Just the Facts - Becoming - Laws for Tenants in Alberta Laws for Tenants

Just the Facts: Becoming a Tenant

When you need a place to live and are looking for a place to rent, there are practical considerations to think about: e.g. location, price, size, sharing the place with others, type of building, and so on.

Some choices that you make may have legal implications. Thinking ahead and understanding the law may save you time and money. You may want to make a list of the things that are important to you.

What do you need to keep in mind before you start?

There are some practical issues to consider when renting a place to live.Practical Issues

There are several different parts of the law that affect renting a place to live.Laws on Renting

Responsibilities of the landlord – the landlord is the owner of the property. The term ‘landlord’ also refers to other people who act on the behalf of the owner, such as property manager or the building manager. The landlord has responsibilities (obligations) that are stated by the law.The Landlord

You have responsibilities (obligations) as a tenant and these are also stated by the law.The Tenant

There are parts of the law that protect the rights of a tenant. Rights

Different types of rental property are covered by different laws. Different Types

You can rent for a fixed period of time you agree upon with the landlord ahead of time (such as one year) or you can rent indefinitely (and pay regularly, e.g., weekly, monthly, etc.) until you give notice that the tenancy is ended. How you are renting will determine the kind of tenancy (fixed term or periodic) you have. There are different legal requirements for different kinds of tenancy.Residential Tenancy

Make sure everything you need is in your rental agreement/lease.Lease or Residential Tenancy Agreement

Rent – the amount of money you pay the landlord, usually at regular agreed intervals. Rent

Security deposits – something (usually an amount of money) that you give to the landlord at the start of a tenancy on the understanding that it will be returned if you keep certain conditions. Deposits

A landlord may ask for payments in the lease that are one-time, non-refundable payments. The lease may also include terms that impose financial penalties on a tenant if certain events take place. Fees

Inspection reports – reports on the condition of the rental premise completed by you with your landlord after the place has been inspected. There are two reports to be completed: one, right after you have moved in and one within a week after you have moved out. Inspections

Services that can help you in landlord and tenant disputes. Services

January 2007