Saskatchewan Tenant Rights: Overcoming Discrimination & Ensuring Accessibility

Facing discrimination or accessibility challenges in your Saskatchewan rental? You're not alone. Provincial law protects tenants against unfair treatment and ensures rental housing is accessible for people with disabilities. This guide explains your rights, steps to take if you face discrimination, and how to request accessibility accommodations in Saskatchewan, with plain-language advice and official resources.

What is Discrimination in Rental Housing?

Discrimination happens when a landlord treats you unfairly or denies you housing for reasons protected by law. In Saskatchewan, it's illegal for a landlord to discriminate against tenants based on:

• Race, ethnic origin, or nationality
• Religion or creed
• Sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status
• Family status (including having children)
• Age
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Receipt of public assistance or income

This protection comes from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018^[1].

Your Rights as a Tenant in Saskatchewan

As a tenant, you are covered under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[2] and the Human Rights Code. These laws give you the right to equal treatment and to request accommodations for accessibility needs. For a comprehensive overview of your rights and responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Examples of Prohibited Discrimination

• Refusing to rent to someone with a service animal
• Advertising "adults only," unless it’s a seniors’ residence
• Denying a modification request for accessibility without consideration
• Charging a higher deposit based on your background

Accessibility in Saskatchewan Rentals

Landlords must accommodate tenants with disabilities to the point of undue hardship. This means making reasonable changes—like allowing a wheelchair ramp or visual fire alarm—unless doing so would be extremely difficult or expensive for the landlord.

Before moving in, ask about accessibility features or request accommodations. If you need modifications after moving in, put your request in writing and explain your needs clearly.

Tip: Keep records of all requests and the landlord’s responses in writing. This helps if you need to make a formal complaint.

For more practical advice about preparing your new home, check out Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Filing a Human Rights or Tenancy Complaint

If you believe you've faced discrimination or your accessibility rights are being ignored:

1. Talk to your landlord first. Share your concerns and suggest solutions. Many issues can be solved by clear communication.
2. Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC): If you can't resolve the issue, you can file a formal complaint with the SHRC.
   Form: Human Rights Complaint Form.
   When to use: Use this if you believe your rights under the Human Rights Code were violated (e.g., denied rental for having a disability or children). The form is filled out online or mailed, with guidance on the SHRC website.
3. Applications to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): For tenancy-specific disputes (e.g., eviction threat after an accommodation request), go through the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).
   Form: Application for Hearing (Form 5)
   When to use: Submit this to request a hearing at the ORT if your landlord is violating your tenancy rights, such as refusing reasonable accessibility modifications or retaliating due to a human rights request. Download the form from the official source and follow instructions on the ORT's site for submission.

The Office of Residential Tenancies is Saskatchewan's official tribunal for rental matters. Find forms and instructions on their government page.^[3]

What Is Reasonable Accommodation?

Reasonable accommodation means a landlord must modify rules or features to meet accessibility needs unless it causes serious hardship. Examples include:

• Allowing service or support animals even in "no pets" housing
• Installing grab bars in bathrooms
• Permitting a wheelchair ramp at the entryway

Landlords are responsible for responding promptly and cannot retaliate against tenants who make legitimate requests.

Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords have roles to play in promoting fair and safe housing. For a detailed guide, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Searching for Accessible Rentals in Saskatchewan

When searching for your next home, look for listings that mention accessibility features, or contact landlords directly to ask about modifications. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme offers search filters and a broad selection of homes, making it easier to find the right fit.

FAQ: Discrimination and Accessibility Issues in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children or use income support?
   No. Saskatchewan's Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination based on family status or income source.
2. Do landlords have to allow service animals even if the lease says “no pets”?
   Yes. Landlords cannot prohibit service animals for tenants with disabilities.
3. What should I do if my landlord refuses my accessibility request?
   First, communicate your request in writing. If refused, contact the SHRC and consider applying to the ORT for a hearing.
4. Is my landlord allowed to raise my deposit or rent because of my ethnicity or disability?
   No. Charging higher rents or deposits based on a protected ground is discriminatory and illegal.
5. Where can I get legal help with a discrimination complaint?
   The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission provides free support. Tenant advocacy groups or legal clinics may also help.

How To: Filing a Human Rights Complaint or Tenancy Application in Saskatchewan

1. How do I file a discrimination complaint with the SHRC?
   Download, complete, and submit the Human Rights Complaint Form via the SHRC website, including a clear explanation and supporting documents.
2. How do I apply for a hearing with the Office of Residential Tenancies?
   Complete the Application for Hearing (Form 5), attach evidence, and submit it to the ORT by mail, fax, or in person.
3. How do I ask my landlord for an accessibility accommodation?
   Make your request in writing, explain why you need the accommodation, and suggest possible solutions or modifications.
4. What if my landlord retaliates after I make a human rights complaint?
   Document all actions and contact the SHRC immediately. Retaliation is prohibited under the Human Rights Code.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants are protected against discrimination and have a right to accessibility accommodations in Saskatchewan rentals
• Start by communicating clearly with your landlord and keeping written records
• Official complaint forms and provincial tribunals are available if issues are not resolved informally

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – File a Complaint: Guidance, forms, and support
• Office of Residential Tenancies: Hearings, forms, and dispute resolution
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan: For more about your rights and responsibilities

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1. Saskatchewan Human Rights Code: Access the full legislation here
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Read the Act here
3. Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies: Official ORT page

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