Sharing a rental with roommates can make housing more affordable, but it also raises practical questions about security deposits, record keeping and responsibility for damage. This guide explains what tenants and roommates in Saskatchewan should expect when a landlord collects a deposit, how to document the unit, ways to agree on splitting and refunding the deposit, and the steps to take if a dispute arises. It focuses on clear, tenant-focused actions you can take before, during and after a shared tenancy so you know how to protect your money and your rights under Saskatchewan rules.
Who holds the security deposit and what it covers
In most shared rentals a landlord holds the deposit, not individual roommates. The deposit is intended to cover unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. Tenants who pay a portion of a deposit should keep records showing how much they paid and any agreement about splitting deductions later.
Before you move in: agreements and inspections
Agree in writing with your roommates and the landlord about who pays what and how the deposit will be returned. Do a joint condition inspection and take photos or video on move-in day so everyone has the same evidence of the unit's condition. Ask the landlord for, and keep, any official condition report or receipt.
Pre-move checklist
- Sign a written tenancy agreement that shows all named tenants and the rent arrangement.
- Complete a condition inspection and take dated photos or video of each room and any existing damage.
- Get a written receipt for any security deposit payments from the landlord.
- Decide with roommates how to split the deposit and record that agreement in writing.
During the tenancy: records and communication
Keep copies of rent receipts, text or email threads about repairs or agreements, and any notices you receive from the landlord. If a roommate moves out, document whether they were replaced, whether they remain jointly liable, and how the deposit share will be handled.
Practical tips while you live there
- Keep a shared ledger or spreadsheet recording each roommate's rent and deposit contributions.
- Report maintenance issues promptly to preserve habitability and reduce risk of damage claims.
- Save copies of any repair requests and the landlord's responses as evidence.
When a roommate moves out
If one roommate leaves, the departing person should get a written statement showing whether the landlord returned any portion of the deposit and what deductions were taken. If the departing roommate was a named tenant on the lease, they may still be jointly liable for the unit until the tenancy ends or the lease is formally changed.
Moving out and getting the deposit back
Before moving out, complete a move-out inspection with the landlord and compare it to the move-in condition. Provide a forwarding address in writing and request the deposit return in the landlord's required format. If the landlord deducts money, ask for an itemized list and receipts for repairs.
Steps to protect your share
- Do a final joint inspection and collect timestamped photos or video showing the unit's condition.
- Ask the landlord for a written, itemized list of any deductions within the required time frame.
- If you disagree, send a written dispute to the landlord explaining why the deductions are unfair and keep a copy.
Filing a dispute
If you cannot resolve the matter with your landlord, you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for adjudication. Provide your condition photos, receipts, the tenancy agreement and any communication with the landlord. The provincial process has deadlines, so act promptly to protect your claim.[1][2]
Common scenarios and sample wording
- When requesting an itemized deduction: "Please send an itemized invoice and receipts for any repair charges you plan to deduct from the security deposit."
- If a roommate left but you paid more: "Attached is proof of my deposit payment and our written roommate split; please refund my share to the forwarding address below."
- When filing a complaint: "I request adjudication through the Office of Residential Tenancies and have attached my evidence."
FAQ
- Can a landlord require each roommate to provide a separate security deposit?
- Yes, a landlord may collect a deposit from each named tenant, but tenants should get receipts and agree among themselves how shared refunds will be handled.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Saskatchewan?
- Landlords must follow the timelines set by Saskatchewan's rental rules and respond to requests for the deposit or an itemized deduction; apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies if the landlord does not comply.[1]
- What if a roommate caused damage and refuses to pay?
- Gather evidence showing who was responsible and discuss options with your landlord; you can also seek adjudication to pursue the costs formally.
How-To
- Document the unit on move-in day by completing a condition inspection and taking dated photos.
- Keep written records of who paid each portion of the security deposit and store receipts safely.
- When moving out, do a final joint inspection and collect timestamped photos showing the cleaned condition.
- Request a written, itemized explanation for any deductions and copies of repair invoices.
- If you cannot reach agreement, apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies with your evidence for adjudication.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Keep written records and dated photos from move-in to move-out to protect your deposit.
- Get written receipts for any deposit payments and a clear agreement among roommates about splitting refunds.
- Use the Office of Residential Tenancies process if you cannot resolve deductions with the landlord.
Help and Support / Resources
- Office of Residential Tenancies — Government of Saskatchewan
- Forms and publications — Office of Residential Tenancies
- The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 — Government of Saskatchewan
- [1] Office of Residential Tenancies — Government of Saskatchewan
- [2] The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 — Government of Saskatchewan
- [3] Forms and publications — Office of Residential Tenancies
Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know
How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out
