Saskatchewan Tenant Rights: Your Guide to Rental Laws & Rules

As a renter in Saskatchewan, understanding your tenant rights and responsibilities is crucial for a positive renting experience. Whether you’re new to renting or facing issues such as repairs, deposits, or rent changes, knowing the rules set out by Saskatchewan law can help you protect your home and resolve problems effectively. This guide explains key legal protections, important forms, and what every tenant should know about living in a rental in Saskatchewan.

Understanding Your Legal Rights as a Tenant in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s rental housing is regulated by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. This law sets the basic rules for renting, covering issues like security deposits, repairs, evictions, and privacy. The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) is the government tribunal that resolves rental disputes and enforces these rules. You can contact the ORT here to file complaints or get help.

Key Legal Rights for Tenants

• The right to live in a safe, healthy, and well-maintained rental home
• Protection against unlawful eviction or lockouts
• Fair process regarding rent increases and deposits
• Reasonable privacy (landlords must provide notice before entering)

If you want to compare rules across Canada, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

Tenants also have specific legal obligations under Saskatchewan’s rental laws. These help maintain a fair and respectful relationship with your landlord.

• Paying rent on time and in full
• Keeping your unit reasonably clean
• Not disturbing neighbours or breaking building rules
• Reporting maintenance and repair needs to the landlord promptly
• Allowing your landlord entry with proper notice when needed

To learn more about your side of the rental agreement, check out Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Security Deposits and What You Should Know

Most Saskatchewan landlords ask for a security deposit when you first move in. By law, this deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent. Your landlord must provide a written receipt, and your deposit must be held in trust until you move out.

• If there is no damage or unpaid rent when you leave, your deposit must be returned within seven business days of the tenancy ending.
• If your landlord wants to keep some or all of your deposit, they must provide a detailed written statement explaining why.

For details on deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Repairs, Health, and Safety in Your Home

Landlords are responsible for making sure your home meets basic health, safety, and building standards. This includes fixing heating problems, structural issues, and making necessary repairs.

• Contact your landlord in writing whenever you need repairs.
• If repairs aren't made promptly, you may file a complaint with the ORT.

To protect yourself, document repair requests with dated photos and written communications. For additional tips, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Rent Increases and Notices

Rent increases in Saskatchewan have specific rules:

• Landlords must give at least two months’ written notice before raising the rent.
• In most cases, rent can only be increased once every 12 months for the same tenant.

Always review any notice carefully to ensure your landlord followed the legal process. If you think an increase is unfair or didn’t follow the rules, you have the right to challenge it with the ORT.

Forms Every Tenant Should Know

• Notice of Termination (Form 7A or 7B): Used when a tenant or landlord wants to end a tenancy. You can fill out this form when you choose to move out or if you receive one from your landlord. Find the official landlord version here, and the tenant version here.
• Application for ORT Hearing: This form is needed to open a case with the Office of Residential Tenancies if you have a dispute over repairs, deposit refunds, or eviction. Download the official application here and submit it to the ORT with supporting documents.
• Condition of Premises Checklist: Used at move-in and move-out to record the state of your rental so both tenant and landlord agree on damages. Get the checklist form here.

These forms help protect your rights if disagreements arise later. Always keep signed copies for your records.

When to Contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)

If you have unresolved issues with your landlord—such as disputed charges, repairs, or eviction—you can apply for an ORT hearing. The tribunal provides an official way to resolve disputes and enforce rental laws.

Read more about tenant and landlord obligations in Saskatchewan with Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Where to Find Rental Homes and Apartments in Saskatchewan

Looking for your next place to rent? All-in-one rental site for Canadian cities makes it easy to browse available homes, apartments, and condos in Saskatchewan and beyond.

1. What are my rights if my landlord won’t fix something important, like heat or plumbing?
   Your landlord must provide necessary repairs to keep your home safe and livable. If they don’t respond, send your request in writing. If there’s still no action, you can apply to the ORT for an order to repair and possibly a rent abatement.
2. Can my landlord increase my rent any time?
   No. Your landlord must provide written notice at least two months ahead and can only increase rent once every 12 months. If this rule isn’t followed, you can challenge the increase at the ORT.
3. What is a security deposit, and when do I get it back?
   A security deposit is held by your landlord to cover damage or unpaid rent. It can’t be more than one month’s rent. Your landlord must return it within seven business days of tenancy ending, unless there are justified deductions.
4. Who handles disputes between tenants and landlords in Saskatchewan?
   The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) resolves disputes, hears applications, and enforces the rental law for Saskatchewan.
5. What can I do if I receive an eviction notice?
   You should carefully read the notice and check if it meets legal standards. If you disagree with the eviction, you can apply to the ORT for a hearing to challenge it before the deadline stated on the notice.

1. How do I file a complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies?
   Fill out the Application for ORT Hearing form, attach your evidence and any supporting documents, and submit it in person, by mail, or online following the instructions on the official ORT website.
2. How can I get my security deposit back?
   After moving out, complete the Condition of Premises Checklist with your landlord. If there are no damages or unpaid rent, your deposit must be returned within seven business days.
3. How do I challenge a rent increase?
   If you receive a rent increase notice that doesn’t follow the two-month rule or annual limit, object in writing and apply to the ORT for review before accepting the new rent amount.

Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants

• The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 protects your rights and sets out your responsibilities
• Use official forms for move-in, move-out, and complaints to safeguard your interests
• The Office of Residential Tenancies is your go-to resource for rental disputes and legal help

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Provincial tribunal for tenant-landlord disputes, complaint forms, and resources
• Information for Tenants – Government of Saskatchewan
• Local organizations such as the Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA) provide guides and workshops for tenants

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1. ^[1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – Government of Saskatchewan
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)

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