How to set up a rental property in Saskatchewan
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Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check
A step-by-step guide for first-time landlords in Saskatchewan, mandatory lease form requirements, deposit rules, inspection obligations, licensing, and rent-increase rules. Free downloadable checklist included.
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Saskatchewan at a glance
Open this section ↓Official ORT website →↑ Close this sectionMandatory lease form
No (written lease recommended)
Move-in inspection
Recommended
Deposit
Max 1 month's rent
Rent control
No
Tribunal
Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)
Legislation
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
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Step 1: Written lease
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo mandatory form required
No mandatory lease form in Saskatchewan. A written lease is strongly recommended. RTA terms apply regardless.
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Step 2: Landlord insurance
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionGet a rental-dwelling policy before the tenancy starts
A standard homeowner policy typically excludes rental income and damage caused by tenants. Rental properties are covered by a rental-dwelling (landlord) policy instead.
Partner · Guidepost earns a commissionSquare One quotes landlord insurance online in Saskatchewan.
Consider requiring your tenant to carry liability insurance as a condition of the lease. This is not required by law in Saskatchewan but is common practice.
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Step 3: Municipal licensing
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo provincial licence required in Saskatchewan
There is no provincial landlord registration or licence anywhere in Canada. However, some cities and municipalities require a rental or business licence before you can rent a property. Check with your city or municipality before putting a tenant in.
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Step 4: Move-in condition report
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionRecommendedA 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.
Inspection form / guide →6
Step 5: Security deposit
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionMaximum
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.
Verify current rate →Return deadline
Within seven business days of the tenancy ending: pay the deposit plus interest, or pay the unclaimed portion and serve notice of intent to retain the rest in the approved form (the retained amount is held in trust for 30 days). The tenant has 60 days to dispute.
Security deposit max 1 month's rent. Interest is unusual and may only apply after 5 years: confirm at the ORT link.
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Step 6: Rent increases and notice rules
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNotice required for a rent increase
Periodic tenancies: 12 months' written notice before the effective date, or 6 months if the landlord is a member in good standing of a prescribed association of landlords (the Saskatchewan Landlord Association or the Network of Non-Profit Housing Providers of Saskatchewan). An increase also cannot take effect before the later of 18 months after the tenancy began and 12 months after the previous increase, or 12 months and 6 months respectively for association members. In a fixed term tenancy the rent can only rise if the amount and date were agreed when the tenancy was entered into.
Full notice & rent rules for Saskatchewan →Rent control
No rent control in Saskatchewan. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with proper written notice.
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Step 7: Records and receipts
Within seven business days of the tenancy ending, return the deposit plus interest, or pay the portion you are not claiming and serve notice of your intent to retain the rest in the approved form through the ORT portal.Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionWithin seven business days of the tenancy ending, return the deposit plus interest, or pay the portion you are not claiming and serve notice of your intent to retain the rest in the approved form through the ORT portal.
Keep copies of: the signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, notice letters, and all correspondence with your tenant.
Tribunal: Office of Residential Tenancies. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/boards-commissions-and-agencies/office-of-residential-tenancies
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Your Saskatchewan landlord setup checklist
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionSaskatchewan: New Landlord Setup Checklist 8 steps to set up your first rental property correctly
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 rentInterest: 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 seven business days of the tenancy ending: pay the deposit plus interest, or pay the unclaimed portion and serve notice of intent to retain the rest in the approved form (the retained amount is held in trust for 30 days). The tenant has 60 days to dispute.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: Periodic tenancies: 12 months' written notice before the effective date, or 6 months if the landlord is a member in good standing of a prescribed association of landlords (the Saskatchewan Landlord Association or the Network of Non-Profit Housing Providers of Saskatchewan). An increase also cannot take effect before the later of 18 months after the tenancy began and 12 months after the previous increase, or 12 months and 6 months respectively for association members. In a fixed term tenancy the rent can only rise if the amount and date were agreed when the tenancy was entered into.No rent control in Saskatchewan. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with proper written notice.Office of Residential Tenancies: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/boards-commissions-and-agencies/office-of-residential-tenanciesStep 8: Records & receipts
Within seven business days of the tenancy ending, return the deposit plus interest, or pay the portion you are not claiming and serve notice of your intent to retain the rest in the approved form through the ORT portal.Keep: signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, all correspondence.Dispute body: Office of Residential Tenancies, https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/boards-commissions-and-agencies/office-of-residential-tenanciesGeneral information only, not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your province's Office of Residential Tenancies.
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Frequently asked questions
Open this section ↓Do I need to use a specific lease form in Saskatchewan?
No mandatory form is required in Saskatchewan. No mandatory lease form in Saskatchewan. A written lease is strongly recommended. RTA terms apply regardless.
What deposit can I collect in Saskatchewan?
Security deposit max 1 month's rent. Interest is unusual and may only apply after 5 years: confirm at the ORT link. Maximum: Max 1 month's rent.
Is a move-in inspection report required in Saskatchewan?
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.
Do I need a landlord licence in Saskatchewan?
There is no provincial landlord licence required in Saskatchewan. However, some municipalities require a rental or business licence. Check with your city or municipality.
What are the rent-increase rules in Saskatchewan?
Notice required: Periodic tenancies: 12 months' written notice before the effective date, or 6 months if the landlord is a member in good standing of a prescribed association of landlords (the Saskatchewan Landlord Association or the Network of Non-Profit Housing Providers of Saskatchewan). An increase also cannot take effect before the later of 18 months after the tenancy began and 12 months after the previous increase, or 12 months and 6 months respectively for association members. In a fixed term tenancy the rent can only rise if the amount and date were agreed when the tenancy was entered into.. No rent control in Saskatchewan. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with proper written notice.
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Related guides
Open this section ↓
Facts checked September 2026
More than one unit? The Landlord Pass
Prepare the rent increase notices on this page for every property you hold, with the dates checked against the province rule that governs each one, and an alert when one of them moves.
$16 a month or $149 a year. Single documents stay available without an account.
What the Pass doesGuidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.