Tenant Rights During Condo Conversion in Saskatchewan

If your rental apartment building in Saskatchewan is being converted to condominiums, it's important to know your rights and options. Condo conversions, also called 'strata conversions,' can significantly impact tenants, so understanding the process will help you make confident, informed decisions.

What is a Condo Conversion?

A condo conversion happens when a landlord or property owner decides to turn an existing rental building into individually owned condominium units. After the conversion, the units may be sold rather than rented. This process is regulated in Saskatchewan to protect tenants and ensure fair treatment.

Your Rights as a Tenant During Condo Conversion

Saskatchewan's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 sets out key rights and protections for tenants during a condo conversion. The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) oversees these matters – visit the Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for more resources and dispute resolution information.^[1]

Notice Requirements for Tenants

If a landlord plans to convert your rental home or building into condos, Saskatchewan law requires them to provide you with written notice well in advance of any eviction or significant changes.

• You must receive at least 12 months' written notice before you can be required to move because of a condo conversion.
• The notice must clearly state the reason: conversion to condominium ownership.
• If you have a lease that extends beyond the 12-month period, the notice must align with your lease's expiry date unless you agree otherwise.

This notice is designed to give you time to search for new accommodation or consider purchasing the converted condo unit, if that's an option.

Can My Lease Be Ended or Renewed?

If you are on a fixed-term lease, it generally continues until the end date unless you and your landlord agree to end it sooner. For month-to-month or periodic tenancies, the landlord may end the tenancy after providing the required 12 months' notice for condo conversion.

You can learn more about your lease renewal rights by visiting Lease Renewals: What Tenants Should Know About Their Rights.

Compensation, Deposits, and Other Rights

Tenants who are required to move due to a conversion are generally entitled to the normal rights and return of deposits as outlined in Saskatchewan tenancy law. Conduct a move-out inspection with your landlord and request a signed statement about the unit's condition.

To learn more about deposits when moving out, refer to How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

What Happens to Existing Rental Agreements?

Condo conversion does not immediately end your rental agreement. If you were not given proper notice or if you feel your rights have not been respected, you can apply for dispute resolution with the ORT. If you wish to purchase your unit, consult with the building management for purchase procedures and consider legal advice.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Notice to Vacate – Form 7: Used by landlords to provide official notice to terminate a tenancy. As a tenant, carefully review the form and its date. You can verify official sample forms through the Government of Saskatchewan Publications page.
• Application for Hearing – Form 5: File this if you believe the conversion process hasn’t followed legal requirements, or you wish to challenge your eviction. Accessible via the Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies. Example: If you received less than 12 months' notice, use this to request a hearing.

What Should You Do After Receiving Notice?

Upon receiving an official notice of condo conversion:

• Carefully check the notice dates and reasons
• Document all communications and keep copies of forms
• Begin searching for rental options or condos for sale, if interested
• Contact the Office of Residential Tenancies if you have questions or believe the notice is invalid

For more details about your general rights in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme when you're searching for your next place.

FAQ: Condo Conversions in Saskatchewan

1. Can I be forced to move out immediately after a condo conversion is announced?
   No, the landlord must provide at least 12 months' written notice before you can be required to move out because of a condo conversion.
2. Will I automatically lose my damage deposit if my building converts to condos?
   No. As long as you meet your tenancy obligations and there is no damage beyond normal wear, your deposit must be returned in accordance with Saskatchewan law.
3. Can I apply to buy my unit if my building is converting?
   Sometimes, converted units are offered first to current tenants, but your landlord is not legally required to sell to you. Check with building management for procedures.
4. What if I think my notice isn't legal or I didn't get enough time?
   You can file an Application for Hearing (Form 5) with the Office of Residential Tenancies to dispute the notice or process.
5. If I stay until the end of my notice, do I pay normal rent?
   Yes, you continue to pay rent as usual until your tenancy legally ends. Learn more at Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must provide tenants in Saskatchewan with 12 months’ written notice before requiring them to move for a condo conversion.
• You are entitled to a returned deposit and have the right to dispute improper notice through the Office of Residential Tenancies.
• Review official forms, document communications, and consider seeking advice or alternate housing early.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Main government body overseeing rentals and condo conversions, with forms, dispute resolution, and contact information
• Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Read Saskatchewan’s official tenancy legislation
• Tenant advocacy organizations: Consider contacting local groups for help understanding your options

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1. Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/housing-and-renting/renting-and-leasing/office-of-residential-tenancies
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/12618/formats/8980/download

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