PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
Parties may be able to appeal a decision in some cases. A party can only appeal on the basis of a "mistake of law" or "mistake of jurisdiction”.
A tenant who wishes to appeal an order of possession based on overdue rent must continue obtain a Certificate of Payment of Rent from the Office of Residential Tenancies. To get this the tenant needs to deposits one month’s rent. The deposit will be distributed once the appeal is decided.
These reasons are complicated. A person who is unsure whether a certain decision can be appealed can ask the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) or a lawyer. A person cannot appeal just because the ORT or the Court believed one person's evidence instead of the other person.
A party has 30 days from the date of the ORT's order to appeal. They may be given extra time if they can show that they did not receive the order in a timely manner. The appeal is made to the Court of King's Bench. If the Court of King's Bench made the decision, a person appeals to the Court of Appeal. The appeal must be made within 30 days and the person may need permission from the Court of Appeal.
No one can act on the order of the ORT or the Court of King's Bench until...
For example, if the ORT makes an order for payment of rent, the landlord cannot enforce it until 30 days have passed or until any appeal is decided. An order for possession is an exception. The Sheriff posts the order of possession immediately at the rental unit. Unless the tenant appeals within the time given, for example 48 hours, the Sheriff will remove the tenant at the end of this time.
The Court of King's Bench has a guide for self-represented people on Appealing an Office of Residential Tenancies Decision. It has information about the process as well as the forms needed to appeal an order to the Court of King's Bench.
The Regina Public Library and Saskatoon Public Library are hosting free Law Fair events during Saskatchewan Access to Justice Week to connect people with free legal information, assistance, and support. Attend to acquire legal knowledge and to broaden awareness of legal rights and responsibilities!