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Finding a Place to Live

If you are looking for a place to live you can find rental suggestions from...

  • electronic and newspaper advertisements
  • housing registries provided by universities, technical institutes or community colleges
  • municipal rental guides
  • real estate agents who handle rental properties
  • property management firms
  • family, friends or co-workers

Some points to consider...

  • How much is the rent?
  • Is it a month-to-month tenancy or fixed term?
  • Does the landlord plan any rent increases?
  • How much is the damage or security deposit?
  • Is it clean and in good repair?
  • Have there been any reports of infestations or rodent activity?
  • Is it suitable for the number of occupants?
  • Who pays the utilities?
  • What is the usual monthly cost of the utilities?
  • Are there extra charges for parking or more storage?
  • What is the policy regarding pets?
  • Is smoking allowed in the rental unit?
  • Is growing cannabis allowed in the rental unit?
  • What appliances does the landlord provide?
  • Are the appliances, plumbing and wiring in good working condition?
  • Is there a working smoke detector?
  • Is the place conveniently located?
  • Are the premises a condominium unit?

A landlord cannot charge a fee for…

  • processing an application to rent a property
  • accepting a rental application
  • determining if a person is a suitable tenant
  • accepting the person as a tenant

Sometimes a tenant can get information about the place they are looking at by talking to past or current tenants. The tenant may ask the landlord for names or contact information for past or current tenants.

A tenant can suggest a lower rent than what is being asked or try to negotiate other favourable conditions. The landlord can decide whether to agree to any suggested changes or refuse them.

A landlord can ask a potential tenant for character and financial references. For instance, the landlord might ask for the name of the tenant's previous landlord or the name of the tenant's employer. They may also check the tenant’s credit history with a credit reporting agency.

Affordable Rent

The Government of Saskatchewan has programs to help people who cannot find an affordable place to rent. The Social Housing Program and the Affordable Housing Program both provide low income people with affordable rental housing options. For more information call 1-800-667-7567 (Regina) or 1-866-245-5758 (Saskatoon).

Discrimination by Landlords

Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on a protected ground such as race or sexual orientation. There are situations where a landlord can restrict the rental of a unit to one sex or to people over 55.

Roommates

There are pros and cons to having roommates that should be considered before making this decision.

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About PLEA

PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.