After an illegal entry by a landlord, Saskatchewan renters often feel unsafe and unsure about what to do next. This guide explains clear, practical steps tenants can take to protect their safety, preserve evidence, and assert their rights without legal jargon. You will learn how to secure your unit, document the entry with photos and logs, notify the landlord in writing, and when to contact the Office of Residential Tenancies or local police. It also covers temporary housing options, filing official complaints, and preparing for dispute hearings. The advice is focused on tenants in Saskatchewan and aims to help you act quickly and calmly while keeping records that support your case.
Immediate steps
Acting quickly helps keep you safe and preserves evidence. Start by prioritizing personal safety, then move to documenting what happened.
- Call 911 if you or someone in the unit is in immediate danger.
- Secure doors and change locks if you suspect unauthorized access to prevent further entry.
- Take clear photos and video of disturbed areas and keep a written log with dates and times.
- Serve a written notice to the landlord describing the entry, date, and any missing or damaged items.
- Contact the Office of Residential Tenancies for guidance and to learn how to file a complaint.[1]
Documenting and preserving evidence
Good records make complaints stronger. Preserve messages, photos, and any physical evidence, and avoid touching areas that may be relevant to a police or tribunal investigation.
- Keep photos and videos in dated files or cloud storage with original timestamps.
- Write a short dated statement describing what you found, including smells, noises, and any witnesses.
Filing complaints, forms and legislation
In Saskatchewan, tenancy disputes and illegal entry complaints are handled through the Office of Residential Tenancies and under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.[2] Common forms include the "Application for Dispute Resolution" (used to start a tribunal case) and written "Notices" to document landlord communications. Example: if your landlord enters without permission and refuses to explain, you might file an application describing the date, attach photos, and request an order to prevent further unlawful entry.
Before filing, consider reading Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and the related guidance on Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them to understand expectations and remedies.
If you need temporary housing while you sort a complaint, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for short-term options.
FAQ
- Can my landlord enter my unit without notice in Saskatchewan?
- Generally no; landlords must follow the notice and entry rules in the Residential Tenancies Act and only enter for allowed reasons.
- What can I do if a landlord entered illegally?
- Document the entry, contact the police if you feel threatened, notify the landlord in writing, and apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for dispute resolution.
- Will I be protected from retaliation if I file a complaint?
- Tenants are protected from retaliation for asserting rights, and the tribunal can order remedies if retaliation occurs.
How-To
- Document the entry with dated photos, videos, and a written log.
- Send the landlord a written notice describing the issue and keep a copy.
- File an application with the Office of Residential Tenancies to request a hearing and any interim orders.
- Attend the hearing with your evidence and any witness statements.
- If an order is granted, follow the tribunal's instructions to enforce the decision or seek legal help.
Help and Support / Resources
- Office of Residential Tenancies - Government of Saskatchewan
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
- Legal Aid Saskatchewan
