What To Do If Your Saskatchewan Landlord Raises Rent Without Notice

If you’re a tenant in Saskatchewan and your landlord tries to increase your rent without proper notice, you may be unsure of what to do next. Understanding your rights, the required notice periods, and the steps you can take can help you protect yourself and resolve rental issues legally.

Understanding Rent Increase Notice Requirements in Saskatchewan

Landlords in Saskatchewan must follow strict rules when increasing rent. The law requires that tenants receive proper written notice before any rent hike takes effect. Failing to provide this notice can render a rent increase invalid.

• Notice Must Be in Writing: The landlord must serve you a written notice of rent increase.
• Minimum Notice Period: For most periodic tenancies (like month-to-month leases), landlords must give at least 12 full weeks (about 3 months) of advance notice.
• Frequency Limits: In most cases, rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
• Information Required: The notice must include the new rent amount, when the increase takes effect, and be signed by the landlord.

These requirements are set out under the Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act.^[1] Not sure about other rights and landlord obligations? See Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more details.

What To Do If Your Landlord Raises Rent Without Proper Notice

If your landlord tries to collect the higher rent amount before providing the proper notice, you have the right to challenge this action. Here's a practical summary of your next steps:

• Review Your Lease and Rent Records: Double-check if any previous valid notification was given.
• Request Proof of Notice: Ask your landlord to provide a copy of the written rent increase notice with the date it was served.
• Continue Paying Your Current Rent: Unless you receive proper, written notice with enough lead time, pay your current rent as usual.

If your landlord insists or threatens eviction, keep a record of all communication.

Filing a Complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)

If you're unable to resolve the issue directly, you can file a complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), which handles tenant-landlord disputes in Saskatchewan.^[2]

• Form Used: Application for Hearing (ORT 1)
• When to Use: If a landlord increases your rent without required notice or tries to collect the higher rent before legally allowed.
• How it Works: Submit the form along with supporting documents (e.g., previous rent payment receipts, lease copy, communication records) to the ORT. This will trigger a hearing and an ORT officer will decide if the rent increase was valid.

Learn more about rent changes, limitations, and your rights under Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Happens After Filing a Complaint?

After submitting your application, the Office of Residential Tenancies will review your case. If they find your landlord did not follow the law, they can order the landlord to withdraw the rent increase and refund any unlawfully collected rent. The process is designed to protect tenants and resolve disputes fairly.

Other Considerations for Tenants

• Retaliation is Illegal: Landlords cannot evict or penalize tenants for exercising their rights.
• Document Everything: Written records make it much easier to prove your case should disputes escalate.
• Know Your Local Laws: Always consult the most recent version of the Residential Tenancies Act for Saskatchewan and check the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan summary page.

For more housing listings across the country, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my landlord gave me less than 12 weeks' notice for a rent increase?
   A rent increase notice with less than 12 full weeks' written notice is not valid. You are only required to pay the increased rent after the required notice period has elapsed.
2. Do I need to sign anything to accept a rent increase?
   No. As long as your landlord follows the proper notice procedure, the rent will increase automatically after the notice period, even if you don't sign. If the procedure is not followed, you do not have to accept the increase.
3. Can my landlord evict me for refusing to pay an unlawful rent increase?
   It is illegal for landlords to evict tenants for refusing to pay a rent increase that doesn't comply with Saskatchewan law. You can file a complaint with the ORT.
4. Where do I go if I need help understanding my rights?
   You can contact the Office of Residential Tenancies, visit tenant advocacy offices, or check resources like the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan page.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Saskatchewan landlords must provide at least 12 weeks’ written notice before any rent increase.
• If you do not receive proper notice, you do not have to pay the increased rent amount.
• Use the ORT Application for Hearing form if your landlord does not follow the law.

The rules are designed to ensure fairness and stability for tenants — always keep records, know your rights, and seek help if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) — File complaints, access forms, and get legal information.
• Saskatchewan Renters' Rights Support — Tenant advocacy information and support.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan — Up-to-date facts about leases, increases, obligations, and more.

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1. Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act: Official PDF (Government of Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies: ORT Official Website

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