With more people calling Saskatchewan home than ever before, the need for affordable accommodations continues to grow. The struggle for people to obtain safe, appropriate and affordable housing is real, with many families living on fixed incomes, disability benefits or receiving public assistance.
However, they may face discrimination when it comes to looking for accommodation.
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code prohibits discriminating against potential renters on the basis of their religion, creed, marital status, family status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, colour, ancestry, nationality, place of origin, race, gender identity or being in receipt of public assistance.
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Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission officials say landlords who advertise rental accommodations in a discriminatory manner are breaking provincial law. Some examples include:
- must be working;
- adults only – no children;
- no natives;
- no single mothers.
READ MORE: Saskatoon’s apartment vacancies climb as economic conditions weaken
While there is an onus on landlords not to discriminate, tenants have a responsibility to their landlord.
One of those is paying the agreed upon rent in a timely matter. Another is to keep the rental property clean and in good condition. Failure to do so may result in eviction and the loss of some or all of the damage deposit.
Anyone uncertain about the legitimacy or legality of a rental advertisement or agreement can contact the Human Rights Commission or the office of residential tenancies.
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