Saskatchewan security deposits: maximum and payment schedule

Security deposit limits

Saskatchewan generally limits the total security deposit to one calendar month’s rent. The landlord may require no more than half of that amount when the tenancy is entered into, with the balance payable within two months after the tenant takes possession. The money must be held in an authorized trust account or qualifying investment. Under current provincial guidance, tenant interest is payable for tenancies exceeding five years and accrues no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends. A lease clause saying that the deposit is automatically forfeited cannot replace the statutory claim process.

• Maximum ordinary deposit: one calendar month of rent.
• At the time the tenancy is entered into, no more than 50% of the total deposit can be required.
• The remaining deposit amount is payable within two months of the tenant taking possession.
• The deposit must be held in a permitted trust account or investment; interest rules apply to tenancies longer than five years.

Example: $1,600 monthly rent

If the rent is $1,600 per calendar month, the ordinary maximum deposit is $1,600. At the time the tenancy agreement is entered into, the landlord cannot require more than $800 of that deposit; the remaining $800 is payable within two months after possession begins. The example assumes an ordinary tenancy without an applicable exception, and does not authorize extra non-refundable “deposit” charges.

At move-out

Document cleaning, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, return of keys and the end-of-tenancy date. Provide a forwarding service address and keep evidence of delivery. Without the landlord’s written consent, a tenant cannot simply apply the security deposit as the last month’s rent. Landlords cannot contract for automatic forfeiture; their refund or claim obligations generally arise within seven business days after they knew or reasonably should have known the unit was vacated.

What if a landlord keeps the deposit?

If the landlord seeks deductions, they must follow the ORT claim-notice process and account for any undisputed balance. Tenants who disagree or do not receive the deposit have a separate 60-day period after tenancy end to apply for its return through the portal; the current application fee is $50. The landlord’s seven-business-day response deadline and tenant’s 60-day dispute deadline should not be confused.

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.