ORT Saskatchewan: A Landlord's Guide to the Office of Residential Tenancies

The Office of Residential Tenancies handles most formal residential tenancy disputes in Saskatchewan, and many landlords encounter it for the first time during a crisis — rent arrears piling up, a tenant refusing to leave after notice, or a security deposit disagreement. Knowing how the ORT works before you need it makes the difference between a smooth filing and a dismissed application.

What the ORT Does

The ORT is an agency independent of government that adjudicates most residential tenancy disputes, with jurisdiction over monetary matters up to $30,000. It is also historically known as the Rentalsman.

Hearing Officers — not judges — adjudicate disputes. They review evidence, hear testimony from both parties (usually by telephone), and issue binding written orders. Those orders include Orders of Possession, monetary orders for arrears or damages, and security deposit decisions.

The ORT is not a landlord advocacy service. Staff answer procedural questions and help with portal navigation, but they cannot give legal advice, evaluate your evidence, or recommend which notice ground to use.

The ORT Online Portal

Since March 2022, approximately 98% of all ORT applications, evidence submissions, and notice filings are processed digitally through the online portal. You create a landlord account, file applications, upload documents, and receive hearing notices through the system.

Key portal functions for landlords:

• Notice generation: Download current prescribed forms (the portal uses descriptive titles, not the legacy form numbers like "Form 8" — though those numbers still appear on the PDFs)
• Application filing: Submit Form 9a (Landlord Application for Possession) with attached evidence
• Evidence exchange: Upload all documents before the hearing — unshared evidence risks exclusion
• Hearing scheduling: Receive your hearing date and dial-in instructions

Filing an Application

When a tenant does not vacate after a valid notice expires, or disputes the notice within 15 days, you file Form 9a through the portal. The standard non-refundable filing fee is $50 per application; fee waivers may be available under the Fee Waiver Act.

Your filing package must include:

• The notice to vacate you served on the tenant
• A completed Certificate of Service proving lawful delivery
• A copy of the tenancy agreement
• Supporting evidence (rent ledgers, photos, incident logs, written warnings, police reports)

After filing, the ORT assigns a claim number and schedules a hearing. You must serve the complete hearing package — including all evidence you intend to rely on — on the tenant using Section 82 service methods.

What Happens at the Hearing

Hearings take place by telephone. Both parties can speak to the claims and present relevant evidence. The Hearing Officer considers the evidence and testimony and issues a written decision.

Representation is optional. You can appear yourself, hire a lawyer, or appoint an authorized agent. The ORT encourages early dispute resolution: before applying for a hearing, parties are asked to try to resolve the matter directly. ORT staff can answer procedural inquiries.

After the Hearing

If the Hearing Officer rules in your favour, you receive a written Order of Possession specifying the date the tenant must vacate. The tribunal may also issue a monetary order for arrears, damages, or filing fee recovery.

If the tenant still does not leave, the hearing officer may issue an Order of Possession and order a Writ of Possession directed to the Sheriff. Deliver the writ to the Sheriff at least five business days before expiry; it expires 30 days after it is ordered unless it specifies another date. Appeals go to the Court of King's Bench within 30 days of the signed and dated decision, strictly on questions of law or jurisdiction. For certain tenant appeals about rent or utility arrears or continuous late payment, the Act also requires a Certificate of Payment of Rent. Filing an appeal stays proceedings under the order, including execution of the writ, unless the Court orders otherwise.

ORT Contact Information

• Toll-free: 1-888-215-2222
• Email: [email protected]
• Regina office: 304–1855 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3T2
• Saskatoon office: 105–122 3rd Avenue N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H6

The Saskatchewan Ending a Tenancy guide covers the complete ORT application process with filing checklists, evidence preparation templates, and a step-by-step portal walkthrough.

See more Saskatchewan guides →