Saskatchewan security deposit disputes and Form 13/14

Landlord response

Under section 32 of The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, the landlord generally has seven business days from when they knew or reasonably should have known the tenant vacated to return the deposit and payable interest, or to return the undisputed amount and issue an approved notice of claim for money they intend to keep. A claim notice must be served using the tenant’s forwarding service address if one was provided when the tenancy ended; special rules apply when no forwarding address was provided. This landlord deadline is different from the tenant’s 60-day application window.

Tenant dispute

A tenant who disputes the landlord’s claim or did not receive their deposit can apply through the ORT online portal within 60 days after the tenancy ends. Select New Security Deposit Dispute, then the path for a landlord’s claim (formerly Form 13/14) or deposit not returned (formerly Form 12). After ORT staff reviews the submission, the portal requests the $50 non-refundable application fee. The landlord’s deposit-claim notice does not automatically produce a hearing: the tenant must dispute it and pay the applicable filing fee.

Hearing logistics

If the tenant disputes the claim, ORT sends hearing information to both sides and directs the landlord to pay the disputed portion into ORT by the stated date. Missing that payment deadline can result in an order requiring direct payment to the tenant without the usual hearing. Preserve the notice, forwarding address and bank evidence; use the deposit deadline planner for planning, not as proof of lawful service.

Practical dispute checklist

1. Record the actual move-out date and when the landlord learned the unit was vacant; keep your key-return receipt.
2. Give a forwarding address in a form you can prove was delivered, and save the landlord’s approved claim notice if one arrives.
3. List disputed deductions separately, with inspection photos, receipts, payment proof and relevant messages.
4. Submit the correct ORT portal application before the 60-day period runs out, monitor its status and follow the fee and hearing instructions.

For example, a landlord claiming the full deposit does not eliminate the tenant’s ability to dispute deductions. The landlord and tenant deadlines operate independently.

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.