Saskatchewan Tenant Discrimination & Accessibility Rights Checklist

Protecting tenants in Saskatchewan from discrimination and ensuring accessibility are core priorities under provincial law. Whether applying for a new rental, living in your home, or interacting with a landlord, it’s crucial to understand your rights—this comprehensive checklist will help you identify and address discrimination and accessibility issues in rental housing.

What is Discrimination in Rental Housing?

Discrimination occurs when a landlord treats you unfairly because of personal characteristics protected by law—such as race, disability, religion, gender, family status, or age. In Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006¹ protect tenants from discrimination at all stages: before, during, and after a tenancy.

Examples of Discrimination

• Refusing to rent to someone because they have children
• Making different rental terms due to a tenant’s ethnicity
• Denying reasonable modifications for tenants with disabilities
• Advertising "adults only" when family status is protected

These actions are illegal. If you encounter them, you have the right to respond and seek help.

Accessibility in Saskatchewan Rentals

Landlords have a duty to accommodate tenants with disabilities to the point of undue hardship. This means making reasonable changes or allowing modifications so tenants can access and enjoy their homes—such as installing ramps, door handles, or visual fire alarms.

Landlord’s Duty to Accommodate

• Allowing minor adaptations (e.g., grab bars, handrails)
• Permitting service animals, even when there is a "no pets" policy
• Adjusting communication methods (e.g., written notices in accessible formats)

Landlords can only deny these accommodations if they can clearly show that doing so would cause an “undue hardship”—for example, very high costs or health and safety risks that cannot be resolved.

Discrimination & Accessibility Checklist for Tenants

• When applying:
  • Are you being asked unfair questions about your background, family status, or disability?
  • Has the landlord refused your application for a reason you suspect is discriminatory? (Keep records)
• During your tenancy:
  • Is your home physically accessible to you and your visitors?
  • Have requests for reasonable modifications or accommodations been responded to promptly in writing?
• Access to amenities and services: Are you prevented from using common areas (laundry, parking, mailroom, etc.) due to steps, barriers, or restrictive policies?
• If facing discrimination:
  • Document all interactions, save copies of emails or texts, and note dates and witnesses
  • Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission to file a complaint
  • You may also reach out to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for tenancy support

For more about tenant and landlord rights in this province, refer to Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Official Forms: Filing and Responding to Discrimination Complaints

In Saskatchewan, most housing discrimination complaints are handled by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. Here are some key forms and their uses:

• Complaint Form (Human Rights):
  • When to use: If you have faced discrimination based on a protected ground (disability, race, etc.) when renting or while living in your home.
  • How: Download and fill out the official Human Rights Complaint Form. You’ll need to describe the discriminatory act, when and where it occurred, and attach any relevant documents.
  • Example: If a landlord refuses to allow your service animal, you may submit this form to launch a formal complaint.
• Application to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT):
  • When to use: If your discrimination or accessibility issue directly relates to your legal rights as a tenant (e.g., eviction related to disability).
  • How: Fill out the Application Form (ORT) and submit online or by mail.

Tips for Tenants Requesting Accessibility Accommodations

• Submit all requests for accommodations to your landlord in writing. Be clear about your needs and, if comfortable, share how the suggested modifications will help.
• Allow the landlord reasonable time to respond. If there is no answer, send a polite written follow-up.
• If denied, ask for the specific reason in writing. This may help if you file a complaint.

What Landlords Cannot Do

• Refuse to rent to you for any reason connected to a protected ground in the Human Rights Code
• Pressure you to leave because of a disability, your family, or your background
• Deny reasonable accessibility accommodations unless they meet the strict test of "undue hardship"

Landlords must also respect your privacy and provide a safe and healthy rental space—see more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Resolving Discrimination and Accessibility Issues

If you've tried speaking with your landlord and the problem remains, your main options are:

• Submit a discrimination complaint to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
• File an application to the Office of Residential Tenancies for remedies if your housing security is affected
• Seek local advocacy or support groups—many offer guidance and filing help

Throughout your tenancy, you may also find answers by reviewing Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For more on finding accessible rentals and legal resources, you can Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

FAQs: Discrimination & Accessibility for Saskatchewan Tenants

1. What should I do if I think my landlord is discriminating against me?
   If you believe you are experiencing discrimination when applying for or living in a rental, document the situation, gather evidence, and consider filing a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission or contacting the Office of Residential Tenancies for guidance.
2. Can my landlord refuse my service animal because of a "no pets" policy?
   No, landlords must allow service animals for tenants with disabilities, even when there is a "no pets" rule. This is a protected right under human rights legislation.
3. If my home isn’t accessible, can I make modifications?
   Yes, you can request reasonable accessibility modifications from your landlord. They must consider your request unless they can prove it will cause undue hardship. Costs, safety, and structural impact may be evaluated.
4. Where can I find the legislation that protects my rights as a tenant?
   Your rights are protected under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
5. Are there protections for families with children?
   Yes, family status is a protected ground. Landlords cannot refuse to rent or treat you unfairly because you have children.

How To: File a Discrimination Complaint as a Tenant in Saskatchewan

1. How do I submit a human rights complaint about discrimination?
   Fill out the Human Rights Complaint Form with all required information and submit it to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission as soon as possible after the incident.
2. How do I ask for an accessibility accommodation in my rental?
   Write a clear request to your landlord describing the specific modification or accommodation you need. Include any supporting medical or disability documents if comfortable.
3. What if my landlord denies my accessibility request?
   Request the landlord’s reasons in writing. If the denial is not justified, proceed with a complaint to the Human Rights Commission or apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for review.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination based on protected characteristics is illegal in Saskatchewan housing
• Landlords must reasonably accommodate accessibility needs unless it causes undue hardship
• Official forms and complaint processes exist to protect your rights
• Tenants can and should document all interactions on these issues

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission— discrimination complaint forms, information, and assistance
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)— rental disputes, forms, and guidance
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan— detailed rights and responsibilities
• Local tenant advocacy organizations and legal clinics for housing support

1. Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)