As a landlord in Canada, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with federal Fair Housing Laws so you can ensure your tenants are treated fairly and in accordance with the law. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through what you need to know about providing fair housing to your Saskatchewan tenants.
Last updated: March 2026.Quick answer (2026)
The Canadian Fair Housing Act establishes baseline protections against discrimination in housing based on protected grounds like race, disability, and family status. In 2026, Saskatchewan landlords must also comply with new federal housing policies including the Foreign Buyer Ban (extended to January 1, 2027), changes to rental property mortgage qualification rules, and potential updates to the National Housing Strategy.
Reasons to Accept or Reject a Tenant Application According to the Fair Housing Act
Before deciding on a tenant, it is your job as a landlord to ensure that whichever tenant you choose to occupy your rental property is trustworthy, responsible, and has a history of being a high-quality renter.
During your screening process, it’s important to know which questions you can’t ask a tenant, and which characteristics should not inform your tenant selection choice. A tenant cannot be refused housing based on any of the following traits:
- Race, color, or ethnicity
- Religion
- Ancestry
- Original birthplace
- Legal citizenship
- Biological sex
- Familial status
- Marital status
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Use of public assistance
- Association with anyone who displays the above traits
Rental History
While a lack of rental history should not be grounds for rejecting an application, other factors can indicate whether a tenant may be problematic. Things like previous evictions or pending legal situations can be a red flag when it comes to a prospective tenant. If the renter has ever been sued for property damage, this is a valid reason to reject the application.
Tenant Accommodations
As a landlord in Canada, you have a legal obligation to meet any special accommodations that your tenants with disabilities may require from you. For example, if you have a tenant who uses a wheelchair, you may need to make changes to the property to ensure that it remains accessible to your tenant.
Legally, you are obligated to provide such accommodations as soon as possible unless they cause you undue hardship, such as a lack of outside funding or health and safety concerns. If accommodations can’t be provided promptly, then the landlord must also provide an interim solution.
These accommodations can also include taking care of social situations to ensure the tenant is comfortable while living on the property. For example, if a tenant is disturbing their neighbours right to quiet enjoyment based on an aspect of their protected class, the landlord must try to improve the situation if possible.
The privacy of your tenants should be one of your top priorities as a landlord. If a tenant shares private information with you regarding their being part of a protected group, such as disclosing their medical history, you may not disclose this to anyone else.
Tenant Relationships
If a tenant is part of a protected group you should hold them to the same standards as other tenants.
For example, if the tenant fails to pay rent, you have the right to evict them, so long as they receive the same opportunities to fix the situation that any other tenant would.
Proactive Measures
If you want to help improve human rights when it comes to housing and avoid facing potential legal issues at your rental property, here are some preemptive measures that you can take.
- Create and enforce anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies for your business and your rental property
- Review your rental property and consider and remove any barriers it may have when it comes to providing tenants with a comfortable living situation
- Create a policy and a system that allows you to effectively respond to accommodation requests quickly
- Create a policy that helps you resolve any disputes involving yourself, your tenants, and your property
- Do your best to participate in and share human rights educational resources when it comes to fair housing
Bottom Line
Understanding your role as a landlord in providing equal housing opportunities is crucial to being a successful landlord and property investor.
For more information on property management or the Canadian Fair Housing Act, contact GoodDoors Property Management! Our team of experts is ready to help you provide the best care to all of your tenants.
What's new in 2026
In 2026, Canada's Foreign Buyer Ban remains in effect with the deadline extended to January 1, 2027, restricting non-citizens and foreign-controlled entities from purchasing residential real estate in Saskatchewan. Additionally, lenders have ended 'double-counting' income for rental property mortgages, meaning each mortgage must now qualify independently on the specific property's cash flow rather than leveraging multiple properties on a single income stream. The federal government is also renewing the National Housing Strategy, which expires in 2027-2028, with potential new regulations still being finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main protected grounds under the Canadian Fair Housing Act in Saskatchewan?
The Act prohibits discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, disability, conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted, age, and source of income. Violations can result in significant penalties and civil liability.
How do the 2026 mortgage rule changes affect Saskatchewan landlords looking to expand their portfolios?
Starting in 2026, lenders no longer allow 'double-counting' rental income. This means your second, third, or fourth property cannot use the same rental income stream from your first property to qualify. Each mortgage must stand on its own based on that specific property's cash flow or your separate personal income. This significantly impacts portfolio growth strategies in high-yield markets like Saskatchewan.
Does the Foreign Buyer Ban affect me as a Saskatchewan landlord?
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, the ban does not restrict your ability to purchase investment properties. The ban, extended to January 1, 2027, applies only to non-citizens, foreign-controlled corporations, and entities with significant foreign ownership. Violations carry fines up to $10,000 and potential forced property sales.
What accommodation requests must Saskatchewan landlords honor under the Fair Housing Act?
Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, including modifications to lease terms, service animals, and accessible features. You must also honor requests from families with children and respond promptly and in writing. Failure to accommodate can trigger human rights complaints and costly legal disputes.
How does source of income protection apply to Saskatchewan rentals?
The Fair Housing Act protects tenants' right to rent based on their income source, including employment, social assistance, disability benefits, or pension income. You cannot refuse a qualified tenant simply because their income comes from government programs. Verification of income stability is permitted, but blanket rejection based on source of income is discrimination.
What landlords often get wrong
Many Saskatchewan landlords believe the Fair Housing Act only applies to tenant selection and rental agreements. In reality, it covers the entire housing lifecycle, including advertising, property maintenance standards, and how landlords respond to accommodation requests from tenants with disabilities or family situations.
