Top 5 Discrimination & Accessibility Issues Saskatchewan Tenants Face

If you're renting in Saskatchewan, understanding your rights concerning discrimination and accessibility is critical. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan) and provincial human rights legislation protect tenants from unfair treatment and ensure accommodations for disabilities. This article covers the top 5 things tenants should know, practical steps to take, and where to get support if you face discrimination or have accessibility concerns.

1. Discrimination Is Prohibited by Law

Landlords in Saskatchewan cannot refuse to rent, evict, or treat you unfairly based on protected grounds, such as:

• Race, colour, or nationality
• Gender or sexual orientation
• Religion or creed
• Family status or marital status
• Age (if 18+)
• Disability
• Receipt of public assistance

These protections come from The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.^[1] Discrimination is illegal at all stages of renting—before, during, and after you sign your agreement.

What does discrimination look like?

This can include refusing to rent to families with children, setting different rental terms due to disability, or denying necessary accommodations. See more about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

2. Your Right to Reasonable Accessibility Accommodations

If you have a disability, Saskatchewan law requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations so you can access and safely enjoy your home. This may mean allowing service animals, temporary ramps, or minor modifications. However, landlords are not required to make changes that cause significant hardship or expense.

• Requesting an accommodation should be done in writing. Explain what you need and why it's necessary for your health, safety, or independence.
• Landlords cannot charge extra fees or deposits (beyond standard amounts) for accessibility accommodations.

3. How to File a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

If you believe you've been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) or seek remedies through the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT). The process usually involves:

• Filling out and submitting the official Discrimination Complaint Form to the SHRC (Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)). You should use this form as soon as possible after the incident. Example: A landlord refuses your application because of your ethnicity.
• For tenancy-related issues, use the Application for a Hearing form with the ORT (ORT Application for Hearing). Example: If you are facing eviction due to requesting an accessibility accommodation.

Both organizations offer step-by-step guides and may request supporting evidence (emails, texts, photos, witnesses).

4. Maintenance and Accessibility Requirements

Landlords must maintain rental units so they are safe and fit for habitation. For tenants with disabilities, this can include accessible entrances, working elevators, and clear hallways. If conditions are unsafe or do not meet minimum standards, tenants can:

• Notify the landlord in writing
• If unresolved, apply to the ORT for repairs (using the Application for a Hearing form)

Learn more about Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you have to modify your space (e.g., install grab bars), discuss with your landlord before making changes. Landlords generally can’t refuse reasonable changes needed for accessibility if you agree to restore the unit when you move out (unless the change is minor).

5. Protections During Eviction, Lease Renewal, and Moving Out

It is illegal for landlords to evict tenants or refuse lease renewals based on discriminatory reasons. Similarly, landlords cannot apply different rules to your deposit or moving out process due to protected characteristics. If you experience discrimination during these stages, document everything and consider seeking resolution from the ORT or SHRC.

The Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained page offers more insights into what each party must—and must not—do at all stages of renting.

For Saskatchewan-specific help, always refer directly to government forms and processes. If you want to relocate, explore Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for accessible listings nationwide.

FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of my disability?
   No. Saskatchewan law protects tenants from discrimination based on disability. Landlords must accommodate disabilities where reasonable.
2. What should I do if my landlord won’t make my rental accessible?
   Make your request in writing. If the landlord refuses or ignores it, you can file a formal complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
3. Is it legal for my landlord to charge me more because of my family status or source of income?
   No. Charging higher rent or deposits because of family status or receipt of government/public assistance is discriminatory under Saskatchewan law.
4. What government office handles discrimination complaints in rentals?
   The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission investigates discrimination complaints, while the ORT resolves tenancy and eviction disputes.
5. Do landlords have to allow service animals?
   Yes, landlords cannot refuse to rent or restrict service animals if they are required for a disability, even in "no pets" buildings.

How To: File a Discrimination Complaint in Saskatchewan

1. How do I file a complaint if I experience rental discrimination?
   1. Collect evidence (emails, rental ads, messages) showing discrimination or that a reasonable accommodation was refused. 2. Complete the Discrimination Complaint Form and submit it to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission as soon as possible.
2. How can I ask for an accessibility accommodation in my rental?
   Put your request in writing, describe what you need, and why. Give your landlord time to respond. If denied, keep records and seek support from disability advocates or the SHRC.
3. How do I apply for repairs if my accessibility needs are ignored?
   Fill out the ORT Application for a Hearing. Attach documentation of the issue and your attempts to resolve it. Submit the form to the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination in renting is strictly illegal under Saskatchewan law, including on the basis of disability.
• Landlords must provide reasonable accessibility accommodations and cannot charge extra for these.
• Complaints can be filed with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission or the Office of Residential Tenancies using official forms.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC): saskatchewanhumanrights.ca | 1-800-667-8577
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): saskatchewan.ca: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution | 1-888-215-2222
• Saskatchewan Human Rights Code: View the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code
• For accessible rental listings: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
• Provincial fact page: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

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1. Key statutes: Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, 2006; Saskatchewan Human Rights Code
2. Landlord/tenant tribunal: Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)
3. Government complaint form: SHRC Discrimination Complaint Form

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