What Happens If You Never Signed a Lease in Saskatchewan?

In Saskatchewan, many tenants rent homes without ever signing a written lease. If you are in this situation, you might wonder: does the law protect you? Can a verbal agreement be enforced? What are your rights if there’s no paper trail? This comprehensive guide explains your rights and obligations—and those of your landlord—if you never signed a lease in Saskatchewan.

Is a Lease Required in Saskatchewan?

Under Saskatchewan's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, a rental agreement can be both written or verbal.^[1] Even if you did not sign anything, your tenancy is still legally recognized if:

• You paid rent, and
• You moved into the rental unit with the landlord's permission

This kind of agreement is called a verbal or "implied" tenancy agreement. It carries many of the same rights and obligations as a written lease, although it may cause confusion if disagreements arise.

Key Rights and Responsibilities Without a Written Lease

Whether your lease is written or verbal, the Residential Tenancies Act protects both tenants and landlords. Some important points include:

• Tenants must pay rent on time and keep the rental clean.
• Landlords are responsible for regular maintenance and repairs.
• Rent increases must still follow legal notice requirements.
• Landlords cannot evict tenants without proper notice, even if there’s no signed lease.
• Security deposits can be collected—get a receipt for your records.

If you wish to learn more about mutual duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

The Value of Written Agreements

While verbal rental agreements are legal, written leases help prevent disputes by listing detailed terms (like rent, rules, and notice periods). If possible, ask your landlord for a written lease to protect both parties. However, even without one, you remain covered under tenancy law.

Security Deposits and Your Money

Did your landlord request a security deposit? In Saskatchewan, a deposit cannot be more than one month's rent—even if there’s no written lease. Landlords must:

• Give you a written receipt for your deposit
• Deposit your money in a trust account

For more information, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

How Are Rental Terms Set?

With no written lease, your agreement is usually considered a periodic tenancy—most often month-to-month. You and your landlord must follow the default notice periods in the legislation when ending the tenancy.

The notice period for ending a month-to-month tenancy in Saskatchewan is one full rental period (usually a full month) from the next rent due date.^[2] Always give notice in writing and keep a copy!

Ending a Verbal Tenancy: Forms and Practical Steps

To end your tenancy—whether verbal or written—clear notice is required:

• If YOU are the tenant: Notify your landlord in writing at least 1 full rental period before move-out.
• If the LANDLORD is ending it: They must give you written notice using official forms (and legal grounds).

Official forms you may encounter:

• Notice to Vacate (Form 7A): Used by landlords to formally end a tenancy for reasons allowed by the Act.
  Official form and details: Notice to Vacate (Form 7A)
  Example: If your landlord wants to move into the property or sell it, they may serve this form with proper notice.
• Notice of Termination by Tenant: No standard numbered form, but your written notice should include your name, rental address, move-out date, and signature.
  Learn more and access templates: Ending a Tenancy in Saskatchewan

Dispute Resolution and Seeking Help

If issues arise—like an illegal eviction, withheld deposit, or a repair dispute—you can apply for a hearing through the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT). This board resolves rental disputes and enforces the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

For a full overview of tenant and landlord rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

Common Issues Without a Lease—and What to Do

Most disputes from unwritten agreements relate to:

• Unclear rules about pets or guests
• Confusion over notice periods
• Disagreements about repairs or damage

Take steps to protect yourself:

• Document all communications with your landlord in writing (texts, emails, receipts)
• Request a written record of any agreements made after you move in
• Take photos of the rental unit on move-in and move-out

If in doubt, get support from tenant advocacy services or the Office of Residential Tenancies. Written documentation—receipts, emails, photos—can help resolve disputes.

Ready to move or searching for a new home? Browse apartments for rent in Canada—with up-to-date listings, neighbourhood tools, and more.

FAQ: Renting Without a Signed Lease in Saskatchewan

1. Can my landlord evict me if I never signed a lease?
   Yes, but only for legally allowed reasons and with proper notice under the Residential Tenancies Act. Verbal tenancies are fully protected under the law.
2. How much notice do I need to give to move out?
   For most month-to-month verbal tenancies, tenants must give one full rental period’s notice, in writing, before the next rent is due.
3. Is my security deposit protected if there’s no written lease?
   Yes. Landlords must handle deposit money the same way, regardless of whether there is a signed lease. Always get a receipt.
4. Can the landlord change the rent without a lease?
   No. Rent increases must follow provincial notice rules even if there is no written lease. The standard notice period is 12 months in most cases.
5. What if my landlord refuses needed repairs?
   You can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for help if your landlord does not fulfill their maintenance obligations.

Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants Without Written Leases

• You are legally protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, even without a signed lease.
• Document everything: get receipts, take photos, and confirm verbal agreements in writing.
• Always follow legal notice requirements when ending or changing your tenancy—verbal agreements do not override the law.

Written agreements make things clear, but your rights still stand without one. If you have disputes, Saskatchewan's Office of Residential Tenancies is there to help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants in Saskatchewan

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – official dispute resolution office
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (full legislation)
• Tenant support and information services
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

---

1. See: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, Government of Saskatchewan.
2. Notice requirements: Ending a Tenancy – Government of Saskatchewan.

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