Saskatchewan Tenant Rights: Lease Help Under the Residential Tenancies Act
Saskatchewan's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 sets out the rights and obligations of renters and landlords across the province. With no rent control but accessible dispute resolution through the Office of Residential Tenancies, Saskatchewan tenants in Saskatoon, Regina, and beyond need to know exactly what the law requires before signing a lease.
The Residential Tenancies Act & the ORT
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 governs virtually all private residential rentals in Saskatchewan. It establishes the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) as the tribunal responsible for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants. Hearing Officers are located across the province to make hearings accessible to renters in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, and other communities.
The ORT handles applications related to security deposits, rent disputes, repair orders, illegal lockouts, and eviction proceedings. Both landlords and tenants pay a modest filing fee to bring applications. Hearings are generally conducted in person or by telephone and are designed to be accessible without legal representation. ORT orders are legally binding and can be filed in court for enforcement.
Key Tenant Protections Under the Act
- Security deposits are capped at one month's rent and must be held in trust by the landlord — the deposit cannot be commingled with the landlord's personal funds.
- An additional pet deposit of up to half a month's rent may be charged if pets are permitted — this is separate from the main security deposit.
- Landlords must give at least one month's written notice before any rent increase takes effect for a periodic tenancy.
- Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease unless the lease agreement itself contains an explicit clause permitting it.
- The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) resolves disputes through hearings conducted by Hearing Officers across the province.
- Landlords must give 24 hours written notice before entering a rental unit, except in genuine emergencies.
- Security deposits must be returned within 7 business days if there is no dispute at the end of the tenancy.
- Landlords cannot retaliate against a tenant for filing a complaint with the ORT or exercising any right under the Act.
Saskatchewan Deposits Explained
Saskatchewan allows two types of deposits at the start of a tenancy. The standard security deposit is capped at one month's rent — this deposit covers damage beyond normal wear and tear at the end of the tenancy. If the landlord permits pets, they may also charge an additional pet deposit of up to half a month's rent.
Both deposits must be held in trust and returned (with any applicable interest) within 7 business days if there is no dispute, or within 30 days with an itemized statement of any claimed deductions. Interest at the prescribed rate applies to deposits held for 12 or more months. Tenants can apply to the ORT to recover deposits that are not returned properly.
What to Watch for in Saskatchewan Leases
- Clauses allowing rent increases during a fixed-term lease without an explicit provision in the agreement — this is prohibited under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
- Deposits exceeding one month's rent (or a combined security and pet deposit exceeding 1.5 months' rent) — this exceeds Saskatchewan's legal maximum.
- Entry provisions that do not include the required 24 hours written notice for non-emergency landlord entry.
- Provisions that attempt to waive or limit the tenant's right to apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies.
- Excessive re-letting fees or lease-break penalties that go beyond what is permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.