PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
Tenants and landlords who know the law around renting are better able to set up rental arrangements that meet their needs. They are also more likely to be able to work out fair solutions if problems come up. If the parties cannot work out their own solution, either one can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for help. The ORT can also give information about the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.
The ORT offers virtual residential tenancies clinics twice a month. One deals with the legal rights of landlords and tenants. The other focuses on how to make claims with the ORT’s online portal. Space is limited. To sign up, email ort@gov.sk.ca and include which session you would like to attend.
There are specific laws that deal with the rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords.
Finding a place to rent can be time consuming. However, it is important to look for a place that fits your needs and is within your budget.
When you and the landlord agree that you will rent a place you are entering into a rental agreement. There are rules around what can and cannot go into a rental agreement.
There are rules about how and when rent must be paid as well as when rent can be increased.
If you decide to rent a place, the landlord can ask you for a security deposit. There are rules about the amount of a security deposit, when it must be paid and what a landlord can do with the money from the security deposit.
There are rules that cover things like who is responsible for cleaning and repairs and when a landlord can enter a rented place. Landlords can also make their own rules about some things.
There are steps you need to take if you decide you want to move out of a rented place. There are also circumstances when a landlord can evict a tenant. It is important to know the rules about notice, leaving property behind, and the return of security deposits.
Sometimes, landlords and tenants can resolve an issue themselves. If they cannot resolve the issue, the Office of Residential Tenancies can make an order to settle the matter.
PLEA offers free online training on preventing and addressing workplace harassment.