Resources
- Resources for Tenants Facing Eviction – HTML, PDF
- Housing Discrimination Information Sheet – HTML, PDF
- RENT-ED: A Renter’s Education Course – HTML
- Rights and Responsibilities for Landlords – HTML
- Rights and Responsibilities for Tenants – HTML
- City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook, resources for landlords and tenants – HTML
- Saskatchewan legislation governing landlords and tenants: The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – HTML
- Office of Residential Tenancies (“Rentalsman”) complaint process – HTML
- Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission complaint process – HTML
In response to inquiries received from advocates working with renters receiving public assistance in Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission launched a systemic advocacy initiative to address discrimination in housing.
Advocates from multiple agencies told the Commission their clients were facing a multitude of issues. These issues included: discriminatory advertising for rental accommodation; landlords refusing to rent to people in receipt of public assistance; and income or damage deposit requirements that, in effect, prohibit those in receipt of public assistance from obtaining housing.
People in these situations are especially vulnerable to becoming homeless if they are evicted, so they are often hesitant to complain on an individual basis.
Working with several community organizations, the Commission hosted four public consultations and heard from dozens of renters affected by discrimination, as well as several agencies working with this population. People spoke of their lack of affordable housing options, the inadequacy of some of the available rental accommodations, and policy barriers to securing and maintaining housing, as well as direct discrimination by landlords.
In May, 2018, the Commission released a comprehensive, 40-page report called, “Access and Equality for Renters in Receipt of Public Assistance: A Report to Stakeholders.”
The report addressed the discrimination and inequity experienced by people with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and people marginalized by mental health and addiction issues. The extensive public consultation processes that informed the report identified key issues that need to be addressed.
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission then facilitated the creation of a “Renters in Receipt of Public Assistance Systemic Advocacy Committee.” This committee was formed with participants from landlords, renters, community groups, Government of Saskatchewan agencies, and the City of Saskatoon. The Committee held its first meeting in October 2018. The Committee heard from stakeholders and discussed ways to reduce barriers and address systemic patterns of discrimination.
On November 25, 2021, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission will release a follow-up report: “Access and Equality for Renters in Receipt of Public Assistance: Update Report to Stakeholders.” Many stakeholders gave their time and expertise to participate in the Commission’s systemic initiative to address access and equity for renters in receipt of public assistance. This report represents a culmination of this effort, capturing many of the outcomes related to their work.