# Landlord and Tenant - CPLEA > Landlord and Tenant Information for Albertans ## Pages - [Economic evictions](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/economic-evictions/): Need to know Signs of an economic eviction Even if the landlord follows all the proper rent increase rules —... - [FAQ - What are illegal acts under the RTA?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-what-are-illegal-acts-under-the-rta/): Under the RTA, tenants cannot perform illegal acts or carry on an illegal trade, business or occupation in the premises.... - [FAQ - Can landlords show a rental property on Sundays or days of worship?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-can-landlords-show-a-rental-property-on-sundays-or-days-of-worship/): Whether a landlord can show a rental property on Sundays or days of worship depends on whether they have the... - [FAQ - Can a landlord or tenant serve notices through e-mail or text?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-can-a-landlord-or-tenant-serve-notices-through-e-mail-or-text/): Section 57 of the RTA covers service of notices. Under that section, landlords or tenants must serve notices, orders, or... - [FAQ - Can landlords and tenants do move in/out inspections by video?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-can-landlords-and-tenants-do-move-in-out-inspections-by-video/): The RTA does not mention the possibility of doing inspections by video. However, move in and move out inspection as... - [Terms of Use](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/terms-of-use/): CPLEA and the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta are operating names of the Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd.... - [FAQ - When selling a home, can the landlord pay or make accommodations to encourage the tenant to move out by a certain time?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-when-selling-a-home-can-the-landlord-pay-or-make-accommodations-to-encourage-the-tenant-to-move-out-by-a-certain-time/): When selling a home, a landlord may try encouraging a tenant to move out. For example, through pay or making... - [FAQ- What personal information can a landlord ask for?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/what-personal-information-can-a-landlord-ask-for/): During the rental application process, landlords may ask for personal information from potential tenants for reasonable purposes. This may include... - [How to deal with a noise problem](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/how-to-deal-with-a-noise-problem/): Noise can be disruptive to one’s peace and quiet. Some neighbourhood noise is normal but depending on the situation, it... - [FAQ - Are digital leases or rental agreements legally binding?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-are-digital-leases-or-rental-agreements-legally-binding/): Yes, digital leases or rental agreements can be legally binding. A lease or rental agreement is a contract. The law... - [Renting with pets](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/renting-with-pets/): Need to know Practical tips Landlord rules First of all, landlords can limit whether pets or animals are allowed in... - [Rental property for sale or sold](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/rental-property-for-sale/): Need to know Practical tips Moving out or staying Whether a tenant can move out or stay in a property... - [How to talk to your neighbour about odours](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/how-to-talk-to-your-neighbour-about-odours/): It’s a hot summer day, so you open a window to let a breeze cool off your place. That’s when... - [Taking over a lease](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/taking-over-a-lease/): Need to know Sublet When a rental property is sublet, the original tenant moves out of the rental property and a new... - [After the Fire for Landlords and Tenants](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/after-fire-landlords-tenants/): The following page contains information for landlords and tenants in a wildfire situation. Events are rapidly changing so this resource... - [FAQ - Where can landlords and tenants of mobile home sites resolve their tenancy disputes?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/dispute-resolution/faq-landlord-tenant-mobilehomesite-disputes/): Starting June 1, 2020, tenants and landlords of mobile home sites will now have access to the Residential Tenancies Dispute... - [COVID-19: Information for Alberta Landlords and Tenants](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/covid-19-alberta-landlords-and-tenants/): CPLEA has compiled some frequently asked questions about dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic (the “pandemic”) in rental properties. This resource... - [FAQ - Who is responsible for dealing with lead in drinking water in a rental home?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-lead-drinking-water/): Tenants who are concerned about potential lead in drinking water can contact their landlords and write a letter outlining their... - [FAQ - Can I rent out a short-term rental unit?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-short-term-rental/): If you are renting out a short-term rental unit in Edmonton or Calgary, you must have a business licence. There... - [Government & Court Services](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/government-court-services/): If you need advice or assistance dealing with your renting matter, the following government-run services may be able to help.... - [FAQ - Now that recreational cannabis is legal in Canada, can landlords still restrict its use in rental properties?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-now-that-recreational-cannabis-is-legal-in-canada-can-landlords-still-restrict-its-use-in-rental-properties/): Landlords, property owners and rental companies may restrict cannabis use, cultivation and/or smoke in a lease. Likewise, condominium boards may... - [FAQ - Who is responsible for utility payments?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/frequently-asked-questions/utilities/): Check the terms of the lease. The Residential Tenancies Act does not specify who is responsible for utility payments. So... - [FAQ - My neighbor is paying less rent than I am even though we are renting similar units. Can I ask my landlord to lower my rent?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/faq-lower-rent/): A lease is a contract between you and your landlord. This means that only the terms that are in your... - [FAQ - I’m thinking of co-signing a lease but won’t be living in the rental property. What are my obligations as a co-signor?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/faq-co-sign/): When you co-sign a lease, it will usually specify what the co-signor agrees to. There may also be other documents... - [FAQ - Where can I find more information on illegal secondary suites?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-can-find-information-illegal-secondary-suites/): For more resources and information on illegal secondary suites, refer to the following list: https://www. landlordandtenant. org/legislation/ https://www. landlordandtenant. org/repairs/minumum-housing-and-health-standards/... - [FAQ - I rent out an illegal secondary suite in my house. Can I be penalized for doing this?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-rent-illegal-secondary-suite-house-can-penalized/): Yes. If you rent out an illegal suite that is unsafe, you can face a fine under the Public Health... - [FAQ - Can I face a fine or eviction because I live in an illegal suite?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-can-fine-eviction-illegal-suite/): No. You cannot face a fine or eviction for living in an illegal suite. However, if a safety codes officer... - [FAQ - How do I know if I live in an illegal secondary suite?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-know-live-illegal-secondary-suite/): Secondary suites (sometimes called basements suites, mother-in-law suites or granny suites) are self-contained units within a single family home. A... - [FAQ - I live in an illegal secondary suite. Is this a reason for breaking my lease?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-live-illegal-secondary-suite-reason-breaking-lease/): No, living in an illegal secondary suite is not a reason for breaking your lease. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)... - [Legal Advice](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/help/legal-advice/): Legal Advice If you require legal advice about your situation, there are a number of services available to help you... - [FAQ - Can I get an emotional support animal even though my landlord says no pets are allowed?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-emotional-support-animal/): It depends on the situation. Landlords may have a duty to accommodate disabled persons with an emotional support animal. Whether... - [FAQ - Can condominium boards evict tenants?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-condo-eviction/): Yes, the Condominium Property Act gives the condominium board the power to evict a tenant in certain situations. For example,... - [FAQ - I put a security deposit on a house and signed the lease agreement. My landlord called me today and said that I am not able to take possession of the house. Is this illegal?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-no-possession/): Under the Residential Tenancies Act, the landlord must make sure the property is ready to for move in, on the... - [FAQ - I suspect that my landlord is in financial trouble and might be going through a foreclosure. What can I do?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-landlord-foreclosure/): If a tenant suspects that the landlord is in financial trouble and at risk of losing their home, then the... - [FAQ - How often can my landlord increase my rent?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-often-can-landlord-raise-rent/): Landlords cannot increase rent unless: 365 days have passed since your last rent increase or the start of your tenancy,... - [Forms](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/help/forms/): Please note that CPLEA does not provide any residential tenancy or dispute resolution forms. If you are looking for forms,... - [FAQ - One of my roommates is moving out and we don’t have anyone new to move in right away. Is he still responsible for his share of the rent?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-roommate-move-share-of-rent/): Yes, your roommate is still responsible to pay his share of the rent. You and your roommates are all bound... - [FAQ - What can I do if I have a problem with my roommate?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-problem-with-my-roommate/): While the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) addresses the rights and obligations between landlords and tenants, it does not address the... - [FAQ – I live with my landlord and we keep arguing about everything. What can I do?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-live-with-landlord-dispute/): If you and your landlord have a problem, the first step is for you to communicate about the situation and... - [FAQ – A tenant did not move into a property but already paid an application fee to the landlord. Can the landlord keep the money?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/can-landlord-keep-application-fee/): The Residential Tenancies Act does not prohibit landlords from charging application fees. If there is an application form, the tenant... - [FAQs](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/frequently-asked-questions/): Our comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions on landlord and tenant issues in Alberta. Select a topic of interest to see... - [Search Results](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/search/) - [Copyright Statement](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/copyright/): All materials on this site (including all original written content and files such as PDFs) are copyright of the Legal... - [Disclaimer](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/disclaimer/): The information on this website is for general information purposes only. It is not legal or other professional advice. If... - [Notice of Objection to an Eviction Notice](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-of-objection/): If the landlord serves the tenant with a 14-day eviction notice and the tenant does not agree with the notice,... - [FAQ - Who can help a landlord or tenant to prepare for a hearing?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/dispute-resolution/who-can-help-prepare-for-a-hearing/): If You Need to Talk to Someone: Service Alberta: Their call centre can be accessed from anywhere across the province.... - [FAQ - If the landlord makes an application against the tenant, will the tenant find out?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/dispute-resolution/will-the-tenant-find-out-if-an-application-against-them-is-made/): Yes, the landlord usually has to serve the tenant with the landlord’s application. The tenant will usually have a certain... - [FAQ - If a tenant completes repairs, can they bill the landlord?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/can-tenant-bill-the-landlord-for-repairs/): It depends on the circumstances of the situation. It is more likely a tenant will get a reimbursement if the... - [FAQ - Can a repair person enter the property without the tenant being present?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/repair-person-enter-the-property-without-the-tenant/): Yes, the landlord can have a repair person enter the property. The landlord still must give at least 24 hours... - [FAQ - Does the landlord have to paint between tenants?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/paint-between-tenants/): No. The landlord does not have an obligation to paint between tenants. However, the landlord must ensure that walls and... - [FAQ - What can a tenant do if the landlord won’t fix anything?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/landlord-wont-fix-anything/): The tenant should let the landlord know about the problem in writing. The letter or email will provide proof that... - [FAQ - Do tenants have to tell the landlord if they are going on vacation?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/tell-the-landlord-about-vacation/): Landlords may have the right to ask for details about a tenant’s vacation plans. It depends on the terms of... - [FAQ - What if a tenant breaks a rule in the lease?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/what-if-a-tenant-breaks-a-rule-in-the-lease/): If a tenant substantially breaches the residential tenancy agreement, the landlord may be able to end the tenancy. Depending on... - [FAQ - Can a tenant have guests?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/can-the-tenant-have-guests/): Usually a tenant can have guests visit the property. But if the guest is staying at the property, the tenant... - [FAQ - Why can a tenant be evicted?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/reasons-that-a-tenant-could-be-evicted/): If a tenant commits a “substantial breach” of the residential tenancy agreement, the landlord can serve a 24 hour or... - [FAQ - Can a tenant refuse to pay rent?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/faq-can-the-tenant-refuse-to-pay-the-rent/): Tenants cannot refuse to pay rent. However, there is only one situation where a tenant can refuse to pay rent.... - [FAQ - When can a landlord enter the tenant's rental unit?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/when-can-the-landlord-enter-the-property/): A landlord can only enter a tenant’s unit for specific reasons, unless: the tenant gives the landlord permission to enter... - [FAQ - Can a landlord increase the rent at any time?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/can-a-landlord-increase-the-rent-at-any-time/): The Residential Tenancies Act allows the landlord to increase the rent once a year. For monthly periodic tenancies, landlords must... - [FAQ - Can a landlord or tenant change the lease without the other's consent?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/can-the-landlord-or-the-tenant-change-the-lease-without-the-others-consent/): No, a landlord or tenant cannot change a lease without the other side agreeing. Leases are contracts and like all... - [FAQ - Does a landlord have to tell tenants if the property is being foreclosed?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/inform-tenant-property-is-being-foreclosed/): When a property is being foreclosed, the landlord is not under any obligation to inform the tenant of the foreclosure.... - [FAQ - What are offences under the Residential Tenancies Act?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/offences-under-the-residential-tenancies-act/): The Residential Tenancies Act lists all of the obligations and rules that a landlord must follow. It is an offence... - [FAQ - Does a landlord have to do something about loud tenants?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/landlord-take-steps-against-loud-tenants/): Loud tenants may be interfering with the rights of the other tenants. One of the obligations of a landlord is... - [FAQ - Does a landlord have to provide the tenants with contact information?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/provide-landlord-contact-information/): Yes. The landlord must provide tenants with their contact information such as a mailing address and physical location. That way,... - [FAQ - What do new owners of a rental property with tenants need to know?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/new-owner-rental-property-with-tenants/): If the new owner wants to keep the tenants, then the new owner will become the tenants’ new landlord. The... - [FAQ - Can the inspection report be changed if the tenant notices something wrong after signing it?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/can-the-inspection-report-be-changed/): Usually an inspection report cannot change when the tenant signs off on it. The tenant should let their landlord know... - [FAQ - What can a tenant do if the landlord does not provide the security deposit?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/landlord-does-not-provide-statement-of-account/): The landlord has 10 days to deliver a statement of account with a cheque for the security deposit (if there... - [FAQ - What should tenants do if they don’t agree with the deductions?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/tenant-does-not-agree-with-deductions/): Tenants could write to their landlord requesting the return of the security deposit and why they should return it. For... - [FAQ - Can a tenant pay the security deposit in installments?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/pay-the-security-deposit-in-installments/): A tenant can try to negotiate with the landlord about paying the security deposit by installments. However, the landlord does... - [FAQ - What happens at the end of a fixed term lease?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/end-of-a-fixed-term-lease/): The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) assumes a tenant will move out at the end of the lease unless the landlord... - [FAQ - The lease says that no pets are allowed. Is this legal?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/no-pets-allowed-lease-is-this-legal/): Yes. In Alberta, landlords can decide whether or not to allow pets in their rental properties. If a landlord does... - [FAQ - Does everyone who is living in the property have to be named on the lease?