Top 10 Maintenance & Repair Facts for Saskatchewan Tenants

Are you renting in Saskatchewan and have questions about who is responsible for that leaky faucet, broken heater, or mold in your rental? Understanding maintenance and repair rules protects your health, ensures safety, and helps you avoid disputes. This guide covers 10 critical facts Saskatchewan tenants should know about property upkeep, from urgent repairs to routine maintenance, and provides clear, practical tenant action steps under Saskatchewan law.

Your Right to a Safe, Livable Home

In Saskatchewan, your landlord must keep the rental in a good state of repair, satisfying health, safety, and housing standards at all times. This includes heating, plumbing, common areas, and any included appliances. As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping your space reasonably clean and reporting issues promptly. Refer to Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for big-picture information.

Who Is Responsible for Repairs?

Generally, landlords handle structural repairs, major appliances, plumbing, heating, and ensuring overall habitability. Tenants must repair damage they or their guests cause. Tenants also deal with minor upkeep, such as replacing lightbulbs or cleaning.

Routine vs. Emergency Repairs

• Routine repairs: Non-urgent problems like a dripping tap or broken cabinet handle. Report these promptly and in writing. For more, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
• Emergency repairs: Affect health, safety, or prevent you from living in the unit (e.g., no heat in winter, flooding, fire damage). Contact your landlord immediately. If unavailable, tenants may arrange necessary repairs and seek reimbursement, following the proper steps.

Reporting Repairs: How and When

Always report repair needs to your landlord in writing, with as much detail as possible, and save a copy. Include the date and description of the problem.

Timelines for Repairs

Landlords must address urgent repairs without delay. For less urgent concerns, allow landlords a reasonable time—typically a few days based on the issue’s severity. If nothing happens, follow up in writing.

Health and Safety Hazards

If there is an issue threatening your well-being (like mold, pests, or lack of heat), let your landlord know immediately. For guidance about hazards, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Official Forms: Repair Requests and Applications

• Tenant’s Request for Repairs (Form 6): Use this form to formally ask your landlord for repairs.
  Practical Example: If you have reported a heater problem and no action is taken, submit Form 6 to document the issue officially.
  Download Form 6 – Tenant’s Request for Repairs (Saskatchewan)
• Application for Hearing – Claim by Tenant: If repairs are not made, you may apply to have the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) resolve the dispute.
  Practical Example: You submitted a repair request, but your landlord ignored it for weeks. You complete this form to request an order for repairs or compensation.
  Get the Application for Hearing – Claim by Tenant (ORT)

Use official forms to ensure repairs are handled properly and preserve your rights if a dispute arises.

Pest Control and Infestations

Dealing with bed bugs, cockroaches, or rodents? Landlords must address infestations unless you or your guests caused them. Tenants should cooperate in treatment. For specific steps, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Access and Notice for Repairs

Landlords generally must give 24-hour written notice before entering your unit for repairs, except in emergencies. You have the right to refuse entry if notice isn't given as required by The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

What If Repairs Aren’t Made?

• Send a second written request.
• Document all attempts (letters, emails, photos).
• Apply to the ORT for an order to compel repairs or request a rent reduction.
• Do not withhold rent—this can put your tenancy at risk.

Application forms and instructions are found on the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) site.

Rental Unit Inspections

Both before moving in and upon move-out, joint inspections can prevent disputes about maintenance or damages. Get everything agreed to in writing. Learn why inspections matter in the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Where to Find Saskatchewan Rental Listings

Looking for a better-maintained unit? Browse apartments for rent in Canada and compare your next place with confidence.

Summary

As a Saskatchewan renter, knowing these 10 facts helps you protect your home, health, and deposit. Understand your responsibilities, follow the proper process, and use official resources if your landlord doesn't address repairs in a timely way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is responsible for repairs in my Saskatchewan rental?
   Landlords must fix anything related to structural integrity, appliances, and health standards. Tenants fix damages caused by themselves or guests and keep the place clean.
2. How do I report a repair issue?
   Notify your landlord in writing with details and keep a dated copy. If there’s no response, escalate using an official request form like Form 6.
3. What if my landlord refuses to fix urgent problems?
   Apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for a hearing and possible repair order or compensation. Don’t withhold rent.
4. Does my landlord need to give notice to enter for repairs?
   Yes. Except in emergencies, they must give at least 24 hours' written notice.
5. Can I hire someone to do urgent repairs myself?
   If it's an emergency and the landlord can’t be reached, tenants may arrange urgent repairs and request reimbursement, but must document everything thoroughly.

How-To: Request Repairs and Address Disputes

1. How do I formally ask my landlord for repairs?
   Complete Form 6, Tenant’s Request for Repairs, describe the issue clearly, and give a copy to your landlord.
2. How do I apply to the ORT if repairs aren’t made?
   Fill out the Application for Hearing – Claim by Tenant, include evidence, and submit it to the Office of Residential Tenancies.
3. What steps should I take for emergency repairs?
   Call or email your landlord right away. If unreachable, arrange the repair, keep receipts, and notify your landlord as soon as possible to seek reimbursement.

Key Takeaways

• Saskatchewan landlords must maintain rental properties to minimum safety and health standards.
• Always report repair needs promptly in writing and keep records.
• Use official forms and the Office of Residential Tenancies if issues are unresolved.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Guidance, forms, and dispute resolution
• Form 6 – Tenant’s Request for Repairs (PDF)
• Application for Hearing – Claim by Tenant (PDF)
• Saskatoon Renters of Saskatoon and Area: Free tenant support and advocacy
• For more provincial guidance, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

---

1. Saskatchewan: Rights and Responsibilities for Tenants and Landlords
2. Form 6 – Tenant’s Request for Repairs (PDF)
3. Application for Hearing – Claim by Tenant (PDF)
4. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (full text)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy