What actions can be taken depends on the situation. A good first step in most situations is to put the concern in writing and provide the letter or email to the other side. The other person may not have been aware of the law, or did not know the impact of their actions.
If it is not clear whether the Residential Tenancies Act has been breached, then Service Alberta might be able to help. Service Alberta is the ministry in the Alberta government that enforces the Residential Tenancies Act and handles landlord and tenant complaints. The Consumer Contact Centre is an information line that can be called into to have questions about the law answered.
If there has been a breach, then the typical actions that can be taken include making an application through the Provincial Court or the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. There is a also a complaint process through Service Alberta that can be used if an offence has been committed under the Residential Tenancies Act.
There may also be other options depending on the situation. If there are repair or maintenance problems, then Alberta Health Services, Environmental Public Health can be contacted for more information (or call Health Link at 811). A health inspector can conduct an inspection and issue different orders. For example, an order might say that repairs have to be completed within a set period of time, or that the premises must be vacated.
For more information about actions that can be taken visit the Dispute Resolution section of this site or our publication If You Have a Problem While Renting.
June 2015