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/does-everyone-have-to-on-the-lease/): A landlord usually requires that everyone who is living in a rental unit be named on the lease. Landlords have... - [FAQ - Does the tenant have to be personally served with the Notice of Landlord?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-of-landlord/notice-of-landlord-served-personally/): No, the landlord does not have to personally serve the tenant with the Notice of Landlord. The landlord could post... - [FAQ - If the property is sold, when does a new landlord have to provide the Notice of Landlord?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-of-landlord/property-sells-new-landlord/): When a rental property is sold, the new landlord must provide the Notice of Landlord “forthwith. ” While forthwith is... - [FAQ - What if the landlord has not provided a Notice of Landlord?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-of-landlord/notice-of-landlord-not-provided/): First, a tenant should check the lease to see if the landlord’s contact information is there. If it is, the... - [FAQ - What happens if the tenant does not give the proper amount of notice?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/tenant-notice-to-end-periodic-tenancy/not-enough-notice/): There are rules that tenants must follow when ending a periodic tenancy. If the tenant does not serve the notice... - [FAQ - What can the tenant do if the landlord has done something wrong that is not a substantial breach?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/14-day-notice-to-landlord/landlord-has-not-committed-substantial-breach/): If the landlord has done something wrong that is not substantial, the tenant may be able to end the lease.... - [Tenant's 14 Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/14-day-notice-to-landlord/): The tenant can give the landlord a 14 day notice to terminate the tenancy when the landlord commits a substantial... - [FAQ - Can a tenant be evicted in the winter months?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/eviction-notice/evicted-in-the-winter-months/): While a landlord can evict a tenant at any time of the year, they must have grounds to evict under... - [FAQ - What happens if the tenant does not move after an eviction?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/eviction-notice/tenant-does-not-object-and-does-not-move/): The landlord can apply for an order to end the tenancy and get back possession of the property. They can... - [FAQ - Can the landlord change the locks?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/eviction-notice/landlord-change-the-locks/): No, the landlord cannot change the locks without providing the tenant with a key immediately. If the landlord locks the... - [Eviction Notice (Notice of Termination of Tenancy for Substantial Breach)](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/eviction-notice/): Landlord’s Remedies / 14 Day Eviction Notice / Tenant’s Notice of Objection / 24 Hour Eviction Notice / Frequently Asked... - [FAQ - What if the landlord does not use the property for the reason stated in the notice?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/terminate-periodic-tenancy-allowable-reasons/property-not-used-for-reason-in-the-notice/): It is an offence if the landlord does not use the property for the reason stated in the notice. The... - [FAQ - Can the tenant move before the notice takes effect?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/terminate-periodic-tenancy-allowable-reasons/tenant-move/): If the tenant wants to move before the termination date stated in the landlord’s notice, the tenant can give the... - [FAQ - What if the landlord does not give the proper amount of notice?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/terminate-periodic-tenancy-allowable-reasons/not-given-proper-notice/): If the landlord does not serve the notice to terminate a periodic tenancy within the deadline outlined by the Residential... - [Notice of Termination of a Periodic Tenancy for Allowable Reasons](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/terminate-periodic-tenancy-allowable-reasons/): Notice Requirements / Serving the Notice / Frequently Asked Questions A landlord can serve a tenant with a notice to... - [FAQ - What if the tenant cannot afford to pay the increased rent?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/rent-increase/tenant-cannot-afford-to-pay/): The tenant can trying negotiating with the landlord if they cannot afford to pay rent. Sometimes a landlord may be... - [FAQ - How much can a landlord increase rent?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/rent-increase/how-much-can-rent-increase/): There is no legislative limit under the Residential Tenancies Act on how much a landlord can increase rent in Alberta.... - [FAQ - What happens if the Notice of Rent Increase does not include all of the required information?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/rent-increase/notice-of-rent-increase-incomplete/): When a notice of rent increase does not include all of the necessary information, the notice is void and the... - [Notice of Rent Increase](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/rent-increase/): Periodic Tenancies / Fixed Term Tenancies / Frequently Asked Questions In Alberta, there is no legislative limit under the Residential... - [FAQ - If the property is being sold, does the realtor have to provide a Notice of Entry?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-to-enter-the-property-by-the-landlord/property-being-sold-realtor-notice-of-entry/): Yes, unless the landlord has already provided one. The realtor is acting as the landlord’s agent. As such, they must... - [FAQ - How often can a landlord enter the property?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-to-enter-the-property-by-the-landlord/how-often-can-landlord-enter/): This depends on the circumstances. If the property is for sale, there may be a lot of entries by the... - [FAQ - Can the tenant refuse to allow the landlord to enter the property?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-to-enter-the-property-by-the-landlord/faq-can-the-tenant-refuse-to-allow-the-landlord-to-enter-the-property/): With entry to the rental property, the tenant cannot refuse the landlord’s entry to the rental property if they follow... - [FAQ - What if the landlord did not provide a Notice of Entry?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-to-enter-the-property-by-the-landlord/landlord-not-provided-notice/): The tenant should make note of any time the landlord enters their unit without notice. The tenant may want to... - [Notice of Landlord](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-of-landlord/): Landlords must provide tenants with a document called “Notice of Landlord. ” This contains contact information for the landlord or... - [Notice of Entry by the Landlord](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-to-enter-the-property-by-the-landlord/): Reasons for Entry There are only certain reasons why a landlord can give a notice of entry. The reasons include:... - [Glossary](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/): AbandonAbandoned GoodsAbatement of RentAffidavitAffidavit of ServiceAgentAmenitiesAssignmentAttachment of EarningsBreachBuilding ManagerCivil Enforcement AgencyCommon AreasConsentContractCourtDamagesDistressEstate in landEvictEvidenceExclusive PossessionFixed Term LeaseFrustrationGarnisheeGarnishmentHabitableHostelInspection ReportLandlordLeaseLodge AccommodationMaintenanceMediationMitigateMobile HomeNormal... - [FAQ - Who is responsible to treat bugs in a rental property?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/bugs/): The landlord must make sure the premises comply with public health requirements at all times. Under the Minimum Housing and... - [FAQ - Is a landlord allowed to make frequent and disruptive repairs?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/frequent-disruptive-repairs/): With repairs, there is a balance between the rights of both the landlord and tenant. Tenants have the right to... - [FAQ - Does a landlord have to give the tenant notice before making repairs?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/enter-for-repairs-at-any-time/): Yes, the landlord must give the tenant notice if the landlord will be entering the tenant’s property to do repairs.... - [FAQ - Does each roommate need to sign the lease?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/each-roommate-sign-the-lease/): No, but a landlord usually requires that everyone living in a rental unit be on the lease. If a roommate... - [FAQ - Should the original tenant and new tenant (subtenant) sign a written agreement?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/lease-sublet/): When a tenant takes over a lease through sublet, it’s a good idea to enter into a written agreement. The... - [FAQ - If a roommate has not signed the lease, are they still responsible for conditions in the lease like shoveling snow?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/conditions-in-the-lease/): Leases include mandatory obligations from the Residential Tenancies Act and obligations that fall outside of it. Everyone who lives in... - [FAQ - When a property is sublet, does the original tenant still pay rent to the landlord?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/do-i-still-pay-rent-to-the-landlord-sublet-property/): With a sublet property, the lease still binds the original tenant so they are still responsible for paying rent. However,... - [FAQ - If a roommate moves out does the landlord have to return part of the security deposit?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/roommate-moves-out-return-security-deposit/): No. If roommates each paid part of the security deposit, the landlord is under no obligation to return part of... - [FAQ - How many people can live in a house or apartment?