When Can a Landlord Use Their Key in Saskatchewan?

As a tenant in Saskatchewan, your right to privacy is protected under provincial law. Understanding when your landlord can legally enter your rental using their key—and when they may not—helps ensure your home remains your private space. This article explains your rights, your landlord's obligations, and what to do if you believe those rights have been violated.

Your Right to Privacy in Saskatchewan Rentals

Saskatchewan tenants have a legal right to “quiet enjoyment”—meaning you can live in your rental without unreasonable disturbances, including unauthorized entries by your landlord. While landlords do hold a key for emergencies or necessary access, the law sets strict rules on when and how your landlord may use it.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental?

According to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), your landlord can only use their key to enter your unit under specific circumstances:

• With Proper Notice: For most reasons, such as repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to prospective tenants, landlords must give you at least 24 hours' written notice. The notice must state the reason for entry, the date, and the time (within a 4-hour window).
• In Emergencies: No notice is required if there is an emergency that threatens life or property, like a fire, flood, or gas leak.
• If You Consent: You may allow your landlord to enter at any time by providing consent, ideally in writing or text for clarity.

Except for emergencies or consent, entering without proper notice—using the key or otherwise—is not allowed. The relevant law is The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (see entry and privacy rules here)[1].

What Constitutes a Valid Notice?

Written notice can be a letter, email, or even a text message, as long as it states:

• The date and time (must be a four-hour window)
• The reason for entry (e.g., repairs, inspection, showing the property)
• The date of notice issuance (to confirm 24+ hours' notice)

If the landlord repeatedly fails to follow these rules or enters at unreasonable times, it could be considered harassment or breach of your privacy rights.

Tip: If your landlord enters without proper notice and it isn’t an emergency, keep records of each instance (date, time, description) and consider raising the issue with the landlord in writing first.

What If Your Landlord Breaks the Rules?

If your landlord uses their key to enter your home without 24-hour notice or valid reason, you have several options:

• Politely remind your landlord of the legal notice requirement.
• Document each occurrence for your records.
• If the issue continues, you may file a complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).

The main application used is the Application for Hearing (Form 5). Use this to start a formal complaint—helpful if you are seeking compensation or an order directing your landlord to stop unlawful entries. Access this official form here. For example, if you experience repeated unauthorized entries, fill out the Application for Hearing form, collect your evidence, and submit it to the ORT online, by mail, or in person.

Related Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Reviewing both your rights and landlord’s rights helps avoid misunderstandings about privacy, repairs, or maintenance obligations. For a detailed overview, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. This can clarify scenarios such as required repairs or health and safety matters.

For general information on Saskatchewan's rental rules, browse Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan for an excellent overview.

Health and Safety or Emergency Repairs

Sometimes, landlords must enter to address urgent safety or health risks. In emergencies, especially those affecting health or property, landlords are permitted to enter immediately, without waiting for notice periods. Learn more about urgent repair rights at Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

In all other cases—including routine repairs—proper notice and entry rules apply. For guidance on Saskatchewan rentals or to compare available homes, Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter my apartment when I’m not home in Saskatchewan?
   Yes, but only with proper written notice (at least 24 hours) or if there’s an emergency. They cannot enter at will without your consent or a valid reason.
2. What if my landlord keeps entering without notice?
   If your landlord repeatedly enters without notice and it’s not an emergency, keep a record and notify the ORT. Consider filing an Application for Hearing for a resolution.
3. Does my landlord have to give notice for repairs?
   Yes, unless it’s an emergency, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering for repairs or inspections.
4. Can I change the locks on my own to prevent unauthorized entry?
   No, you cannot change the locks without your landlord’s consent. If you have privacy concerns, discuss possible solutions with your landlord or seek advice from the ORT.
5. What should be included in a valid notice of entry?
   The notice must detail the reason, date, and four-hour entry window, and provide a minimum of 24 hours’ advance warning.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Tenants

• Your landlord can only use their key with 24-hour written notice (except emergencies or with your consent).
• If rules are broken, document it and seek help from the Office of Residential Tenancies.
• Emergency situations allow for immediate entry, but for all others, your privacy comes first.

Knowing your rights helps maintain a respectful and lawful tenant-landlord relationship in Saskatchewan.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies: Official Website (information, complaint forms, and contact info)
• Government Guide on Renting: Saskatchewan Renting and Leasing Information
• Tenant Advocacy: Contact local tenant rights organizations or legal clinics for free support and advice

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1. Saskatchewan, The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, sections 53–56 (entry and privacy rules)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT), Government of Saskatchewan

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