If you’re renting in Saskatchewan, understanding your rights regarding maintenance and repairs is essential for a safe and comfortable home. Both tenants and landlords have legal responsibilities under Saskatchewan law, but knowing what’s required—and what to do if something goes wrong—can give you peace of mind and help avoid disputes.
Who Handles Maintenance and Repairs in Saskatchewan?
In Saskatchewan, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006[1] sets out clear maintenance rules. Landlords must keep the property in a good state of repair, meet health and safety standards, and perform necessary maintenance—both before and during your tenancy.
- Landlords must repair appliances and home systems that came with the rental (like heating, plumbing, or major appliances).
- Tenants are responsible for repairing any damage they cause or their guests cause, above normal wear and tear.
- Tenants must keep their unit reasonably clean and notify landlords promptly if repairs are needed.
Disagreements sometimes arise over who should pay for damage or when repairs must be done. For more on your general rights and obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Common Maintenance Problems in Saskatchewan Rentals
Issues like leaky plumbing, broken heating, or structural safety can arise. Here’s how Saskatchewan law helps protect tenants:
- Essential services (heat, water, power): Landlords must provide these at all times unless you agreed otherwise in writing.
- Heating: The home must have reliable, working heat during Saskatchewan’s cold months.
- Urgent repairs: If an issue poses health or safety risks, notify your landlord immediately in writing.
Some problems—like mould, pests, or electrical safety—also affect your health. For more, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
The Initial Inspection and Reporting Issues
Before moving in, you and your landlord should complete a move-in inspection. Document existing problems in writing and photos. If needed, refer to the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for tips on what to watch for.
How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord
Keep all repair requests in writing (such as email or text) and describe the problem, date, and any risks. The landlord should address routine repairs in a reasonable timeframe, usually within a few days for essential services and longer for non-urgent fixes.
What if Your Landlord Won’t Do Repairs?
If your landlord isn’t responding or refuses to fix the problem, you have options. You can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), Saskatchewan’s residential tenancy tribunal.
Official Forms for Repair Disputes
- Application for an Order (Form 5): If repairs are urgent or your landlord won’t act, use this form to ask the tribunal for an order to complete repairs, reduce rent, or allow you to seek reimbursement if you paid for the fix.
Application for an Order (Form 5)
Use it, for example, if your landlord ignores repeated requests to fix a broken furnace in winter. - Notice of Repairs Needed (Written Notice): There’s no set form—just write a letter/email to your landlord clearly describing the problem, date, and what you want fixed.
After submitting Form 5 to the ORT, a hearing may be scheduled if the issue isn’t resolved. Keep copies of all evidence, including photos and communication, to support your case.
Health and Safety: What is Your Landlord Responsible For?
Your landlord must meet all municipal property standards and provincial health codes. This includes:
- Working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
- Safe electrical and plumbing systems
- Structural integrity (no major leaks, holes, or unsafe stairs)
- Proper pest control
If you believe your unit is unsafe, report it to your landlord first. If not addressed, contact local bylaw enforcement or Saskatchewan Public Health, and consider applying to the ORT.
Legislation and Resources for Tenants
All tenant and landlord responsibilities for repairs are outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)[1].
For full details on your provincial rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.
Looking for a new rental or want to compare homes? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ: Saskatchewan Tenant Maintenance and Repairs
- What repairs is my landlord required to make in Saskatchewan?
Landlords must maintain the property in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and up to health and safety standards. This includes essential services, heating, and fixing things that break due to normal wear and tear, but tenants are responsible for damage they or their guests cause. - How do I get an urgent repair done if my landlord won't respond?
Serve written notice and, if the repair is not made, submit an Application for an Order (Form 5) to the Office of Residential Tenancies. You can ask the tribunal to order repairs or rent abatement, especially for issues that impact your health or safety. - Can I withhold rent if my landlord isn't making repairs?
No. In Saskatchewan, you must keep paying rent even if repairs aren’t done. Instead, use official complaint channels like the ORT. - How quickly do repairs need to be completed?
Essential repairs should be completed within a reasonable time, such as a few days for issues affecting health or safety. Non-urgent repairs may take longer.
How To: Get Repairs Addressed in Your Saskatchewan Rental
- How do I request repairs from my landlord?
Describe the issue in writing (letter, email, or text), include the date, and give your landlord a reasonable time to respond—usually a few days for urgent issues. - What should I do if the landlord still doesn’t act?
Collect evidence (photos, messages) and file an Application for an Order (Form 5) with the Office of Residential Tenancies. Attach supporting documentation for your claim. - How can I prepare for a dispute hearing?
Organize all documents: your original complaint, pictures, witness statements, and medical or repair receipts if applicable.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords in Saskatchewan must handle most repairs and maintain safe, livable homes.
- Always document issues in writing and keep records of failed repair requests.
- If problems aren’t fixed, official forms (like Form 5) and the Office of Residential Tenancies can help resolve disputes.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): File applications, access dispute resolution, and find forms.
- Government of Saskatchewan: Renting and Leasing: Official guides for tenants and landlords.
- Local public health offices and municipal bylaw enforcement may help with urgent or unsafe conditions.
