How to set up a rental property in Saskatchewan

Step 1: Written lease

• No mandatory lease form in Saskatchewan -- but a written lease is strongly recommended.
• Saskatchewan legislation terms apply to any written or verbal tenancy regardless.
• Both parties sign and keep a copy.

Step 2: Landlord insurance

• Get a rental-dwelling policy -- NOT a homeowner policy -- before the tenancy starts.
• Homeowner policies typically exclude rental income and tenant-caused damage.
• Consider requiring tenant liability insurance as a lease term.

Step 3: Municipal licensing

• No provincial landlord licence required in Saskatchewan.
• Check with your city or municipality -- some require a rental or business licence.

Step 4: Tenant screening

• Run a credit check and reference check with written consent from the tenant.
• Handle personal information per privacy law (PIPEDA or provincial equivalent).
• Human rights law applies -- you may not discriminate on protected grounds.

Step 5: Move-in condition report

• A move-in inspection report is not legally required in Saskatchewan, but the ORT provides a form and strongly recommends completing one. It protects both parties in a deposit dispute.
• Both parties sign and date. Each keeps a copy. Attach dated photos.

Step 6: Security deposit

• Maximum: Max 1 month's rent
• Interest: Deposit interest may apply in limited cases only (reportedly only for tenancies exceeding 5 years). Do not apply a rate or accrue interest without confirming the current rule at the ORT link.
• Return deadline: Within 7 days if no deductions; within 30 days with an itemized statement.
• Security deposit max 1 month's rent. Interest is unusual and may only apply after 5 years -- confirm at the ORT link.

Step 7: Rent increases & notice rules

• Notice required: One full rental period's written notice
• No rent control in Saskatchewan. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with proper written notice.
• Office of Residential Tenancies: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/housing/renting-a-home/office-of-residential-tenancies

Step 8: Records & receipts

• Return the deposit within 7 days (no deductions) or 30 days with an itemized deduction statement.
• Keep: signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, all correspondence.
• Dispute body: Office of Residential Tenancies -- https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/housing/renting-a-home/office-of-residential-tenancies