Top 50 Questions on Discrimination & Accessibility for Saskatchewan Tenants

Discrimination & Accessibility Saskatchewan published June 26, 2025 Flag of Saskatchewan
What laws protect tenants from discrimination in Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and The Residential Tenancies Act protect tenants from discrimination.
Can my landlord refuse to rent to me based on my race or religion?
No. Landlords cannot refuse to rent based on race, religion, or other protected grounds.
What are protected grounds under the Human Rights Code?
Protected grounds include race, religion, gender, disability, age, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, and more.
Is it illegal for a landlord to discriminate against tenants with disabilities?
Yes. Discrimination based on disability is prohibited by law.
Can I request accommodations for a disability?
Yes. You can request reasonable accommodations from your landlord.
What is a reasonable accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a change to rules or premises to allow equal access for people with disabilities.
Can my landlord refuse accommodation if it’s too expensive?
Accommodation can be refused only if it causes undue hardship to the landlord, based on cost or health and safety.
How do I ask my landlord for an accessibility modification?
Make a written request explaining your needs and possible solutions.
Can my landlord ask for proof of my disability?
Yes, a landlord can ask for medical confirmation of your disability, but not for your diagnosis.
What if I think my landlord is discriminating against me?
You can file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
Where do I file a discrimination complaint as a tenant?
File with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
Who handles rental disputes in Saskatchewan?
The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) handles residential tenancy disputes.
What legislation applies to rental and discrimination issues?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.
Can a landlord evict me because I asked for accommodation?
No. Eviction or retaliation for requesting accommodation is illegal.
Can my landlord limit the number of children I have?
No. Discrimination based on family status or children is not allowed.
Are service animals allowed in rental housing?
Yes. Landlords must allow service animals for tenants with disabilities.
Can I be charged extra rent for a service animal?
No. Additional charges for service animals are not permitted.
Can my landlord ask for pet rent or deposits for a service animal?
No. Service animals are not pets and cannot be subject to extra fees or deposits.
Is there a form for making a human rights discrimination complaint?
Yes. Use the "Discrimination Complaint Form" on the Human Rights Commission site (link).
What information do I need to include in my complaint form?
Include details of the discrimination, your contact info, landlord's info, and any supporting evidence.
Can my landlord discriminate against me for being single, married, or divorced?
No. Marital status is a protected ground under Saskatchewan law.
What if my landlord treats me differently because of my sexual orientation?
That is discrimination and is not allowed under the Human Rights Code.
Can a landlord set adult-only or seniors-only rental rules?
"Seniors-only" housing is sometimes allowed, but general adult-only rules are usually not legal.
What if my building is not wheelchair accessible?
You can request reasonable modifications for accessibility; the landlord must consider your request.
How long does the Human Rights complaint process take?
It varies but may take several months or longer, depending on the case.
Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
No, but you may get legal advice if you wish; the Commission can help guide you.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me based on my source of income?
Discrimination based on legal source of income is not allowed unless specific exemptions apply.
What if my landlord says I can't have assistive devices like ramps or grab bars?
You can request these as reasonable accommodations for accessibility.
Is mental health treated the same as physical disability for accommodation?
Yes. Both are protected under disability in Saskatchewan.
What happens after I submit a discrimination complaint?
The Commission reviews your complaint, may investigate, and tries to resolve the issue or hold a hearing.
Can a landlord post discriminatory rental ads?
No. Ads cannot limit tenants based on protected grounds like race or family status.
If my landlord refuses to accommodate my disability, who can help me?
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission or a legal clinic can assist you.
What if I face discrimination by other tenants, not my landlord?
Landlords must respond to discrimination or harassment between tenants if notified.
Can my landlord evict me for needing accessibility renovations?
No. Eviction for that reason is not lawful.
What should I do if I experience harassment related to my identity at home?
Report the harassment to your landlord and file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission if unresolved.
Are there limits to what counts as reasonable accommodation?
Yes. Accommodation is required unless it causes undue hardship (excessive cost or risk).
Who pays for accessibility changes to the unit?
Costs may be negotiated; landlords must allow necessary changes unless facing undue hardship.
Do I have to remove modifications when I move out?
Your landlord can require restoration of the unit to its original condition when you leave.
What are examples of discrimination in renting?
Examples: refusing to rent because of ethnicity, family status, gender, or disability.
Can I file a complaint anonymously?
No. You must provide your contact information, but retaliation is prohibited by law.
How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
You must file within one year of the incident.
Can a landlord ask for higher damage or cleaning deposit due to disability?
No. Additional deposits or damage fees due to disability are prohibited by law.
What if I’m denied a rental based on my nationality or language?
That is prohibited discrimination, and you can file a complaint.
Are rental buildings required to be fully accessible in Saskatchewan?
Not all buildings are required to be fully accessible, but landlords must accommodate as needed.
Can a landlord refuse rent subsidy or social assistance tenants?
Discriminating based on legal source of income is not allowed unless a human rights exemption applies.
Can discrimination occur during tenancy, not just when applying?
Yes. Discrimination can happen at any stage of renting.
What resources exist for tenants with language barriers?
The Human Rights Commission offers resources and may provide help with translation or interpretation.

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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