Secure Building Access and Intercom Requirements in Saskatchewan Rentals

Feeling safe in your rental property is not only important—it's your right. In Saskatchewan, tenants benefit from legal protections that help ensure secure building access, including door locks and intercom systems in certain rental types. This article will clarify your rights, what obligations your landlord has to maintain building security, and practical steps for addressing issues if your building lacks secure entry systems.

Tenant Rights to Secure Access in Saskatchewan

Landlords in Saskatchewan have a legal responsibility to provide reasonably secure premises for tenants. This protection is grounded in the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. Secure building access typically includes:

• Properly maintained door locks for entry points and units
• Controlled access systems for apartment buildings (e.g., key fobs, buzzers, or intercoms)
• Prompt repair of malfunctioning entryways

If you live in a multi-unit building, your landlord is generally expected to provide and maintain working entry systems so unauthorized people cannot easily access the premises.

Do Saskatchewan Landlords Need to Provide Intercom Systems?

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 does not require landlords to install intercoms in every apartment building. However, if a building already has an intercom or entry system, landlords must maintain it in good working order as part of their obligation to provide safe premises. If the system breaks or is no longer functional, the landlord has a duty to address the problem in a reasonable timeframe.

In some situations, such as housing for seniors or vulnerable tenants, additional security measures may be recommended even if not strictly required by law.

What If Entry Systems Are Not Repaired?

As a tenant, you have the right to prompt repairs when secure access is compromised. If a main door lock, intercom, or access system is broken, immediately notify your landlord in writing. If repairs are delayed or ignored, you can:

• File a formal complaint through the Office of Residential Tenancies
• Use the ORT's Application forms to request an order for repairs

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Form: Application for an Order (ORT Form 3) – Use this form if your landlord refuses or fails to repair a secure access or intercom system. Describe the issue and request an order for the landlord to make the necessary repairs. Submit the completed form to the ORT office.
• Form: Notice to Landlord to Remedy (ORT Form 1) – This form is a written request to your landlord to fix an issue (such as a broken door lock or entry system). Always provide this notice before escalating to the ORT for an order.

For detailed guidance on addressing ongoing safety issues, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Who Enforces These Rules in Saskatchewan?

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) is the tribunal in Saskatchewan that handles disputes, repair applications, and tenant safety complaints. Tenants can file a complaint or application if their landlord does not provide a secure environment or fails to make necessary repairs.

Landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities are further outlined in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Key Legal Protections

• You have the right to locks on your entry doors and must be provided with keys or access.
• If your building includes an entry or intercom system, it is the landlord's duty to repair it when necessary.
• If repairs are not completed promptly, tenants may apply to the ORT for an order requiring repairs.

For additional information on roles and accountability, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Examples of Secure Access Issues

• Main entry locks are jammed or don’t latch properly
• Intercom system stops working and visitors cannot alert tenants
• Garage or shared space doors remain open due to malfunction

These are all grounds for a tenant to request repairs and, if necessary, escalate to the ORT.

What Action Can Tenants Take?

If your landlord has not kept your building secure, follow these steps:

1. Notify your landlord in writing of the problem and ask for repairs.
2. If not resolved, complete and give your landlord ORT Form 1 (Notice to Landlord to Remedy).
3. Allow a reasonable period for a response (the Act does not specify exact time, but 7-14 days is common for non-urgent matters).
4. If still unresolved, submit ORT Form 3 (Application for an Order) to the Office of Residential Tenancies.

If you need to find a new home while your current one remains insecure, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada for alternatives in your area.

FAQ: Secure Access in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Are landlords required to install new intercom systems in Saskatchewan?
   No, landlords are only required to maintain existing intercom or entry systems. However, any provided security features (locks, buzzers, door entry) must be kept in good working order.
2. What should I do if the main building door lock is broken?
   Contact your landlord immediately in writing. If they delay repairs, use ORT Form 1 to formally request action. If still unresolved, file a complaint with the ORT using ORT Form 3.
3. Can I change the locks myself if I feel unsafe?
   No, you must get your landlord’s permission in writing before changing locks. Unauthorized changes may violate your lease and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
4. Who can I contact if my landlord does not fix security problems?
   The Office of Residential Tenancies resolves disputes and can issue orders if security standards are not met. Contact them promptly if your concerns are not addressed.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Saskatchewan tenants have legal protections to ensure secure building access and functional intercom systems.
• Landlords must maintain all existing security systems and promptly address safety-related repairs.
• Use official ORT forms and procedures to resolve security issues if your landlord does not act.

Understanding your rights and the proper process helps you stay safe and take effective action if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Saskatchewan: Information, forms, and contact details for dispute resolution.
• Find tenant and landlord obligations in detail: Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
• For a full overview of security and rental rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

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1. Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Visit the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)

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