Tenant Rights for Seasonal Workers in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s agricultural and tourism industries rely on seasonal workers from across Canada and abroad. If you are a seasonal worker renting a place in Saskatchewan, understanding your rights as a tenant can help protect you from unfair treatment and ensure safe, fair housing while you work.

Understanding Seasonal Tenancies in Saskatchewan

Seasonal workers often rent properties for short periods that align with harvests, tourism seasons, or temporary employment contracts. In Saskatchewan, these situations are generally covered under the Office of Residential Tenancies and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006¹. Whether your agreement is formal (written lease) or informal (verbal understanding), you still have important legal rights.

Key Rights for Seasonal Tenants

Seasonal tenants in Saskatchewan have the right to:

• Safe and habitable living conditions
• Receive proper written notice for rent increases and eviction
• Protection of rental deposits in accordance with the law
• Request repairs or maintenance from landlords
• Not be discriminated against based on their employment status as seasonal workers

Both formal lease and month-to-month agreements are protected by legislation. Even a handshake agreement is legally binding if you pay rent and have exclusive possession of the rental.

Rental Deposits and Lease Agreements

Most landlords will require a security deposit at the start of your tenancy. In Saskatchewan, the deposit cannot exceed one month’s rent, and it must be placed in a trust account. Your landlord must give you a written receipt for any deposit taken.

For more details, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

A lease agreement should clearly state the expectations for rent, period of tenancy, and responsibilities. Even if you expect to stay only for a season, make sure your rental agreement is clear on start and end dates. If you receive a written lease, keep a copy for your records.

After Signing Your Agreement: What’s Next?

Once you move in, you are entitled to enjoy the rental property as agreed, as long as you pay rent on time and respect the landlord’s property. Review What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for practical tips on your next steps.

Requesting Maintenance and Repairs

If something stops working or needs fixing, contact your landlord as soon as possible. The landlord is required to maintain the rental in a good state of repair under Saskatchewan law. Urgent problems (such as lack of heat or running water) should be addressed quickly. Seasonal workers, like all tenants, have a right to a safe place to live.

For information on your rights around issues like pests, heating, plumbing, or safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Ending a Seasonal Tenancy: Notice and Forms

If you need to leave before the agreed end of your stay, always provide proper written notice as per your lease or the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Typically, month-to-month tenants must give at least one month’s notice before vacating.

• Form 13: Notice to Vacate

This official form is used when a tenant intends to end their tenancy. You can find the form and instructions on the Saskatchewan Government Forms portal. For example, if your seasonal job ends earlier than expected, you can give written notice using Form 13 to your landlord.

Resolving Disputes or Seeking Help

If you believe your rights are being violated, you may apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT). The ORT handles disputes about deposits, evictions, repairs, and more. Disputes can be filed online or by mail, and there are no special rules for seasonal workers compared to other tenants.

For more on Saskatchewan’s rules, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Finding Seasonal Housing in Saskatchewan

If you’re looking for affordable seasonal rentals or short-term housing, Browse apartments for rent in Canada to find options nearby. Landlords often post listings just before busy agricultural or tourist seasons, so start your search early for the best availability.

1. What if my landlord tries to evict me before my contract ends?
   In Saskatchewan, a landlord must have valid reasons to evict a tenant and must give proper written notice. You can appeal unfair evictions through the Office of Residential Tenancies.
2. Are seasonal workers entitled to rental receipts and deposit returns?
   Yes, your landlord is legally required to provide a receipt for each payment and to return your deposit (minus any allowable deductions) after you move out within the required time.
3. Can I share my rental with roommates?
   You can, but make sure your lease allows subletting or sharing. All names on the lease are considered equally responsible.
4. What happens if the rental has health and safety issues?
   You can ask the landlord to fix health or safety issues. If they do not respond, contact the Office of Residential Tenancies for help.
5. Where can I find more information on tenant rights for seasonal workers?
   The Saskatchewan government and tenant support programmes provide information, and you can always refer to the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan page.

Key Takeaways for Seasonal Workers

• Your tenancy is protected by Saskatchewan law, no matter how short your stay.
• Keep all agreements in writing and request receipts for payments.
• Know how to access support or file complaints through the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Dispute resolution, forms, and tenant information – 1-888-215-2222
• Saskatchewan Housing and Renting Portal: Tenant advice and official notices
• Official Rental Forms and Fact Sheets: Download Form 13 and more
• For advocacy or legal aid, contact Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies – Government of Saskatchewan
3. Residential Tenancy Forms – Saskatchewan Government

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