Tenant Rights: Application Rejection and Discrimination in Saskatchewan

Applying for a rental home can be stressful, especially if your application is denied. In Saskatchewan, the law offers protections to tenants to ensure rental application rejections are legal and non-discriminatory. This article explains your rights, common reasons for rejection, and steps if you suspect discrimination or unfair treatment.

Legal Grounds for Rental Application Rejection in Saskatchewan

Landlords in Saskatchewan may reject a tenant’s application for several valid reasons, provided these do not conflict with human rights law. Acceptable reasons include:

• Poor credit history or no credit references
• Lack of verifiable income
• Unsatisfactory landlord references
• Rental history that shows significant property damage or non-payment of rent

Landlords must apply all screening criteria fairly and consistently among all applicants.

Discrimination Is Not Allowed

It is illegal for landlords to reject applicants on the basis of protected characteristics covered by The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018. These include:

• Race, colour, religion, creed
• Sex, gender identity, sexual orientation
• Age, marital or family status
• Disability, receipt of social assistance
• Nationality or ancestry

If you believe your application was rejected for one of these reasons, you have the right to file a discrimination complaint.

What To Do If Your Application Is Rejected

Not all rental rejections are discriminatory. Start by asking the landlord for a clear explanation. If you suspect the rejection was based on a protected characteristic, you can take action:

• Document all communication with the landlord: save emails, texts, or notes of conversations.
• Keep copies of your application and any responses.
• Identify if a protected characteristic may have influenced the decision.

Understanding your own rental rights can help. For more about responsibilities after moving in, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Filing a Human Rights Complaint

If you decide a human rights violation occurred, you may file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC).

• Form: Human Rights Complaint Form (available on SHRC website)
• When to use it: If you believe you were unfairly denied housing due to a protected trait
• How to use: Complete the form online or download and submit it by email, mail, or in person
• Official link: Saskatchewan Human Rights Complaint Form

What Happens After You File?

The SHRC will review your complaint, may request more information, and could attempt to resolve the issue through mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful or the case is serious, it may be investigated further or referred to a hearing.

Other Laws Protecting Tenants

In Saskatchewan, residential tenancies are governed by The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1]. This law covers rental agreements, security deposits, and dispute resolution, but issues of discrimination are handled by the SHRC under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.

For a full overview of provincial tenancy rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

What If You’ve Already Paid a Deposit?

If your application was accepted, but your rental fell through, learn about your rights to deposit refunds by reading Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Finding a home can be challenging, but trusted platforms help you compare options and find fair landlords. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings with updated features for connecting with reputable rentals in Saskatchewan and across Canada.

FAQ: Tenant Application Rejection in Saskatchewan

1. My rental application was rejected without an explanation. Is this legal?
   Saskatchewan landlords should be able to give a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for rejecting an application, but they are not strictly required by law to do so. However, refusal to provide a reason may help support a discrimination claim if you file a complaint.
2. Can a landlord reject me because I have children?
   No. Family status (including having children) is a protected ground under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018, and it is illegal for a landlord to reject your application for this reason.
3. How quickly must I file a discrimination complaint?
   You must file within one year of the alleged discrimination, but file as soon as possible while details are clear and documents are available.
4. What details do I need to make a human rights complaint?
   Submit your full contact info, the landlord’s details, rental address, dates and explanation of what happened, and any evidence supporting your claim.
5. What if my application is rejected for lack of credit or income?
   Landlords may legally use financial criteria. This is not discrimination unless it is used as a pretext for discrimination against a protected group.

Conclusion: Key Points to Remember

• Landlords in Saskatchewan cannot reject rental applications for discriminatory reasons under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018.
• Document all communication if your application is rejected and ask for clarification.
• If you believe discrimination occurred, use the SHRC complaint process and file within one year.

Being informed helps you protect your rights and find the best rental home for your situation.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission – Complaints Information
• Saskatchewan Government: Rights and Responsibilities for Tenants and Landlords
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) Saskatchewan – Dispute Resolution & General Assistance
• Local tenant advocacy groups and legal clinics for advice and support

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Saskatchewan's tenancy legislation
2. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018: Official text

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