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/number-of-people-in-a-house-or-apartment/): When it comes to how many people can live in a house or apartment, landlord must follow certain rules. Public... - [FAQ - Who can evict a subtenant?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/who-can-evict-subtenants/): Who can evict a subtenant depends on the circumstances. The new tenant (or subtenant) becomes a tenant under the Residential... - [FAQ - What are reasonable grounds for a landlord to refuse to sublet or assignment?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/reasonable-grounds-to-refuse-subletting/): A landlord may refuse a sublet or assignment depending on the situation. However, a landlord cannot refuse to consent to... - [FAQ - What can happen if an inspection report was not completed?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/inspection-report-not-completed/): If the landlord does not complete the move in or move out inspection reports, they cannot keep the security deposit.... - [FAQ - What does an inspection report look like?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/what-do-inspection-report-look-like/): There is no standard form inspection report in Alberta. The only requirement is that the inspection report include wording from... - [FAQ - What should a tenant look for at a move-in inspection?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/what-to-look-for/): The inspection report should reflect the condition of the property on move-in and move-out. During the move-in inspection, it is... - [FAQ - Who should keep a copy of the inspection report?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/who-keeps-a-copy-of-the-report/): The tenant should keep a copy of the inspection report in their records. Landlords must keep inspection reports for three... - [FAQ - What happens if a tenant does not show up for the inspection?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/tenant-does-not-show-up/): If a tenant doesn’t go to the inspection appointment, the landlord can carry out the inspection alone. The landlord will... - [FAQ - Do tenants have to attend the inspection?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/do-tenants-have-to-attend/): Tenants are not required to attend the inspection. But it is a very good idea for them to be there... - [FAQ - Can a tenant stop paying rent while waiting for repairs to be done?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/stop-paying-rent-repairs/): No. Even with incomplete repairs, a tenant must continue paying rent on time and in full. If a tenant stops... - [FAQ - What are the Minimum Housing and Health Standards?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/minimum-housing-and-health-standard/): The Minimum Housing and Health Standards are rules that landlords must follow about the upkeep and condition of their rental... - [Notice to End a Periodic Tenancy](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/tenant-notice-to-end-periodic-tenancy/): A tenant can end a periodic tenancy by giving the landlord written notice. A tenant’s notice to end a periodic... - [FAQ - Can a landlord keep the security deposit if inspection reports were not completed?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/not-completed-an-inspection-report/): No. If a landlord did not complete inspection reports, they cannot keep any of the security deposit to coverage damage... - [FAQ - If two tenants rent an apartment together and one of them moves out, does the landlord need to return half of the security deposit?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/two-tenants-return-half-security-deposit/): No. If tenants are sharing a rental property and each paid part of the security deposit, the landlord does not... - [FAQ - Can a landlord deduct carpet cleaning or painting expenses from the security deposit?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/carpet-cleaning-and-painting-fees/): Landlords can only keep money from the security deposit for damages that are beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear... - [FAQ - Can a landlord ask for extra money if a tenant causes damage that costs more than the security deposit?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/damages-more-than-security-deposit/): When there is damage more than the security deposit covers, the landlord may ask for extra money to cover the... - [FAQ - Who sets the interest rate for security deposits and when must the interest be paid?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/interest-rate-for-security-deposits/): The Security Deposit Interest Rate Regulation sets out the interest rate on security deposits. The landlord must pay interest on... - [FAQ - Can a landlord charge a non-refundable pet fee and a security deposit?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/non-refundable-fees-pet-cleaning/): Yes, the landlord can charge a non-refundable pet fee and the security deposit. The non-refundable fee does not form part... - [FAQ - What is the maximum amount a landlord can ask for a security deposit?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/maximum-security-deposit/): A security deposit cannot be more than one months rent. The amount is based on the rent charged at the... - [FAQ - What can be included in the lease?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/what-can-be-included/): The lease should include all of the things that the tenant is responsible for, and all of the things the... - [FAQ - Can the landlord require a tenant to provide proof of insurance as a condition of the lease?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/proof-of-insurance/): Yes, a landlord can require a tenant to have insurance as a term of the lease. It is up to... - [FAQ - Can the landlord or tenant ever "break the lease"?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/break-the-lease/): Substantial Breach There are certain situations where a landlord or tenant may be able to break or end the lease... - [FAQ - Does the lease have to be in writing?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/lease-in-writing/): In Alberta, you do not need a written lease. However, a written lease is a good idea because both the... - [FAQ - How do tenants know if the Residential Tenancies Act applies to their situation?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/rta-apply/): The Residential Tenancies Act does not apply in the following situations: tenant shares living space with the landlord. For example,... - [FAQ - What actions can be taken if a landlord or tenant is breaking the law?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/landlord-or-tenant-is-breaking-the-law/): It depends on the situation. You can put the concern in writing and provide a letter or email to the... - [FAQ - What happens if the terms of the lease contradict the Residential Tenancies Act?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/lease-contradict-the-rta/): The Residential Tenancies Act always takes priority over a lease. This means a lease cannot take away any of a... - [FAQ - Will the Residential Tenancies Act rules be written in the lease?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/rta-promises-in-the-lease/): The Residential Tenancies Act automatically applies to some living situations. So even if the tenant or the landlord does not... - [FAQ - Are laws about renting the same across Canada?](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/laws-across-canada/): No. Each province has its own renting law. There are different rules that landlords and tenants must follow in each... - [Responsibilities](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/): Need to know Tenant responsibilities Tenants must follow the rules outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the rules in... - [Find Help](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/help/): Please note that CPLEA does not provide legal advice or legal representation. For more information about CPLEA’s other programs and... - [Resources](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/resources/): Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta has free resources on landlord and tenant issues, including publications, sample forms and articles.... - [Topics](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/topics/): Legislation – Learn more about the laws that apply to landlords and tenants in different renting situations. Leases and Agreements... - [About](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/about/): The Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd. (operating as the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta “CPLEA”), is a non-profit... - [Home](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/) - [Dispute Resolution](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/dispute-resolution/): Need to know Working out a problem If a landlord and tenant have a dispute, the first step is for... - [Notices](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/): Need to know Landlord’s Notices Notice of Landlord – Provides the landlord’s contact information so that tenants have a way... - [Repairs](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/): Need to know Landlord responsibilities Landlords must make sure that: The Residential Tenancies Act says that to enter a tenant’s unit to... - [Shared Accommodation](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/): Need to know Living with a roommate The Residential Tenancies Act does not address the rights and obligations that tenants have to one... - [Leases and Agreements](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/): Need to know Leases and the RTA Leases usually include terms from the RTA. For example, leases will often include... - [Legislation](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/): Need to know Residential Tenancies Act The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) outlines