Regina – With thousands of people losing their jobs when the COVID-19 lockdown took hold in mid-March, there was a very real concern many people would not be able to make their rent payments. As a result, the Government of Saskatchewan, like many provinces across the country, told landlords on March 26 they couldn’t evict people for non-payment of rent.
Now that the Saskatchewan economy has almost completely re-opened, that protection will soon go away.
Starting Aug. 4, 2020, the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) will begin accepting eviction applications from landlords for non-payment of rent, according to a press release from the Province of Saskatchewan on July 6.
“When the pandemic began, we wanted to ensure tenants facing hardship as a result of COVID-19 were able to take the necessary social-distancing measures,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. “With the success of flattening the curve in Saskatchewan, we believe it’s appropriate to lift the moratorium on non-urgent evictions.”
Applicants will need to submit their application by email or mail to the ORT. No in-person service will be offered at this time. The ORT continues to encourage landlords and tenants to communicate with each other about their individual situations so that they can come to mutually agreeable solutions in this challenging time.
The March 26 announcement noted, “Tenants who are unable to pay their rent during the state of emergency will be expected to pay their rent in full once the state of emergency is over. This action is being taken in recognition of the fact that our province is currently in an unprecedented state of emergency that may result in unforeseen financial hardship or health consequences for tenants.
“Government is specifically concerned that evicted tenants will be unable to self-isolate or physically distance themselves from others, potentially increasing the risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19.”
NDP Justice Critic Nicole Sarauer said in an email on July 6, “The Saskatchewan Party has announced that eviction hearings can begin on August 4, but has no plan to ensure that families who have made great personal and financial sacrifices during the Covid-19 lockdown are able to stay in their homes. A spike in evictions as the economy re-opens and as parents prepare to send their kids back to school would be disruptive for the economy and for families. The province needs to sit down with landlords and tenants and come back with a plan to ensure that we do not see families who have acted in good faith put out on the street.”
