What to Do If Your Rental Repairs Are Done Poorly in Saskatchewan

If you’re renting a home in Saskatchewan and recent repairs by your landlord or property manager are done poorly, you don’t have to accept substandard work. As a tenant, you have clear rights and procedures under Saskatchewan law when repairs are not completed to a reasonable standard. Understanding your options can help you resolve issues quickly and protect your health, safety, and comfort.

Your Rights as a Tenant When Repairs Are Incomplete or Poor

In Saskatchewan, your landlord is legally responsible for keeping the rental property in a good state of repair and ensuring it meets health and safety standards. This includes repairing anything that breaks and completing all repairs in a timely and professional manner according to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.¹

• Repairs should be made using proper materials and by skilled contractors.
• If a repair is performed but still leaves the problem unresolved or causes new issues (like leaks, mold, unsafe electrical work), you can take further action.

Common Examples of Poorly Done Repairs

• Poor paint jobs that leave exposed surfaces or peeling paint
• Plumbing repairs that result in continued leaks or water damage
• Broken appliances fixed only temporarily or not working as intended
• Improperly sealed windows leading to drafts or moisture
• Electrical repairs creating safety hazards

First Steps: Notifying Your Landlord

If you're dealing with incomplete or substandard repairs, inform your landlord in writing right away. Be specific about the problems and why the repair is unsatisfactory. Written communication can be an email, a letter, or a text kept for your records.

What If the Landlord Doesn’t Respond or Fix the Repair Properly?

If your landlord does not correct the issue after being notified, you can:

• Remind them of their obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• Clearly request that the repair meets health and safety standards

If the problem persists, especially if it affects your safety or ability to live comfortably, further action is needed.

How to Take Further Action

If informal requests aren't successful, tenants in Saskatchewan can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for help. The ORT is the government tribunal handling rental disputes between tenants and landlords.

• File an Application for Claim (Form 7), which allows you to request an order requiring the landlord to complete repairs properly or seek compensation if damages have occurred due to poor repairs.
• Attach evidence, such as photos, written communication, and repair invoices.
• The ORT will review your application and may hold a hearing if necessary.

Find the official Application for Claim (Form 7) and detailed instructions on the Government of Saskatchewan’s Residential Tenancies page.²

Important Forms and How to Use Them

• Application for Claim (ORT Form 7): Submit this form if your landlord has failed to make adequate repairs. For example, if a leaking ceiling was patched but the leak continues, you can use Form 7 to request a proper fix and/or compensation for any related damage or inconvenience. Download the official form here.

When Repairs Affect Health and Safety

Substandard repairs that create or worsen Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting may require urgent attention. Your landlord must ensure your unit complies with provincial health regulations.

If repairs put you at immediate risk (e.g., unsafe wiring, persistent mold), you may contact your local public health office or municipal building inspector in addition to applying to the ORT.

Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Both parties have roles under Saskatchewan law. Landlords must maintain the property, while tenants must notify landlords about required repairs promptly. For a detailed breakdown, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Having a clear understanding of your rights gives you confidence to ask for necessary repairs and ensure they’re done right.

Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan offers a more in-depth look at the provincial rental laws.

For those also searching for a new home after experiencing repeated repair problems or considering a move, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada through Houseme’s nationwide, easy-to-use rental platform.

FAQ: Repairs Done Poorly in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. What can I do if my landlord ignores or refuses to fix a poor repair?
   If your landlord won’t properly address a badly done repair, collect evidence and file an Application for Claim (ORT Form 7) with the Office of Residential Tenancies.
2. Does my landlord have to hire licensed tradespeople for repairs?
   Landlords should use qualified contractors for repairs, especially for work involving plumbing or electrical systems, to comply with provincial codes and safety standards.
3. Can I do the repairs myself and deduct the cost from my rent?
   This is generally not recommended unless you get written permission from the landlord, as you could be liable for damages or violate your lease terms.
4. What rights do I have if poor repairs are affecting my health or safety?
   If repairs create urgent health or safety concerns, contact public health or a municipal inspector and notify the landlord in writing immediately. You may also apply to the ORT for an order to fix these issues.
5. Will requesting a repair or challenging a bad repair affect my tenancy status?
   Landlords cannot evict or retaliate against tenants for lawfully requesting repairs or making legitimate complaints as protected under Saskatchewan law.

Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants

• Document and immediately report poorly done repairs in writing.
• You can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for help if informal efforts fail.
• Your landlord is legally required to make proper repairs that meet safety and housing standards.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies – Saskatchewan: File claims, get forms, and tenant help.
• Government of Saskatchewan: Renting and Leasing: Overview of laws, health and safety, tenant responsibilities.
• Local community legal clinics and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission can support tenants facing health, safety, or discrimination concerns.

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1. See section 49 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan).
2. Official tenant application forms and process: Government of Saskatchewan – Forms for Tenants.

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