the rights and responsibilities of the majority of landlords... - [Inspection Reports](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/): Need to know What is an inspection report? Inspection reports prove the condition of the property when the tenant moves... - [Security Deposits](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/): Need to know Moving in Within two days of receiving a security deposit, the landlord must place it in a... ## CM Tooltip Glossary Pro - [Hostel](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/hostel/): Under the Social Care Facilities Licensing Act, a hostel provides accommodation for vulnerable individuals. - [Social care facility](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/social-care-facility/): The Social Care Facilities Licensing Act defines a social care facility as being a hostel or other establishment operated to... - [Seniors' Lodge](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/seniors-lodge/): A home for the use of senior citizens who cannot maintain their own home or do not want to live... - [Lodge Accommodation](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/lodge-accommodation/): A home for the use of senior citizens who cannot maintain their own home or do not want to live... - [Nursing Home](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/nursing-home/): A facility that provides residents with nursing home care which includes basic services and care provided by a government-approved program.... - [Sublet](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/sublet/): When a tenant rents a room or the entire premises to someone else, but is still directly responsible for the... - [Property Manager](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/property-manager/): A person employed to look after an apartment building. The property manager may be responsible for setting up rental agreements,... - [Unauthorized Tenant](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/unauthorized-tenant/): A non-tenant or a person not authorized to live in a particular rental property. - [Tenant at Will](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/tenant-at-will/): Where a person occupies land as a tenant with the consent of the owner of the land, on the terms... - [Tenant](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/tenant/): The person who rents from the landlord. - [Tenancy Month](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/tenancy-month/): The period on which a month-to-month periodic tenancy can be based. A tenancy month does not necessarily have to be... - [Tenancy Agreement](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/tenancy-agreement/): The agreement between the landlord and tenant. There is no significant legal difference between the terms ‘lease’ and ‘tenancy agreement’.... - [Tenancy](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/tenancy/): The legal right to live in residential premises that someone else owns. The tenant has the exclusive use of the... - [Substantial Breach](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/substantial-breach/): A substantial breach is when a tenant breaks one of their covenants (obligations) in section 21 of the Residential Tenancies... - [Subsidized Public Housing](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/subsidized-public-housing/): The law in Alberta defines subsidized public housing as residential premises that are rented to people with low incomes. The... - [Sub-metering](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/sub-metering/): A sub-meter measures the heat or natural gas and electricity for a rental unit. Landlords may install a sub-meter for... - [Sub-lease](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/sub-lease/): When a tenant rents a room or the entire premises to someone else, but is still directly responsible for the... - [Statute Law](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/statute-law/): The law that is made by governments. Statutes are often the result of a response to social pressures or conditions.... - [Statement of Account](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/statement-of-account/): A written document the landlord gives to the tenant that itemizes interest earnings and deductions related to the tenant’s security... - [Seizure](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/seizure/): Seizure is a process whereby a civil enforcement agency is hired to seize items belonging to the debtor (the party... - [Residential Tenancy Agreement](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/residential-tenancy-agreement/): The contract between the tenant and landlord to rent residential premises. This agreement can be in writing or verbal. It... - [Residential Tenancies Act](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/residential-tenancies-act/): The Alberta statute that sets out much of the law relating to renting residential property. Not all rented property comes... - [Residential Lease](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/residential-lease/): An agreement to rent premises on the basis that someone will be living there. - [Repudiation](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/repudiation/): Rejection of an agreement that a person was bound by. The repudiation can be a clear statement of rejection, or... - [Rental Period](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/rental-period/): The time period between rent payments. The rental period does not have to relate to a calendar week, month, or... - [Rent abatement](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/rent-abatement/): The reduction of rent. - [Remedies](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/remedies/): The legal term for actions a landlord or tenant can take if they feel that the other party has breached... - [Periodic Lease](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/periodic-lease/): When you rent a place to live and there is no end date for the tenancy. For example, if a... - [Periodic Tenancy](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/periodic-tenancy/): When you rent a place to live and there is no end date for the tenancy. For example, if a... - [Peaceful Enjoyment](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/peaceful-possession/): One of the obligations of a landlord is to allow a tenant peaceful enjoyment of the rented property. ‘Peaceful enjoyment’... - [Overholding Tenant](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/overholding-tenant/): A tenant who stays in the rented property after a tenancy has ended without the landlord’s permission. - [Order of Possession](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/order-of-possession/): A document that a court gives to a landlord to order a tenant to move out of the property. - [Notice to Vacate](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/notice-to-vacate/): A form that the landlord serves: on people who are not tenants but are living in the rental property with... - [Notice of Termination](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/notice-of-termination/): A form that a landlord or a tenant serves on the other party to end the tenancy. - [Notice of Objection to Seizure](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/notice-of-objection-to-seizure/): A form that the civil enforcement bailiff gives to the tenant. The tenant can fill out the form and file... - [Notice of Entry](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/notice-of-entry/): A form that a landlord serves on a tenant when the landlord wants to enter the residential premises. Once a... - [Notice](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/notice/): A written document from the landlord to the tenant, or from the tenant to the landlord, about something in the... - [Normal Wear and Tear](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/normal-wear-and-tear/): The gradual worsening of the property’s condition over time, even if the property is regularly maintained. For example, even if... - [Mobile Home](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/mobile-home/): The law in Alberta defines a mobile home as a residential structure that is built to move from one place... - [Mitigate](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/mitigate/): To mitigate is to ensure your losses are as low as possible. For example, when a tenant leaves unexpectedly, the... - [Mediation](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/mediation/): A process where parties to a disagreement discuss the matter with the help of a mediator to see if they... - [Maintenance](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/maintenance/): Refers to looking after the rental property, including keeping the premises reasonably clean and fixing things that need repair. - [Lease](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/lease/): An agreement between the landlord and the tenant whereby the landlord agrees to rent property to the tenant for a... - [Landlord](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/landlord/): A person or corporation that owns a rental property and rents some or all of it to someone else. Building... - [Inspection Report](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/inspection-report/): A written report that the landlord and tenant do together at the beginning and end of the tenancy. The inspection... - [Habitable](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/habitable/): A rental property must be fit for living. It must meet the Minimum Housing & Health Standards required by the... - [Garnishment](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/garnishment/): Garnishment is a process where the debtor (the person who owes money) gives money owing to a creditor (the person... - [Garnishee](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/garnishee/): A