If you need advice or assistance dealing with your renting matter, the following government-run services may be able to help.
Service Alberta – Government of Alberta
Service Alberta is the Government of Alberta ministry responsible for landlord and tenant matters. They have resources for landlords and tenants, including the RTA Handbook. You can contact Service Alberta’s Consumer Contact Centre for the following matters:
- General information about the Residential Tenancies Act
- To file a complaint about an RTA Offence
To reach the Consumer Contact Centre:
- Edmonton: 780-427-4088
- Alberta: 1-877-427-4088
- By E-mail: rta@gov.ab.ca
Note: Service Alberta cannot provide legal advice to Albertans.
Health Inspections
Alberta Health Services’ Environmental Public Health is responsible for ensuring all rental properties in Alberta meet Minimum Housing and Health Standards
If you have a question about the Minimum Housing and Health Standards or would like to inquire about having a health inspector visit your property, call Health Link at 811.
Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service
In Alberta, landlords and tenants can make an application at the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) to resolve their problem. RTDRS can be a faster, less expensive, and less intimidating alternative to going to court.
Any tenant or landlord with an issue falling under the Residential Tenancies Act can apply to RTDRS for a resolution. This includes matters relating to evictions, unpaid rent, unreturned security deposits, damages, repairs, or other disagreements.
To make an application, you must fill out certain forms, file them, and give them to the person or business that you are making the application against. A Dispute Resolution Officer will hear the matter. They also have the authority make binding decisions on claims of up to $100,000. Low-income individuals may be eligible to have the application fee waived.
For more information about the RTDRS process, call:
- Edmonton: 780-644-3000
- Outside of Edmonton: (toll-free) 310-0000 then 780-644-3000
The RTDRS also has an e-filing service option available where you can submit an application for filing anytime, anywhere. More information can be found on the RTDRS website: www.rtdrs.alberta.ca.
Alberta Court of Justice of Alberta – Residential Tenancies Process
Landlords and Tenants can also apply to the Alberta Court of Justice of Alberta to resolve their disputes. Alberta Court of Justice will deal with the same matters that are dealt with by the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. Filing an application in Alberta Court of Justice costs more money and can take longer.
The Alberta Court of Justice will also deal with matters that do not fall under the Residential Tenancies Act such as problems between roommates or situations where a landlord and tenant are living together. These matters would generally be dealt with in Alberta Court of Justice Civil.
For more information about the Alberta Court of Justice process, contact your nearest Alberta Court of Justice location and watch the video Landlord and Tenant: What to Do in Court.
Utilities
Alberta Utilities Commission – Winter Utility Reconnection Program (WURPP)
If your electricity or natural gas services are disconnected, the AUC can help. Visit this site to learn more about Winter Rules and learn more your your options and how the AUC can help.
The UCA has a mandate to educate, advocate, and mediate for Alberta’s residential, farm, and small business electricity and natural gas consumers. Please note: The UCA mandate does not include water billing or other water related issues. Please contact your service provider directly to discuss issues or concerns.
November 2023
