Tenant Services & Resources

 

This page provides important information and resources for housing applicants and current tenants of Meadow Lake Housing Authority.

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Application Process

1.  Complete and submit a housing application form (found on the left sidebar of this page) along with all required supporting documents. All applicants use the same form. Supporting documents required:

     a.  Residency Information: If you are NOT a Canadian citizen, provide copies of documents pertaining to immigration status (see housing application for list of acceptable documents). 

     b.  Rental References: Completed Rental & Tenant History Form (found on the left sidebar of this page) for all applicants. If you do not have any rental references, your housing authority may ask you to provide character reference letters from non-family members (must be signed in ink and include contact information).

     c.  Proof of Before-Tax Household Income: Income verification is required for all household members age 18 and over, excluding dependants under the age of 25 who are full-time students. For any household members who filed a tax return last year, provide income tax return and Notice of Assessment. If you did not file a tax return last year or if your income has changed significantly since last year, you can provide alternate documents as proof of income (see housing application for list of acceptable documents).

Please ensure your application is complete to avoid delays in processing. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee immediate housing placement. Wait times may vary depending on housing availability and applicant circumstances. MLHA does not provide emergency housing, crisis housing, or assisted living services.

2.  MLHA staff review the application to determine whether the household meets income and asset limits, meets residency/legal status requirements, and qualifies under the Social Housing Program. If information is missing staff will request additional documents before processing continues.

3.  Applicants will be contacted by MLHA to attend an in-person interview as part of the application review process. In certain situations, telephone interviews may be conducted (i.e. lives far away).

4.  Eligible applicants are assessed using the program's point scoring system.

5.  Applications are recommended to the Board for their consideration and final approval.

6.  Application is either approved or denied. Approved applicants are placed on the Waiting List and sent an approval letter. Denied applications are sent a denial letter. Please note, the waiting list is needs-based and not first-come, first-served.

7.  Once a unit becomes available our Tenant Services will make contact with you to start making arrangements for your move.

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Becoming a Tenant

1.  Applicants who are approved for housing and offered a unit will be contacted by MLHA staff regarding unit availability and location.

2.  Applicants may be invited to complete a drive-by viewing of the property or schedule an in-person unit viewing. Estimated rent amounts and utility responsibilities will also be discussed at that time.

3.  If the applicant accepts the unit offer, a move-in date will be arranged.

4.  Applicants will be required to arrange utility accounts, where applicable. MLHA staff will verify utility account set-up prior to lease signing.

5.  An appointment will be scheduled to review and sign the lease agreement, after which tenant/s are required to pay the security deposit and first month's rent.

6.  Tenant/s will receive the keys to the unit.

7.  Immediately after receiving the keys, MLHA staff will meet the tenant/s at the unit to complete a move-in inspection and unit condition report.

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Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants are responsible for maintaining their unit in a clean and sanitary condition and reporting maintenance concerns promptly to the MLHA office.

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Changes to Household Information

Tenant are required to promptly report any changes to household information to the MLHA office, as changes may affect program eligibility, rent calculations, or tenancy arrangements.

Examples of changes that should be reported include:

  • Changes to household income or employment
  • Changes in household members moving in or out of the unit
  • Changes to phone numbers, mailing addresses, or emergency contact information
  • Changes to utility accounts or service providers
  • Extended absences from the unit

Failure to report changes in a timely manner may affect tenancy eligibility or result in incorrect rent calculations. Tenants are encourages to contact the office if they are unsure whether a change needs to be reported.

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After-Hours Emergency Reporting

After-hours emergency maintenance should only be used for urgent situations that may cause significant property damage or create an immediate health or safety concern.

Examples of emergencies may include:

  • No heat during winter months
  • Major water leaks or flooding
  • Sewer backup
  • Electrical hazards
  • Issues affecting the security or safety of the unit

To reach us after regular business hours, call our main office phone number at 306-236-3977, and your call will be forwarded to our after-hours answering service.

For all fire, medical, or police emergencies tenants should call 911 immediately.

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Smoke-Free Policy

All MLHA properties are smoke-free in accordance with Saskatchewan Housing Corporation policy. Smoking, vaping, and the use of cannabis are not permitted inside housing units, common areas, offices, or other enclosed Housing Authority properties.

This smoke-free policy is intended to help provide a healthier, safer, and cleaner living environment for all tenants, staff, and visitors while also reducing fire risks and property damage.

MLHA recognizes that ceremonial and traditional Indigenous practices may involve the use of sacred medicines. Tenants are encouraged to contact the office to discuss appropriate accommodation arrangements regarding ceremonial use.

Tenants are responsiblee for ensuring that household members and guests comply with the smoke-free housing policy at all times.

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Moving Out

Tenants planning to move out are required to provide one full calendar month written notice to the MLHA office.

Prior to vacating the unit, tenants are expected to:

  • Remove all personal belongings and garbage
  • Leave the unit in a clean condition
  • Ensure utilities are properly disconnected or transferred where applicable
  • Return all keys to the MLHA office

For your convenience a Move-Out Checklist is available in the left sidebar of this page.

A move-out inspection will be completed by MLHA staff following vacancy of the unit.

It's easy to inform your utilities and service providers within Saskatchewan of your address change when moving with ExpressAddress.

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Waste & Recycling Collection

Tenants are responsible for ensuring waste and recycling are disposed of properly and placed in the correct collection bins. Improper use of recycling bins, including placing household waste in recycling containers, may result in collection fines or additional charges being applied to the tenant account.

Collection schedules, accepted materials, compost information, and additional waste management resources are available through the City of Meadow Lake website.

 

 

Community Resources

 

The following community resources may be helpful for applicants, tenants, and individuals who are new to Meadow Lake and surrounding communities.

Home Care & Meals on Wheels

Home Care and Meals on Wheels services may be available to eligible seniors and individuals requiring additional support while living independently within the community.

Services may include home care supports, wellness assistance, and meal delivery services depending on individual needs and eligibility.

Additional information regarding Saskatchewan Home Care services is available through the Government of Saskatchewan website.

For local Home Care and Meals on Wheels information within Meadow Lake and surrounding communities, please contact Meadow Lake Home Care at 306-236-1595.

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Voyent Alert Notifications

If you are new to Meadow Lake or surrounding communities, the City of Meadow Lke utilizes the Voyent Alert notification system to provide important community updates and emergency notifications to residents.

Notifications may include:

  • Emergency alerts
  • Water advisories
  • Road closures
  • Service interruptions
  • Public safety notices
  • Community information updates

Residents may choose to receive notifications through the Voyent Alert mobile app, text message, email, or phone notifications.

Additional information and free registration are available through the City of Meadow Lake Voyent Alert System.

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Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN)

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods unit works to help address unlawful activities that may negatively impact the safety of Saskatchewan communities and neighbourhoods.

Residents who are concerned about suspected unlawful activity involving a property may contact SCAN to make a confidential complaint. Complaints may involve concerns such as illegal drug activity, gang activity, unlawful sale of alcohol or cannabis, prostitution-related activities, or other activities affecting community safety.

Additional information regarding the SCAN program is available through the Government of Saskatchewan website.