garnishee is a third party that must surrender money belonging to a debtor (a person who owes money) to... - [Frustration](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/frustration/): A contract is frustrated when it becomes impossible to carry out its terms. Once that happens, the parties to the... - [Exclusive Possession](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/exclusive-possession/): When a tenant has possession, control, and use of the residential premises. - [Evidence](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/evidence/): Any type of proof presented by the landlord or tenant for a hearing or court proceeding including: written documents (tenancy... - [Evict](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/evict/): The procedure used to remove the tenant and their possessions from the residential premises. - [Estate in land](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/estate-in-land/): A legal term used to describe an interest that a person can have in land. For example, the owner of... - [Distress](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/distress/): Distress is a remedy that a landlord can pursue without having to go to court to recover unpaid rent. The... - [Damages](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/damages/): A legal term for financial compensation. For example, a tenant could apply for damages / financial compensation from a landlord... - [Court](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/court/): The Alberta Court of Justice of Alberta – Civil Division, or The Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. - [Contract](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/contract/): An agreement made by two or more people (or parties) that each person will do something to benefit the other.... - [Consent](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/consent/): To give permission. An example of consent is that the landlord has to give permission (or consent) to the tenant... - [Common Areas](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/common-areas/): Parts of the residential premises that can be used by all tenants and are under the control of the landlord.... - [Civil Enforcement Agency](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/civil-enforcement-agency/): An agency that has a licence from the government to take actions to enforce court orders, such as eviction orders. - [Building Manager](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/building-manager/): A person employed to look after an apartment building. The building or property manager may be responsible for setting up... - [Breach](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/breach/): A violation of a law, contract, obligation, or responsibility. - [Attachment of Earnings](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/attachment-of-earnings/): A process whereby the Court of King’s Bench orders that the wages of a person may be diverted to satisfy... - [Assignment](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/assignment/): When a tenant gets someone else to take over his or her lease and the responsibilities under it. - [Amenities](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/amenities/): Conveniences needed on a daily basis such as grocery stores, transit, parking, restaurants, and service outlets. - [Agent](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/agent/): Someone who is given authority to act for someone else. For example, a landlord or tenant can send an agent... - [Affidavit of Service](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/affidavit-of-service/): A particular kind of affidavit, which states how and when someone served documents on another person. The affidavit must be... - [Affidavit](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/affidavit/): A written statement that is affirmed or sworn under an oath. This means the person who made the statement swears... - [Abatement of Rent](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/abatement-of-rent/): When a tenant gets to pay a lower amount of rent to the landlord. It can occur once, for a... - [Abandoned Goods](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/abandoned-goods/): Any property a tenant leaves behind after they move out of the rental property. - [Abandon](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/abandon/): When a tenant leaves his or her rental unit before the end of the fixed term or periodic tenancy without... - [Security Deposit](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/security-deposit/): A sum of money or item that is held by a landlord when a tenant moves into a rental property.... - [Fixed Term Lease](https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/fixed-term-tenancy/): When a tenant agrees to rent a property for a specific length of time (i. e. one year). # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2025-08-21 - Modified: 2025-09-19 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/economic-evictions/ Need to know Economic evictions happen when a landlord tries to evict a tenant by raising the rent. While Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act doesn’t limit how much rent can increase, there is developing case law in Alberta that says landlords cannot raise rent to indirectly evict a tenant. The courts and Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) may void a rent increase notice if they find that an economic eviction has occurred. It's not easy to recognize the signs of an economic eviction. Tenants have a few options for dealing with an economic eviction, but timing is important.   If you are a tenant and you are unsure whether you are facing an economic eviction, get legal help. Signs of an economic eviction Even if the landlord follows all the proper rent increase rules — for example, giving you 3 months’ notice for a periodic tenancy and their rent increase notice has all the required information, that doesn’t mean the increase is always valid. If you get a notice of rent increase, ask yourself: How much is the rent increase? Was it large? Has anyone else in your building received a similar increase? How much was it? Was it the same or less? How’s your relationship been with the landlord? Have they tried evicting you before? Did the landlord give you a reason for the increase? For example, have there been changes to the market rate for rent or perhaps upgrades to the unit or building? It's not always easy... - Published: 2024-05-24 - Modified: 2024-05-27 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-what-are-illegal-acts-under-the-rta/ Under the RTA, tenants cannot perform illegal acts or carry on an illegal trade, business or occupation in the premises. The RTA is legislation covering civil matters and the standard of proof is on a balance of probabilities. What is an “illegal act” for the purposes of the RTA is a finding of fact for the courts to decide and will depend on the circumstances. The courts have commented that an illegal act under the RTA includes criminal acts under criminal law. They can also include the result of actions or behaviours by a tenant leading to execution of a search warrant by law enforcement. If you have concerns about possible illegal acts occurring in a rental property, you can make a confidential report to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhood (SCAN). If it’s an emergency situation, you should call 911 or the local police. Last legal review: May 2024 - Published: 2024-05-24 - Modified: 2024-05-24 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-can-landlords-show-a-rental-property-on-sundays-or-days-of-worship/ Whether a landlord can show a rental property on Sundays or days of worship depends on whether they have the tenant's consent. The general rule is that landlords may enter a property to show the premises with at least 24 hours written notice. There are additional time and date entry requirements such as they can only enter the property between 8 a. m. and 8 p. m. , and cannot enter on holidays or the tenant’s day of worship (presumed to be Sunday unless the tenant lets the landlord know otherwise). That said, a landlord may enter the property any time as long as they have the tenant’s consent. Last legal review: May 2024 - Published: 2024-05-24 - Modified: 2024-06-03 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-can-a-landlord-or-tenant-serve-notices-through-e-mail-or-text/ Section 57 of the RTA covers service of notices. Under that section, landlords or tenants must serve notices, orders, or documents personally or by registered mail. The section does not specifically mention e-mail or text messages as service methods. However, it allows for service by electronic means if personal and registered mail is ineffective. Legal experts note that RTDRS adjudicators in written decisions have generally found them to be acceptable (the published case law is very scarce). What is effective service under section 57 also depends on the circumstances. For example, it may depend on whether the parties agreed to e-mail communication or the party serving notice can prove that an e-mail or text was read or delivered. To learn more about this topic, refer to the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law “ABlawg” article, Need for Law Reform: Residential Tenancies and Electronic Communication. Last legal review: May 2024 - Published: 2024-05-24 - Modified: 2024-05-24 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-can-landlords-and-tenants-do-move-in-out-inspections-by-video/ The RTA does not mention the possibility of doing inspections by video. However, move in and move out inspection as they are mandatory under the RTA. Furthermore, it contains provisions for finding times when the landlord and tenant can both be available. Disagreements over the condition of rental properties upon move in and move out are often a problem between landlords and tenants – it’s prudent for both parties to be present and document the property condition with additional photos and videos during inspections. Last legal review: May 2024 - Published: 2024-05-22 - Modified: 2026-05-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/terms-of-use/ CPLEA and the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta are operating names of the Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd. Any reference to CPLEA or the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta should be read as referring to the Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd. By using any CPLEA resource, including our websites, videos, print publications, and online courses (collectively, CPLEA’s “services and resources”) you agree that you read, understand, and accept these Terms of Use of the Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd. (operating as the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (“CPLEA”)). When we speak of “we,” “us,” and “our,” we mean CPLEA. We reserve the right to change the Terms of Use at any time. When we make changes, we will revise the date of our Terms of Use. We encourage you to review our Terms of Use whenever you access our services and resources. 1. Disclaimer Our services and resources are for general information purposes only and are not meant as legal or other professional advice. We do not provide legal advice or represent people in court. If you are looking for legal advice or assistance, please refer to our Get legal help in Alberta page for a list of legal clinics and services in Alberta. The information in our services and resources were correct at the time of posting. Be aware that the law or process may have changed, which makes the information outdated at the time you are accessing it. Using our services and... - Published: 2024-05-15 - Modified: 2024-05-15 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-when-selling-a-home-can-the-landlord-pay-or-make-accommodations-to-encourage-the-tenant-to-move-out-by-a-certain-time/ When selling a home, a landlord may try encouraging a tenant to move out. For example, through pay or making accommodations. However, whether they can do this depends on the type of tenancy in place. If a fixed term tenancy is in place, then the landlord can only end the tenancy before the end date with the tenant’s consent. If a fixed term tenancy is in place, then the landlord can only end the tenancy before the end date with the tenant’s consent. Sometimes landlords will be willing to pay for a tenant’s moving expenses or lower rent to entice the tenant to move out early. However, if a periodic tenancy is in place, the landlord must give at least three tenancy months notice (for a monthly periodic lease). This is assuming that the buyer and seller meet all conditions to the property sale and the new purchaser is moving in and/or requests in writing to terminate the tenancy. Last legal review: May 2024 - Published: 2024-05-10 - Modified: 2024-05-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/what-personal-information-can-a-landlord-ask-for/ During the rental application process, landlords may ask for personal information from potential tenants for reasonable purposes. This may include information to make a decision about whether to rent to someone. For example, proof of income to show that a tenant is capable of paying rent or references from other landlords (if there were any). Generally, landlords must get a potential tenant or tenant's consent when asking for their personal information. Landlords must follow Alberta's privacy laws for collecting, using, and disclosing personal information. To learn more, refer to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) and their Guidance for Landlords and Tenants. Last legal review: May 2024 - Published: 2024-04-19 - Modified: 2024-04-19 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/how-to-deal-with-a-noise-problem/ Noise can be disruptive to one’s peace and quiet. Some neighbourhood noise is normal but depending on the situation, it may be a nuisance. Below are tips to help you resolve a noise problem. Need to know Noise can be a nuisance depending on what the noise is, how loud it is, how often it happens, and the nature of the neighbourhood or property. A nuisance is a substantial, unreasonable interference with your enjoyment of your property. Depending on where you live and the type of housing you live in, there may be other rules about nuisance and noise. In cities like Edmonton and Calgary, community standards bylaws regulate noise and you may be able to make a complaint with your municipality. If you are dealing with noisy neighbours, there are steps you can take to respectfully talk to your neighbour about the problem. Tenants dealing with a noise problem can also contact their landlords about it. Get started How to talk to your neighbour If you are dealing with noisy neighbours, there are steps you can take to respectfully talk to your neighbour about the problem. FAQs Last legal review: April 2024 Explore more Having Problems with another Tenant? If You Have a Problem While Renting Dispute Resolution for Owners (dispute resolution tips for condominium owners) Neighbour Disputes: Encroaching people, trees, and smoke Who can help This resource is adapted with permission from the following information published by People’s Law School: “Noise and neighbours”. - Published: 2024-03-13 - Modified: 2024-05-15 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-are-digital-leases-or-rental-agreements-legally-binding/ Yes, digital leases or rental agreements can be legally binding. A lease or rental agreement is a contract. The law recognizes that electronically signing a document can mean agreeing to it. Whether you sign a lease or rental agreement physically or electronically, you accept it as being valid and binding. To learn more, refer to the following LawNow article, Electronic signatures and digital leases. March 2024 - Published: 2023-06-20 - Modified: 2023-11-17 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/renting-with-pets/ Need to know Landlords can decide to allow pets or animals in a rental property. Condominium corporations can also have bylaws restricting pets or animals. Tenants must follow their landlord's rules about pets or animals. If they live in a condominium, they must also follow condominium bylaws. Landlords and condominium corporations must accommodate tenants with qualified service or guide dogs. They may also have a duty to accommodate tenants with other support animals. Practical tips Tenants should check what their leases say about pets. Tenants living in condominiums should also check what their bylaws say about any pet or animal restrictions. Before getting a pet, tenants should always get their landlord's agreement in writing. Without a written agreement, they may not have protection from eviction. Tenants with qualified service or guide dogs should make sure that they can provide proof of certification (identification card that identifies them and their dog) to their landlord and/or condominium corporation. Landlord rules First of all, landlords can limit whether pets or animals are allowed in their rental properties. They can also set rules on allowable types and number. A landlord does not need to give reasons for not allowing certain pets or animals. Landlords may also restrict the size of the animal. For example, landlords may allow small dogs, but not large ones. Landlords may also refuse to allow certain dog breeds. Tenants should always check their leases to see what they agreed to with the landlord about pets. Those who do not follow... - Published: 2023-06-19 - Modified: 2024-05-15 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/rental-property-for-sale/ Need to know Landlords have the right to put a rental property up for sale. Whether tenants can move out or stay in the property while it is for sale or sold depends on the type of lease or tenancy in place (periodic or fixed term). When a landlord hires a realtor, they become the landlord's agent. Landlords and realtors must follow the rules in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Landlords or realtors must give tenants at least 24 hours written notice to enter the property. Practical tips During showings, tenants do not need to leave the property. But the selling process can be over sooner if potential buyers can easily view the property. The landlord or realtor can take pictures of the property for listings. Tenants should put away any personal information, items and photos to ensure their privacy. That way, their personal information and objects are not viewable in property listings or during showings. Moving out or staying Whether a tenant can move out or stay in a property while it is for sale or sold depends on whether it's a periodic or fixed term tenancy. Periodic tenancyIf the tenant has a periodic tenancy, they must follow the rules for periodic tenancies. For example, if they have a monthly periodic tenancy and they want to move out while a property is for sale or sold, they must give the landlord one month's written notice. Similarly, the landlord can end a periodic tenancy with the tenant and have them... - Published: 2023-06-15 - Modified: 2024-10-22 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/how-to-talk-to-your-neighbour-about-odours/ It's a hot summer day, so you open a window to let a breeze cool off your place. That's when it hits you: there's an odour coming from your neighbour's property, and it doesn’t smell like roses! Below are tips to help you resolve a problem with odours coming from a neighbour’s property. Need to know A nuisance is a substantial, unreasonable interference with your enjoyment of your property. Some odours may be a nuisance. Depending on where you live and