What to Do If You Face Discrimination from Other Tenants in Saskatchewan

Discrimination from neighbours or other tenants affects your quality of life. In Saskatchewan, all tenants have the right to an environment free from discrimination under the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code. This guide explains how to recognize prohibited discrimination, your rights as a tenant, and what you can do if fellow tenants discriminate against you.

What Counts as Discrimination Under Saskatchewan Law?

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 protects tenants from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, family status, sexual orientation, and other factors. Discrimination can include:

• Racist or hateful comments from other tenants
• Harassment or intimidation related to a protected characteristic
• Unfair treatment from neighbours (e.g., refusing shared facilities) due to your background

It's important to understand the difference between a simple dispute and discrimination. Only actions or repeated behaviour tied to protected characteristics fall under discrimination laws.

Practical Steps: What to Do if You Experience Discrimination

If you believe another tenant is discriminating against you, follow these steps to protect yourself and seek a resolution:

• Keep written records of incidents, including dates and what was said or done.
• If safe, communicate calmly with the other tenant and let them know their behaviour is unwelcome.
• Notify your landlord or property manager in writing, providing details and any supporting evidence.
• Ask your landlord to address the issue, as they have a responsibility to provide a safe environment.
• If the issue isn’t resolved, consider filing a formal complaint with the landlord or escalate to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

Your landlord is not allowed to ignore discrimination complaints just because the behaviour comes from another tenant. According to the The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, they must take reasonable steps to stop harassment or discrimination on their property^[1].

Which Official Forms Are Relevant?

• Complaint Form to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: Use this form if your complaint is based on a protected ground (such as race, gender, or disability).
  File a Complaint - SHRC Official Form.
  Example: If a neighbouring tenant repeatedly uses slurs or harasses you because of your religion and your landlord does not intervene, you can submit this form.
• Application to ORT (Form 6: Tenant's Application for Resolution of Dispute): Use if you feel your landlord is not fulfilling their duties, such as addressing harassment or discrimination.
  Office of Residential Tenancies Application Forms.
  Example: You document ongoing discriminatory behaviour, report it to your landlord, but nothing is done. You may then apply to ORT for a hearing on your tenancy rights.

Your Rights and Your Landlord’s Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords must contribute to a respectful, discrimination-free environment. Under The Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must keep the premises safe and act when complaints of discrimination or harassment are made. Landlords who ignore discrimination risk facing orders by the ORT or even monetary penalties.

For more information about shared obligations and your expectations as a tenant, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Resolving Conflict with Other Tenants

Sometimes, discrimination overlaps with other rental issues like harassment, noise complaints, or damage. It's important to distinguish between general disputes and those based on protected grounds. For guidance in addressing neighbour complaints and getting results, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

Taking Legal Action or Filing a Complaint

If landlord’s efforts don’t resolve the problem, or if the behaviour is severe, you have these main avenues:

• File a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC)
• Apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for a remedy if your landlord fails to protect your rights

All applications and complaints should be supported with your evidence, details of incidents, and correspondence with your landlord. You are encouraged to contact the SHRC for free guidance or advice at any stage. Filing an official complaint or application won’t threaten your rental unless the claim is found to be frivolous.

To explore your rental options or move to a healthier community, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme using filters to suit your needs and preferences.

For key legal facts specific to Saskatchewan, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for an up-to-date overview.

FAQ: Tenant Discrimination and Neighbour Issues in Saskatchewan

1. What types of discrimination are protected under Saskatchewan law?
   Discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, marital or family status, sexual orientation, and other protected grounds is unlawful. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018, sets out these protections.
2. Is my landlord responsible for stopping discrimination between tenants?
   Yes. Landlords are obligated to take reasonable steps to address reported discrimination and maintain a safe living environment for all tenants.
3. Can I be evicted if I file a complaint about another tenant?
   No, retaliation is not allowed. If you face threats of eviction or harassment for asserting your rights, report this to the ORT or SHRC immediately.
4. What evidence should I collect when experiencing discrimination?
   Keep a detailed log of incidents, save emails or texts, and gather statements from witnesses if available. Clear documentation helps support your claim.
5. Where do I get official forms to file a complaint?
   Official complaints for discrimination go through the SHRC, while landlord-tenant disputes use ORT's Application for Resolution of Dispute (Form 6).

Conclusion

• Discrimination from other tenants is unlawful in Saskatchewan.
• You have the right to report and seek help through your landlord, the Human Rights Commission, and the ORT.
• Strong recordkeeping and timely action increase your chances of resolving the issue.

If these steps do not resolve the problem, do not hesitate to seek legal support and protect your right to a safe home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission: Guidance, forms, and support for discrimination cases
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Applications for tenancy-related disputes
• Legal Aid Saskatchewan: Free or reduced-fee legal help for low-income tenants
• Saskatchewan Renters' Rights: Practical tips and advocacy

---

1. Saskatchewan, The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
2. Saskatchewan, Human Rights Code, 2018
3. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)
4. Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC)

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