How can a lease be terminated under Saskatchewan law?

When a fixed term tenancy goes to a month-to-month term, the landlord cannot force a tenant to sign another lease or agree to another fixed term. If rent is paid monthly, tenants must give 1 full month’s notice no later than the day before the final month’s rent is due. If rent is paid weekly, tenants must give 1 full week’s notice no later than the day before the final week’s rent is due. The notice must be in writing, identifying the landlord and the premises, be signed by the tenant, state the move date and be delivered in person or by mail.

Both the landlord and the tenant may end the lease whenever they want provided that both agree. Otherwise, either party may only end the lease in the manner set out in the rental agreement. To discontinue a tenancy agreement, either party can give written notice of termination based on the rental period (1 week’s notice for a weekly tenancy, 1 month’s notice for a monthly tenancy).

A landlord may terminate a tenancy agreement immediately by serving notice of termination if (i) the tenant fails to pay the rent for 15 days or longer, (ii) the tenant commits or permits an illegal act or conducts an illegal business in the rental premises, (iii) the conduct of the tenant or his/her guest causes a disturbance, or (iv) after receiving 7 days written notice the tenant has failed to keep the premises or the common areas clean or to repair damage caused by the tenant or his/her guest.

How can a landlord evict a tenant in Saskatchewan?

The landlord must give 1 month’s notice, and have a good reason, to evict a tenant. The landlord can ask a tenant to leave immediately if the landlord can prove an illegal or offensive act, nuisance or disturbance bothering neighbours, failure to clean or repair after a 7-day written notice, or if rent is 15 days or more late. If the tenant refuses to leave, the landlord can apply to the Rentalsman for an order of possession and can take legal action to collect any rent owing after the tenant moves out. An order from the Rentalsman gives the landlord the right to collect the money by garnishment or by having the Sheriff seize the tenant’s property.

The foregoing summary is provided for information purposes only and is not to be considered legal or business advice. The information may not be complete, accurate or applicable for any particular situation and should not be relied upon.