Saskatchewan Eviction Process: Notices & Procedures

Evicting a tenant in Saskatchewan must follow the procedures set out in The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (effective March 1, 2007). Landlords cannot simply change locks or remove a tenant's belongings — all evictions must go through the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) process if the tenant does not voluntarily vacate.

Types of Eviction Notices

Saskatchewan law provides several grounds for eviction, each with its own notice period and procedure.

Eviction for Non-Payment of Rent (s. 57)

This is the most common eviction scenario. The process works as follows:

Step 1: Wait 15 Days

Rent must be unpaid for 15 days or more before a landlord can initiate eviction proceedings. There is no formal grace period in Saskatchewan, but the 15-day waiting period before eviction action effectively functions as one.

Step 2: Serve Notice

Once rent is 15+ days overdue, the landlord can serve:

• A Notice to Vacate (which must provide a specific date to vacate)
• A Notice of Arrears

Both notices must use ORT-approved forms to be legally valid.

Step 3: Tenant Response Period

The tenant has 15 days to either:

• Pay the outstanding rent in full (which cancels the eviction)
• File a dispute with the ORT to challenge the eviction

Step 4: Apply to the ORT

If the tenant does not pay or vacate, the landlord must file a claim with the ORT. The ORT will:

1. Schedule a hearing
2. Send a Notice of Hearing to both parties
3. A hearing officer will consider the evidence and issue a decision

Step 5: ORT Decision

The hearing officer may:

• Order the eviction — granting the landlord possession
• Order against eviction — if the landlord's case is insufficient
• Grant the tenant more time — allowing additional time to vacate

Eviction for Unpaid Utilities (s. 57(1)(b))

If utilities are the tenant's responsibility and remain unpaid:

1. Landlord must notify the tenant of the unpaid utilities
2. Allow 15 days for the tenant to make payment
3. If unpaid after 15 days, serve a Notice to Vacate (with a specific date to vacate)
4. Apply to the ORT if the tenant does not vacate

Eviction for Cause (Lease Violations) (s. 58)

For lease violations other than non-payment:

1. Landlord must provide at least one month's notice
2. The notice period begins at least one month after it's given and ends on the day before rent is ordinarily due
3. The tenant must be given a reasonable opportunity to remedy the issue
4. Exception: Smoking in a non-smoking rental unit does not require a remedy period

Eviction for Landlord's Use

Landlord or Family Occupancy (s. 60)

If the landlord, a close family member, or a friend intends to move into the rental unit:

• Two months' notice is required
• The landlord must act in good faith — the person named must actually move in

Renovations, Conversions, or Demolition (s. 60)

• Two months' notice required
• Renovations must be significant enough to require the unit to be vacant

Sale of Property (s. 61)

If the landlord sells the rental unit and the new owner intends to occupy it:

• One month's notice to the tenant
• The notice can only be given after the sale is confirmed

Fixed-Term Lease Expiry

Fixed-term leases automatically end on the specified date, but landlords must:

1. Issue a "Term Lease — Two Month Notice of Intention" form at least two months before the lease ends
2. State whether they intend to renew or not, and under what terms
3. If the tenant does not respond, the tenancy will convert to a month-to-month arrangement

Critical Rules for Landlords

Prohibited Actions

• Changing locks before the tenant has been legally removed is prohibited. If a landlord changes locks prematurely, the tenant should contact the ORT and police
• Self-help eviction (removing belongings, shutting off utilities) is illegal
• Retaliatory eviction in response to a tenant exercising their legal rights is prohibited

All Notices Must Use ORT Forms

Any eviction notice that does not use the proper ORT-approved form may be deemed invalid, requiring the landlord to restart the process.

Best Practices for Landlords

1. Always use ORT-approved forms — or custom notices will not be accepted
2. Keep detailed records — Document all communication, payment history, and lease violations
3. Act promptly — Begin the notice process as soon as grounds for eviction arise
4. Never self-help evict — Always go through the ORT process, no matter how frustrating the situation
5. Attend ORT hearings prepared — Bring copies of the lease, notices served, payment records, and photographs
6. Consult legal counsel for complex cases — Particularly for multi-tenant buildings or commercial properties

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How Landager Helps

Managing properties in Saskatchewan demands strict adherence to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, especially given unique rules like the split 6-to-12-month notice variations for rent increases depending on association membership. The lack of standard rent caps makes proper scheduling even more critical for sustainable property management. Landager's comprehensive platform protects Saskatchewan landlords by automating tracking for the precise 15-day arrears window before an ORT-approved Notice to Vacate can be strictly and legally served, ensuring your compliance aligns perfectly with ORT expectations. From holding security deposits to facilitating swift communication via official notices, Landager provides a comprehensive digital safety net that shields your rental business from the administrative complexities and potential liabilities evaluated by the Office of Residential Tenancies.