save copies of all communications and photos if possible. Document when you reported the issue.
  3. Allow Access: Landlords have a right to enter to make repairs, but must provide at least 24 hours’ notice in most non-emergency situations.
Tip: Always communicate about repairs in writing for proof if issues persist.

Dealing with Emergency Repairs

Emergencies (like flooding, no heat in winter, or major water leaks) require immediate notice to the landlord. The landlord must act quickly. If they do not respond in a reasonable timeframe, you may be allowed to arrange repairs yourself and deduct costs from rent, but only after following strict legal procedures. Check official guidelines before proceeding.

What If Repairs Aren’t Made?

If your landlord doesn’t respond after being notified in writing, you have several options under Saskatchewan law:

  • Apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) Saskatchewan for an order requiring the landlord to complete repairs
  • In urgent cases, apply for a rent abatement (temporary reduction)
  • Escalate the complaint if the issue compromises health and safety

Relevant Saskatchewan Forms and How to Use Them

  • Application for an Order of Repair (ORT Form 7): Use this if your landlord fails to complete needed repairs. Describe the issue and include documentation. Download the ORT Form 7.
  • Landlord’s Notice for Entry (ORT Form 1): Landlords must use this to provide proper entry notice for non-emergency repairs. Download ORT Form 1.

For example, if your landlord did not fix a broken heating system after multiple requests, you could file Form 7 with the ORT, attaching images, copies of messages, and any other support.

What Counts as an Emergency Repair?

An emergency repair typically involves any condition that:

  • Endangers health, safety, or security (e.g., gas leak, no heat in winter)
  • Could lead to significant property damage (e.g., water leaks)

Non-urgent repairs (like broken blinds or minor cosmetic issues) should still be reported but may take longer to resolve. For more, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Landlord Entry for Repairs

Landlords may enter your rental unit for repairs and maintenance, but they must:

  • Give at least 24 hours’ written notice (except in emergencies)
  • Enter only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., unless you agree otherwise

Your privacy matters—but so does keeping your rental safe and functional.

Legislation and Where to Get Support

All maintenance and repair-related tenant matters in Saskatchewan are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, enforced by the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).[1][2]

For more about tenant legal protections in this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Easily compare rental listings and find safe homes: Explore rental homes in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who pays for repairs in my Saskatchewan rental?
    Generally, landlords pay for repairs related to normal wear and tear and to meet health and safety laws. Tenants must pay for damage they cause or for cleaning if they leave the home excessively dirty.
  2. What if my landlord isn’t fixing something urgent?
    If it’s an emergency and your landlord doesn’t respond after being notified, you may apply to the ORT for an order or, after following proper steps, arrange repairs and deduct the cost from your rent. Always keep documentation and follow Saskatchewan’s legal guidelines.
  3. How much notice does a landlord need to enter for repairs?
    For non-emergency repairs, landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice. For emergencies, they may enter without notice to address the urgent issue.
  4. Can I stop paying rent until repairs are made?
    No—you cannot withhold rent except through a legal rent abatement ordered by the ORT. Not paying could risk eviction, so use proper forms and procedures.
  5. Where do I get forms or file repair complaints?
    All official forms and complaint procedures are found on the Office of Residential Tenancies website.

How-To: Steps for Tenants Needing Repairs

  1. How do I request a repair from my landlord?
    Write or email your landlord, clearly describing the issue and its location. Keep copies for your records.
  2. What if my landlord ignores my repair request?
    If there’s no response after a reasonable period, complete ORT Form 7 and submit it to the Office of Residential Tenancies with supporting documentation.
  3. How can I prove I notified my landlord?
    Keep copies of all letters, emails, or texts sent to your landlord, as well as photos of the issue and any responses received.
  4. When can I arrange an emergency repair myself?
    If an issue is urgent, your landlord is unreachable, and you’ve followed legal procedures, you may arrange the repair and apply for reimbursement or deduction—but always document and notify the landlord first.

Key Takeaways

  • Landlords must handle most repairs—tenants must report issues and maintain cleanliness.
  • Communicate all repair needs in writing and keep records.
  • Know your rights, legal forms, and contact the ORT for unresolved issues.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

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

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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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