If your landlord raised the rent without proper notice in Saskatchewan, the increase does not take effect until the earliest date that complies with the law, and you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for compensation and a ruling on the notice within one year (Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, s.54(4)–(5), s.70(6)(f), s.71.1).
This FAQ is for Saskatchewan renters who think an increase came too soon or without written notice. For the full timing rules, see Saskatchewan Rent Increase Rules.
What counts as proper notice of a rent increase?
On a month-to-month or other periodic tenancy, the landlord must give written notice at least 12 months before the increase, and the increase cannot start earlier than the later of 18 months after the tenancy began or 12 months after the last increase (s.54(1)–(2)). A landlord who is a member in good standing of the Saskatchewan Landlord Association Inc. or the Network of Non-Profit Housing Providers of Saskatchewan may give six months' notice, with 12- and six-month limits instead (s.54; Regulations s.8.1). The approved notice is the Notice of Rent Increase (old Form 5, or Form 5a for association members).
Can rent go up during a fixed-term lease?
Only if the amount and the date of the increase were agreed in the lease when you signed it (s.53.1). Otherwise the rent stays the same until the term ends.
What happens to a notice that breaks the rules?
It is not void. It takes effect on the earliest date that does comply (s.54(4)). Until that date, the rent owed is the previous amount. Increases based on a tenant's income in a housing program are not covered by these timing rules (s.54(6)).
How do I challenge the increase at the ORT?
- Write down the dates: when the tenancy started, the last increase, when you received the notice and the new start date.
- Keep the notice, your lease and proof of what you have paid.
- In the ORT online portal, choose New Application, then Tenant, then the claim reason, and pay the non-refundable $50 fee (saskatchewan.ca, Settling Disputes).
- Ask for an order on whether the notice is valid (s.70(6)(f)) and for any rent overpaid back.
A hearing officer may make any order and award any compensation that is just and equitable (s.54(5)). Read ORT Hearings in Saskatchewan for what happens next.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to apply?
Within one year after the act or omission behind the claim (s.71.1).
Is there a cap on how much rent can rise?
No. Saskatchewan sets timing and notice rules, not a percentage limit. See Is There Rent Control in Saskatchewan?
Is there a limit on what I can claim?
Yes. ORT monetary claims are capped at $30,000 (Regulations s.11).
More renter help is in the Canadian Tenant Resource Center.
Know the rules before you pay
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