Tenant Maintenance Duties in Saskatchewan Rentals

Renting a home in Saskatchewan comes with important maintenance responsibilities for both tenants and landlords. Understanding which repair and upkeep tasks fall to you as a tenant can help avoid disputes, protect your deposit, and ensure a safe, comfortable living space throughout your rental term.

Overview: Tenant Maintenance Duties in Saskatchewan

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 governs your obligations as a renter in Saskatchewan^[1]. As a tenant, you are expected to take care of your unit and any included property, report issues promptly, and uphold basic cleanliness and safety. Landlords retain responsibility for maintaining structural repairs, key utilities, and overall habitability.

General Tenant Responsibilities

• Keep your unit reasonably clean, sanitary, and safe during your tenancy.
• Dispose of garbage and waste in accordance with bylaws or landlord instructions.
• Prevent damage to the unit, systems, and common areas.
• Promptly report maintenance issues or hazards to your landlord.
• Address minor repairs or routine upkeep such as changing light bulbs or cleaning filters.

These expectations are designed to maintain a healthy and safe environment for all occupants.

What Maintenance Is NOT the Tenant's Job?

• Major repairs to plumbing, heating, electrical, or structural elements
• Repairing damage not caused by tenant or guests (e.g., wear and tear or weather damage)
• Pest infestations not linked to tenant behavior
• Maintaining grounds or common areas (in most cases, unless your lease states otherwise)

If you experience repair delays or health concerns, familiarize yourself with Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and your rights under Saskatchewan law.

Routine Repairs: What Should Tenants Address?

Minor maintenance may include:

• Changing smoke detector batteries (unless hardwired)
• Regular cleaning, including appliances provided with the unit
• Replacing standard light bulbs
• Clearing sink drains (minor clogs)
• Maintaining your own possessions or décor

Tenants are generally expected to address these routine tasks as part of everyday living, unless otherwise specified in your lease.

What if Damage Happens?

If you, your guests, or pets cause any damage beyond normal wear and tear, it is your responsibility to pay for or repair it. For guidance on common repair disputes and how to resolve them, visit Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Reporting Repairs: Steps to Protect Yourself

Quickly letting your landlord know about issues like leaks, mold, or faulty wiring protects you from liability if problems worsen. Here’s how to handle a maintenance issue:

• Notify your landlord in writing with a clear description of the problem.
• Keep a copy of emails or letters for your records.
• If repairs aren’t done in a reasonable time, contact Saskatchewan's Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for guidance.

If urgent or emergency repairs are needed, you may have rights to arrange them and deduct the cost from your rent, but always seek advice from the ORT first.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Application for a Hearing (Form 5): Use this to apply to the ORT if your landlord fails to fulfill maintenance responsibilities and communication has not resolved the issue. Fill out the Form 5 and submit it as instructed. Include all evidence of your requests and any damages.
• Tenant/Applicant Withdrawal of Application (Form 16): If your issue resolves before the hearing, use Form 16 to withdraw your application.

Always follow the ORT’s official instructions for each form and keep records of all communication.

Why Maintenance Responsibilities Matter

Taking care of your responsibilities helps avoid disputes and unexpected costs at move-out. Understanding what your obligations are can also protect your deposit and maintain a positive relationship with your landlord. For a more comprehensive look at your rights and duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Looking for more resources or thinking of moving? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide selection and tools for renters in every province.

Want a broader picture of tenancy in Saskatchewan? Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for more insights specific to your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What repairs am I responsible for as a tenant in Saskatchewan?
   Tenants must keep their unit clean, promptly report damage or required repairs, and handle minor upkeep such as light bulbs or smoke alarm batteries.
2. What if my landlord does not fix major issues?
   If written requests to your landlord are ignored, you can apply to Saskatchewan’s Office of Residential Tenancies using Form 5 for resolution.
3. Can I be charged for damages if I did not cause them?
   Tenants are not liable for normal wear and tear, but are responsible for damages caused by themselves, their guests, or pets.
4. Do I have to keep outdoor spaces clean?
   Only if your tenancy agreement specifies it. Otherwise, this usually remains the landlord’s duty.
5. What steps should I take when moving out to avoid charges?
   Clean your unit thoroughly, repair minor damage, and document its condition with photos to avoid disputes later.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Main tribunal for rental disputes in Saskatchewan
• Saskatchewan Government: Renting and Leasing Information
• Local tenant support lines or legal clinics (check municipal websites for contacts)
• Helpful guides: Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home

---

1. Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (official legislation)
2. Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies
3. ORT Application for a Hearing (Form 5)
4. ORT Tenant Withdrawal of Application (Form 16)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy