Tenant Protections Against Harassment in Saskatchewan

Feeling safe and respected in your rental home is essential—whether you live alone or share space with roommates. For tenants in Saskatchewan, knowing your rights against harassment can make a real difference, especially in shared housing situations. This article explains the legal protections and practical steps you can take if you face harassment from a roommate, landlord, or another tenant, based on current Saskatchewan law.

What Is Harassment in Shared Housing?

Harassment in rental housing can include repeated behaviour or communication that threatens, intimidates, demeans, or unreasonably interferes with your right to quiet enjoyment of your home. In shared housing, harassment could come from a landlord, roommate, or even another tenant in the property.

• Comments or actions that create a hostile environment
• Repeated unwelcome visits or messages
• Physical intimidation, threats or actual violence
• Unreasonable interference with your use of the home (e.g., removing your belongings, tampering with utilities)

In Saskatchewan, all tenants are protected from harassment under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. This law guarantees every tenant's right to reasonable privacy and quiet enjoyment, even in shared spaces.

Legal Protections for Tenants

The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan are enforced by the Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), which handles disputes and complaints between tenants and landlords.

Some key rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 include:

• The right to be free from harassment by landlords or their agents
• A landlord cannot evict you, change the locks, or restrict your access without a proper legal process
• Roommates are also expected to respect your legal right to enjoy your home undisturbed

When Roommates Harass: What Can Be Done?

When a roommate is harassing you, the first step is usually to document what’s happening. This evidence will help if you need to make a complaint or application to the ORT.

• Keep notes of each incident with dates and details
• Save texts, emails, or social media communications as evidence
• Inform your landlord if a roommate’s actions affect your right to enjoy the property

Many shared housing roommate problems can also be considered Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Taking Action Against Harassment

If informal conversations or mediation do not resolve the problem, you have official options under Saskatchewan law:

• Speak to your landlord: In some cases, your landlord has an obligation to intervene if another tenant or roommate is violating your rights.
• Request Mediation: Saskatchewan's ORT offers mediation for disputes between tenants or between tenants and landlords. This can help avoid formal hearings.
• File a Formal Application: Tenants may apply to the ORT for an order to stop harassment or, in serious cases, end the tenancy agreement. The main form to use is the Application for an Office of Residential Tenancies Hearing (ORT 1). This form is used to start an official hearing when rights are being violated.

Example: If a roommate repeatedly bullies or threatens you and you have proof, you can submit the ORT 1 form to request an order that requires the behaviour to stop, or even to end your own tenancy if you can’t remain safely.

Supporting Evidence

Strong documentation will increase the chances of a positive outcome for your complaint.

• Written records of events
• Witness statements from other tenants or neighbours
• Photos of property damage or threatening notes/messages

Seeking Emergency Help

In cases where harassment becomes threatening or violent, contact the police immediately. For emergency situations related to the condition of the rental home (such as sabotage or safety issues caused by harassment), see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Staying Informed About Your Rights

It’s important to regularly review your rights and responsibilities. For a broader overview, see the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. Also, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find safe new accommodations anywhere in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does harassment include noise complaints or lifestyle disagreements with a roommate?
   Minor disagreements or lifestyle differences don’t usually count as harassment. Harassment refers to ongoing, targeted behaviour that threatens, intimidates, or unreasonably disrupts your right to enjoy your home.
2. What evidence do I need when reporting harassment?
   Keep a log of incidents with dates and details, save any written or digital communication, and collect any witness statements if possible.
3. Who do I contact to make a formal harassment complaint in Saskatchewan?
   You should contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) to file an official complaint.
4. Can I end my tenancy early if I am being harassed?
   With supporting evidence and a successful application to the ORT, you may be able to end your tenancy early for your safety. Always seek advice and file the proper forms.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Guidance, forms, and official complaints
• Saskatchewan Government: Renting and Leasing a Home
• Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan: Free legal information for tenants

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)

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