Province suspends evictions related to missed or late rent during pandemic

The Saskatchewan government is taking steps to ensure that tenants affected by COVID-19 will continue to have roofs over their heads.

In a media release Thursday, the government announced that, effective immediately, evictions in the province were being suspended.

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) won’t be accepting applications for evictions that are related to missed or late rent, or for other non-urgent claims.

However, the government noted that tenants who can’t pay their rent due to financial hardship caused by the pandemic will have to pay it in full once the state of emergency declared previously by the provincial government is lifted.

Eviction orders for matters that aren’t related to health and safety concerns won’t be enforced and hearings scheduled to deal with those kinds of non-urgent matters were cancelled.

The release noted the government is worried that if tenants were evicted, they wouldn’t be able to self-isolate, thus increasing the potential risk of transmitting or contracting the virus.

“Under the circumstances, we want to ensure that tenants facing hardship as a result of COVID-19 can remain in their homes and follow all orders and recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said in the release.

“An essential part of flattening the curve is staying home and self-isolating. We want to provide peace of mind that those taking the necessary precautions as a result of this unprecedented situation will still have a roof over their head.”

Eviction hearings will continue in urgent situations where there’s a possible risk to health or safety caused by violence or damage to property.

Hearings also may occur if a tenant has been locked out by their landlord or if a landlord has been accused of not providing essential services such as power and water.

Province changes fine collection and late fees

The threat of COVID-19 has prompted the province to alter its practices when it comes to fine collection.

Provincial court offices will no longer be accepting fine payments in person, and the enforcement of fines has temporarily been suspended for six months. That includes late payment fees, files sent to SGI regarding driver’s licence suspensions, files sent to the Canada Revenue Agency for set off, and files sent to collection agencies.

However, the government noted that fines still must be paid. That can be done online, by calling 1-888-935-5555, or by mailing payment to the address on the back of a ticket.

Provincial court offices are staying open to receive bail and restitution payments, but those making payments are asked to call the local court office ahead of time to make arrangements.