Saskatchewan Tenant Rights: Enforcement When Landlords Neglect Maintenance

If you’re renting in Saskatchewan and your landlord isn’t making necessary repairs, it’s important to know your legal options and how government enforcement works. Saskatchewan’s rental laws require landlords to keep homes safe, healthy, and in good repair. Failure to do so can lead to government action and penalties.

Landlord Maintenance Obligations in Saskatchewan

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords must ensure rental properties are:

• Safe and in a reasonable state of repair
• Compliant with health, fire, and building codes
• Kept in good repair during the tenancy, regardless of the rent paid

Typical maintenance includes working plumbing, heating, electrical systems, fixing leaks, and addressing pest infestations.

When Maintenance Is Neglected

If your landlord ignores maintenance requests—such as leaky roofs or broken heating—this can endanger your health and safety. It may also violate your rights as a tenant.

Learn more about how to address safety concerns in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Address Maintenance Neglect: Steps for Tenants

If you’re facing neglected maintenance, take these steps before seeking an enforcement action:

• Document the problem: Take detailed notes and photographs of the issue.
• Notify your landlord in writing: Clearly explain the needed repairs and keep a copy of your notice.
• Allow a reasonable time for repairs: Unless urgent, give your landlord time to fix the problem.

If the issue remains unresolved, you have the right to file a complaint.

Filing a Maintenance Complaint: Enforcement Process

In Saskatchewan, the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) oversees most disputes between tenants and landlords, including maintenance neglect. The ORT can issue orders for landlords to make repairs, reduce rent, or award compensation when landlords fail to meet their obligations.

Key Official Forms

• Application for Hearing (Form 7): File this with the ORT when your landlord fails to complete repairs. Attach any evidence, such as photographs or repair requests.
  View and download Form 7.
  Example: If your landlord refuses to fix broken heating, you can use Form 7 to request an order for repairs and possible compensation.
• Notice to Landlord to Remedy: (No formal number.) Not legally required, but tenants should always give written notice first.
  Example: Email your landlord about the broken plumbing before applying to the ORT. Attach a copy of your notice when you apply.

The ORT will schedule a hearing, review evidence, and can issue orders to the landlord. If the landlord still fails to comply, penalties or further action can be enforced.

Possible Outcomes and Penalties for Landlords

• ORT orders to complete repairs within a set time
• Rent abatement (temporary reduction in rent)
• Compensation to tenants for damages or inconvenience
• Fines or administrative penalties for persistent or serious neglect

If urgent repairs are needed (e.g., for health or safety), the ORT can fast-track hearings and take emergency action.

Tenants should always document all repair issues and communications with their landlord. This evidence is key if you bring your case to the ORT.

Protecting Your Rights: Health and Safety Considerations

Unsafe living conditions put your health at risk. If a neglected repair creates unsafe conditions (like mold, extreme cold, or fire hazards), you may also have rights under public health or municipal bylaws.

See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting to learn more about these protections.

Related Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords have responsibilities under Saskatchewan law. For a clear overview, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For everything from maintenance to ending your lease, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and discover available listings in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord ignores my repair request? Notify them in writing, keep records, and if there’s no response, apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for help.
2. How long does my landlord have to complete repairs in Saskatchewan? The law requires landlords to act within a reasonable time. For urgent repairs, prompt action is expected—usually within a few days.
3. What happens if my landlord doesn’t follow an ORT order? The ORT can take enforcement actions, issue fines, or allow you to withhold rent until repairs are made.
4. Can I make repairs myself and deduct the cost from rent? No, Saskatchewan law does not allow tenants to withhold rent or make deductions for repairs unless specifically authorized by the ORT.
5. Who can help if my landlord refuses to fix something dangerous like mold? Contact your local public health office, and apply to the ORT if your landlord does not act promptly on safety concerns.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Saskatchewan landlords must maintain safe and healthy rental units.
• If maintenance is neglected, tenants should document everything and notify the landlord in writing first.
• The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) provides enforcement and can order repairs, rent reductions, or penalties.

Stay proactive and know your rights—you don’t have to face unresolved maintenance issues alone.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Saskatchewan: Official site for forms, hearings, and information
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan): See your rights under the law
• Local municipal bylaw enforcement: health or building concerns
• Saskatchewan Advocate for Tenants and Landlords (local service directories available online)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies – Saskatchewan

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