Saskatchewan repairs, pests, cleaning and the ORT

Document a repair request

Communicate clearly in writing, include dated photos, location and health/safety impact, and keep records of response times. The ORT recommends early written communication before a dispute application.

Pest infestations

The province explains that landlords generally pay for pest treatment under habitability obligations, but may seek costs from the tenant where the tenant is at fault. Report pests promptly and cooperate with inspections and exterminators.

End-of-tenancy cleaning

Reasonably clean condition is required, but the landlord cannot automatically charge a preset cleaning fee merely because of a lease clause. Claims need evidence and the correct deposit or monetary process.

What to do next

Keep your rental agreement, notices, proof of when you received them, payment records and messages. Open the ORT forms directory or check the current provincial ORT guidance.

Example: reporting bed bugs

Report the suspected infestation promptly and in writing, with the room or affected items identified. Take dates and photographs where safe, keep landlord replies, and cooperate with reasonable inspection and treatment instructions. The Saskatchewan government says landlords generally cover treatment under their duty to maintain habitable premises, but may claim costs where the tenant caused the infestation. The source of an infestation should not be assumed without evidence.

Repair or cleaning dispute?

• During tenancy: identify the defect, effect on use of the home, urgency and requested repair, and preserve a record of attempts to resolve it.
• At move-out: compare ordinary wear and tear with actual damage or extraordinary cleaning, and use condition reports and dated photos.
• Claim route: a landlord who wants to keep deposit money follows the ORT deposit-claim procedure; larger or separate monetary losses may require another application.

The province says a landlord cannot automatically charge a standard cleaning fee just because a lease includes one. If there is an immediate health or safety danger, contact the appropriate public authority rather than waiting for ordinary dispute processing.