Top Reasons Saskatchewan Tenants Win at the LTB

If you’re a renter in Saskatchewan facing issues with your landlord, it’s useful to know the scenarios where tenants commonly win cases at the Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), which handles all residential tenancy disputes in the province.^[1] Understanding your rights, local laws, and how the LTB (landlord and tenant board) process works can help you resolve disputes and ensure a fair outcome.

Saskatchewan’s Landlord and Tenant Board: Who Handles Disputes?

Disputes between tenants and landlords in Saskatchewan are handled by the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT). The key law governing tenancies in Saskatchewan is The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. For official details, read The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan).^[2]

What Helps Tenants Win at the LTB in Saskatchewan?

While outcomes depend on each case, here are some of the most common reasons tenants succeed:

1. Unreasonable Withholding of Security Deposits

Landlords must return security deposits promptly after a tenancy ends, keeping only legitimate deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Tenants often win if the landlord:

• Does not provide a detailed written statement for deductions
• Fails to return the deposit within seven business days after the final inspection
• Makes deductions for normal wear-and-tear, not actual damages

For more on your protections, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

2. Failure to Complete Repairs and Maintain the Rental

Saskatchewan law requires landlords to keep rentals safe, clean, and in good repair. Tenants have won decisions when landlords ignore repeated requests for fixes—especially concerning health, safety, or essential services (like heat and water).

Common examples:

• Unrepaired heating in winter
• Serious plumbing or electrical problems
• Unsafe conditions like mold, broken locks, or pest infestations

If you’re dealing with these concerns, explore Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for tips and next steps.

3. Improper or Unlawful Evictions

Landlords must follow the law when ending a tenancy. The ORT often rules in tenants’ favour if landlords:

• Do not give the correct written notice (e.g., Form 7 - Notice to Vacate)
• Issue an eviction without valid legal grounds
• Try to evict without an order from the ORT

Always get eviction notices in writing, and check if they meet the legal requirements.

4. Illegal Rent Increases

There are rules about how and when rent can be raised. Commonly, tenants win when landlords:

• Increase rent without proper written notice (Form 5 - Notice of Rent Increase)
• Raise rent more frequently than allowed or by more than permitted amounts (especially in municipalities governed by rent control)

5. Retaliation and Harassment

Landlords are not allowed to threaten, harass, or retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights (like reporting building problems). Proven harassment or intimidation is serious and can lead to tenant victories at the Board.

How Tenant Applications and Hearings Work

To resolve disputes, tenants can file applications with the ORT. Key forms include:

• Form 6: Application for Resolution of a Dispute
  Use this to make a formal complaint—such as to recover a deposit, dispute an eviction, or request repairs. View Form 6.
• Form 7: Notice to Vacate
  If your landlord is ending your tenancy, this must be provided in writing using Form 7. You can challenge this at the ORT if the notice is improper.
• Form 5: Notice of Rent Increase
  Landlords must use Form 5 to notify you of any rent increase in writing, with the required notice period.

Full details and all forms are posted on the ORT forms page.

Tips for Strengthening Your Case

Document everything—keep written records, photos, and copies of communication with your landlord. Gather evidence such as inspection forms, deposit receipts, and letters or emails. Presenting a clear timeline and organized documents can make a big difference in winning your case.

If you’re moving out or facing final deductions, know your rights at every stage by reviewing How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

For a snapshot of Saskatchewan-specific protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

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FAQ: Saskatchewan Tenant Dispute Wins

1. What evidence should I bring to an ORT hearing?
   Bring your lease, records of communication, inspection forms, receipts, photos of repair issues, deposit paperwork, and copies of official notices.
2. Can my landlord evict me without a written notice?
   No. Your landlord must use the official written notice (Form 7), and you may dispute improper or unjustified evictions at the ORT.
3. How do I dispute an illegal rent increase?
   File an Application for Resolution of a Dispute (Form 6) with the ORT, and include a copy of the rent increase notice.
4. What if my landlord won’t return my deposit?
   If not returned within seven business days after the final inspection, you can file a dispute (Form 6) and claim compensation.
5. Who can help me understand my tenant rights?
   The ORT, tenant organizations, and Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan provide clear, official information.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Winning cases at the ORT in Saskatchewan is often about documentation, communication, and understanding your legal rights.
• Official forms matter—use the right one and submit it with full evidence for the best chance of success.
• Always seek help if you’re unsure; informed tenants have the strongest outcomes.

Remember: the Saskatchewan ORT process is designed to be accessible—don’t hesitate to use it if your landlord isn’t following the law.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): 1-888-215-2222
• Saskatchewan Rental Guidelines (government site)
• Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City Inc. (CLASSIC) – tenant legal help for low-income individuals
• View Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for more facts

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1. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Dispute Resolution Services
2. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)

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