Landlord Guide to Renting in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan requires a written tenancy agreement for all residential tenancies. While the province does not mandate a specific standard lease form, the tenancy agreement must include prescribed information set out in the RTA and its regulations.

• A written tenancy agreement is required and must be signed by both parties (RTA, s. 13)
• The agreement must include the names of the parties, the address of the rental unit, the rent amount and due date, the term of the tenancy, and any services or utilities included
• Both fixed-term and periodic tenancies are recognized; a fixed-term tenancy without a renewal clause becomes a periodic tenancy at the same terms (RTA, s. 11)
• Any clause in the agreement that purports to waive the rights of a tenant under the RTA is void and unenforceable (RTA, s. 7)

Saskatchewan landlords may collect a security deposit at the beginning of a tenancy. The deposit must be held in trust and interest accrues for the benefit of the tenant. The RTA sets out clear rules on the maximum amount, trust requirements, and return procedures.

• Maximum security deposit: one month's rent, or one-quarter of the total rent for tenancies of less than one year (RTA, s. 26(2))
• The deposit must be held in a trust account at a financial institution in Saskatchewan (RTA, s. 27(1))
• Interest accrues on the deposit at a rate set by regulation and must be paid to the tenant (RTA, s. 27(3))
• No additional pet deposits or other deposits beyond the statutory security deposit are permitted

Saskatchewan landlords must provide certain information and documentation to tenants at the start of the tenancy. Condition inspection reports are particularly important for determining deductions from the security deposit at the end of the tenancy.

• A move-in condition report must be completed and signed by both the landlord and tenant within the first seven days of the tenancy (RTA, s. 14(1))
• The landlord must provide the tenant with a copy of the signed condition report
• Contact information for the landlord or authorized agent must be provided in writing
• The landlord must inform the tenant of the right to contact the Office of Residential Tenancies for information or dispute resolution

Rent is due on the date specified in the tenancy agreement. Saskatchewan does not impose rent control, and landlords have flexibility in setting rental amounts. Specific notice requirements apply to rent increases.

• Rent is due on the date specified in the tenancy agreement (RTA, s. 19(1))
• There is no statutory grace period for late rent in Saskatchewan
• Late fees may be charged if specified in the tenancy agreement, but must be reasonable
• Landlords must provide a rent receipt when requested by the tenant (RTA, s. 22)

Saskatchewan landlords must maintain rental premises in a habitable condition that complies with applicable health, safety, and housing standards. The RTA imposes specific maintenance obligations and provides tenants with remedies if the landlord fails to act.

• The landlord must provide and maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair, fit for habitation, and in compliance with health, safety, fire, and housing standards (RTA, s. 49(1))
• Essential services—heat, water, electricity, and gas—must be maintained throughout the tenancy (RTA, s. 51)
• Tenants must notify the landlord of needed repairs; the landlord should respond within a reasonable time
• If the landlord fails to maintain the premises, the tenant may file a complaint with the ORT for an order requiring repairs or granting a rent abatement

Saskatchewan law requires landlords to provide reasonable written notice before entering a rental unit for non-emergency purposes. The RTA sets minimum notice requirements and specifies the times during which entry is permitted.

• At least 24 hours' written notice is required for non-emergency entry (RTA, s. 56(2))
• Entry must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless the tenant agrees otherwise (RTA, s. 56(3))
• Permitted purposes include inspections, repairs, showings to prospective tenants or purchasers, and pest control
• Emergency entry is permitted without notice when there is an imminent threat to life, safety, or property (RTA, s. 56(6))

Saskatchewan does not have rent control. Landlords may increase rent by any amount, but must follow the notice requirements set out in the RTA. Rent may only be increased once per year for periodic tenancies.

• No cap on the amount of a rent increase—Saskatchewan has no rent control legislation
• Rent may only be increased once every 12 months for periodic tenancies (RTA, s. 23(1))
• At least six months' written notice is required before a rent increase takes effect for yearly or month-to-month tenancies (RTA, s. 23(2))
• For fixed-term tenancies, rent cannot be increased during the term unless the agreement includes a rent increase clause

The RTA establishes specific written notice periods for terminating residential tenancies in Saskatchewan. The required period depends on the type of tenancy and the reason for termination.

• Month-to-month tenancy (tenant): at least one full month's written notice (RTA, s. 61(1))
• Month-to-month tenancy (landlord, no cause): at least one full month's written notice; longer notice may apply depending on the reason
• Nonpayment of rent: 15 days' written notice to the tenant (RTA, s. 64(1))
• Substantial breach of the tenancy agreement: reasonable written notice with an opportunity for the tenant to remedy the breach (RTA, s. 63)

Evictions in Saskatchewan must follow the procedures established in the RTA and may be adjudicated by the Office of Residential Tenancies hearing officer. Self-help evictions are prohibited.

• Serve the appropriate written termination notice on the tenant in accordance with the RTA
• If the tenant does not vacate or disputes the notice, apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for an order terminating the tenancy
• An ORT hearing officer will hear the matter and may issue an Order of Possession
• If the tenant does not comply with the Order of Possession, the landlord may apply to the Court of King's Bench for a writ of possession, enforced by a sheriff

Under the RTA, the landlord must return the security deposit plus accrued interest within a prescribed period after the tenancy ends. Deductions are only permissible for documented damage or unpaid amounts.

• Return deadline: within seven business days after the tenancy ends, provided the tenant has given a forwarding address (RTA, s. 28(1))
• A move-out condition report must be completed and compared to the move-in report to assess any damage (RTA, s. 14(2))
• Permissible deductions: unpaid rent, unpaid utility charges the tenant was responsible for, and repair of damage beyond normal wear and tear
• If the landlord fails to return the deposit within the prescribed period, the tenant may apply to the ORT for an order for the return of the deposit