Tenant Compensation in Saskatchewan: What to Do if Your Landlord Breaks the Rules

If you’re a renter in Saskatchewan, it’s important to know that you have rights when your landlord fails to meet their legal obligations. The law gives you a way to claim compensation for financial losses or disruptions caused by a landlord’s breaches, whether it's for failing to repair, entering your unit without notice, or wrongfully evicting you. Understanding the compensation process in Saskatchewan can help you protect your home and finances when things go wrong with your rental. This guide is designed in plain language, using official Saskatchewan resources, so you always know your next step.

When Is a Tenant Entitled to Compensation in Saskatchewan?

Under the The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords must fulfill certain duties. If a landlord breaches these obligations, you may be eligible for compensation. Examples include:

• Failing to make necessary repairs that affect health or safety
• Entering your suite without proper notice
• Imposing illegal rent increases or extra fees
• Evicting you without proper legal process
• Failing to return your security deposit as required

Compensation is typically awarded for actual losses or damages you experience—like having to replace spoiled food due to a broken refrigerator or hotel costs if you’re forced out illegally.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenant Compensation Cases?

If you and your landlord can’t reach an agreement, you can formally apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), which is the official tribunal for resolving rental disputes in Saskatchewan.

How to Apply for Tenant Compensation in Saskatchewan

If your landlord hasn’t resolved your issue, you can start a claim for compensation through the ORT. The official form to use is:

• Application for Resolution of a Dispute (Form 5):
  Form 5 - Application for Resolution of a Dispute
  Use this form to apply for compensation or to resolve most disputes (repairs, deposits, illegal entry, etc.).
  
  Example: Your landlord refuses to repair a broken furnace in winter and you have to pay for a space heater. You can apply using Form 5 and request reimbursement for your costs.

Action Steps to File for Compensation

• Document the issue with photos, receipts, or written communication
• Attempt to resolve the problem directly with your landlord (keep a record)
• If no resolution, download and complete Form 5
• Prepare any supporting evidence (bills, emails, photos)
• Submit your application to the Office of Residential Tenancies by email, in person, or mail, and pay the applicable fee
• Attend the hearing (usually online or by phone) and present your case

For many landlord-tenant issues—like habitability, illegal entry, or failure to provide essential services—the Act requires the landlord to treat tenants fairly and follow proper procedures. Learn more about your broader entitlements in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Common Examples of Landlord Breaches Warranting Compensation

• Health and Safety Issues: If your landlord ignores problems that may affect your health or safety, you may be able to claim damages. For more information, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
• Deposit Disputes: If your security deposit isn’t returned fairly, you can file a compensation claim. You can also brush up on your rights with Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

In each scenario, keeping clear records, giving your landlord a chance to fix the problem, and pursuing the correct application process will help strengthen your claim.

How Much Compensation Can I Get?

Compensation is based on your actual losses. This could include:

• Out-of-pocket costs (repairs, hotels, unaffected rent period, etc.)
• Value of lost use/enjoyment (if you were unable to use part or all of your home because of the breach)

The ORT will decide the amount based on your evidence and the law.

FAQ: Tenant Compensation Questions in Saskatchewan

1. What types of landlord breaches qualify for compensation in Saskatchewan?
   Any breach of legal duties under The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, like failing to repair, entering without notice, or illegal eviction. Actual losses must be proven.
2. How long do I have to apply for compensation?
   You have two years from the date of the breach to file a compensation claim with the ORT.
3. Can I apply for compensation if my landlord withholds my deposit?
   Yes. If your deposit was not returned within the legal timeframe, you can apply for compensation—often through the same process as above.
4. What evidence is needed for a tenant compensation claim?
   Provide receipts, photos, copies of written communications, and any records showing how the landlord’s actions caused you loss.
5. Where can I find help to prepare my compensation claim?
   Start by contacting the Office of Residential Tenancies, or local tenant resources listed below.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Contact the Office of Residential Tenancies: 1-888-215-2222
• Government of Saskatchewan – Renting and Leasing
• Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA) – tenant education and guides
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan
• Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view

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1. [1] The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. [2] Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – dispute resolution
3. [3] Form 5 – Application for Resolution of a Dispute (Official Saskatchewan form)

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