the type of housing you live in, there may be laws about nuisance and odours. There are steps you can take to respectfully talk to your neighbour about an odour problem. Get started How to talk to your neighbour FAQs Last legal review: June 2023 Explore more Having Problems with another Tenant? If You Have a Problem While Renting FAQ – Now that recreational cannabis is legal in Canada, can landlords still restrict its use in rental properties? Canadian Legal FAQ’s: Cannabis in Condos and Rentals Dispute Resolution for Owners (dispute resolution tips for condominium owners) Neighbour Disputes: Encroaching people, trees, and smoke Who can help This resource is adapted with permission from the following information published by People’s Law School: “Odours and neighbours”. - Published: 2023-06-14 - Modified: 2023-06-28 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/taking-over-a-lease/ Need to know Tenants can have someone take over their lease through sublet or assignment. With a sublet, the original lease stays in place. Both the original tenant and the new tenant (subtenant) are responsible for obligations to the landlord. With an assignment, the new tenant takes over the lease and the responsibilities in it. The original tenant may sign a release that discharges them from obligations to the landlord. Before subletting or assigning a lease, the landlord must agree to it. There are rules that the landlord must follow when dealing with sublet or assignment. Sublet When a rental property is sublet, the original tenant moves out of the rental property and a new tenant (the subtenant) moves in to take their place but the original lease stays in place. Often, the original tenant expects to move back into the unit. For example, students commonly sublet their rental units for the summer from May to August with plans to return in September.   The original tenant is still legally responsible for all of the obligations under the lease and under the Residential Tenancies Act. For example, if the new tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord can collect unpaid rent from the original tenant. The new tenant who sublets is also responsible for lease obligations. Before subletting, the original tenant must receive the landlord's consent to sublet the property. The landlord can only refuse the sublet if there are reasonable grounds to do so.  For example, if the potential tenant does not pass a credit check,... - Published: 2023-05-10 - Modified: 2023-09-26 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/after-fire-landlords-tenants/ The following page contains information for landlords and tenants in a wildfire situation. Events are rapidly changing so this resource may change as new issues develop. Need to know Follow evacuation orders and advisories. For up to date information on wildfires, refer to the Government of Alberta's wildfire emergency updates. In a wildfire situation, there may be frustration of a rental agreement. Frustration occurs when something happens that is out of the control of both parties, and makes continuing with the agreement impossible. Frustration can occur if: the property is destroyed a Public Health Act order says the property is unfit for human habitation the property is so damaged that a reasonable landlord would not fix the damage or a reasonable tenant would not be willing to remain living there Unless there is frustration, tenants should keep paying rent. Tenants may suggest rent abatement (reduction) if they can't live in the property. If a tenant chooses to treat a rental agreement as frustrated, they should let their landlord know in writing and follow notice rules for ending their tenancy. Practical tips Whether you are a landlord or tenant, communicate with each other. Make sure you have current contact information for each other. Talk to your insurance company right away. Take pictures and videos when it is safe to return to the property. Gather any pictures or videos of the property taken prior to the fire. Get agreements in writing whenever possible. Know who to contact for more information about the... - Published: 2020-06-11 - Modified: 2024-01-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/dispute-resolution/faq-landlord-tenant-mobilehomesite-disputes/ Starting June 1, 2020, tenants and landlords of mobile home sites will now have access to the Residential Tenancies Dispute Resolution Service to resolve their tenancy disputes instead of going to court. Tenants can apply to RTDRS to: Recover damages arising from a breach or contravention of the lease Receive a rent abatement Receive compensation for the costs of performing the landlord’s obligations End the tenancy because of the landlord’s breach of the lease Recover their security deposit Landlords can apply to RTDRS to: Recover unpaid rent Gain possession of the mobile home site by an overholding tenant Recover damages arising from a breach or contravention of the lease Recover compensation for the use/occupation of the mobile home site by an overholding tenant End the tenancy because of the tenant’s substantial breach of the lease Landlords and tenants still have the option to go to Court to resolve their disputes valued at over $100,000 and for issues that cannot be resolved through the RTDRS. For more information, go to the RTDRS website. June 2020 - Published: 2020-03-27 - Modified: 2026-08-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/covid-19-alberta-landlords-and-tenants/ CPLEA has compiled some frequently asked questions about dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic (the “pandemic”) in rental properties. This resource may change as new issues develop. This CPLEA resource provides general information only. It does not provide legal or professional advice. Last updated: March 2022 - Published: 2019-11-19 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-lead-drinking-water/ Tenants who are concerned about potential lead in drinking water can contact their landlords and write a letter outlining their concerns. If the landlord does not take steps to deal with the tenant’s concerns, tenants can then try contacting their local Environmental Public Health Office for more information. Landlords can call their water utility provider or municipality to find out about water testing. Landlords must make sure that their rental properties meet minimum conditions under the Minimum Housing and Health Standards. For example, every building must have water that is safe for human consumption (potable water supply). In addition, Health Authorities have recognized concerns with lead in drinking water. For instance, Health Canada has guidelines for drinking water quality, which include a maximum acceptable concentration in drinking water. To learn more: Government of Canada: Guidelines for Drinking Water Alberta WaterPortal Society: Do you feel mis-LEAD by your water? Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services: Environmental Public Health – Drinking Water Government of Alberta: Common Questions about Lead and Drinking Water December 2023 - Published: 2019-10-04 - Modified: 2023-06-28 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-short-term-rental/ If you are renting out a short-term rental unit in Edmonton or Calgary, you must have a business licence. There are fees for a business licence. Depending on whether you are in Calgary or Edmonton and the type of short-term rental unit, there may be additional inspections in the licencing process. For example, an AHS or fire inspection. When operating a short-term rental unit, you must follow regulations under your city’s Business Licence Bylaw. Be aware that there are fines for breaking the bylaws. If you have questions about short-term rentals outside of Edmonton or Calgary, contact your local municipality. For more information, refer to the following resources: Canadian Legal FAQs: Short-term rentals City of Edmonton: Short-Term Home Rentals City of Calgary Short Term Rentals & Lodging Housing City of Calgary Bylaw 32M98 February 2020 - Published: 2019-07-04 - Modified: 2026-03-17 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/government-court-services/ If you need advice or assistance dealing with your renting matter, the following government-run services may be able to help. March 2026 - Published: 2019-01-15 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-now-that-recreational-cannabis-is-legal-in-canada-can-landlords-still-restrict-its-use-in-rental-properties/ Landlords, property owners and rental companies may restrict cannabis use, cultivation and/or smoke in a lease. Likewise, condominium boards may enact bylaws and rules restricting cannabis use, cultivation and/or smoke on their properties and common areas. Tenants should review their leases for further information on any restrictions. Tenants living in condominiums should also review their condominium’s bylaws and rules for restrictions on cannabis usage. For more information for condominium owners, landlords and tenants about cannabis in condos, apartments and rental homes, visit the the following resources: Canadian Legal FAQ's: Cannabis in Condos and Rentals Government of Alberta’s website December 2023 - Published: 2018-03-27 - Modified: 2023-11-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/frequently-asked-questions/utilities/ Check the terms of the lease. The Residential Tenancies Act does not specify who is responsible for utility payments. So the only applicable terms are those in the lease between the landlord and the tenant. Some leases set out a fixed amount to cover utility payments or a fluctuating amount based on the bill. If it's a fixed amount, the tenant and landlord cannot change the terms of the lease unless they both agree to it. If you are a tenant and are responsible for paying for electricity or natural gas service, it is important to know what is in the contract with your utility provider. The contract outlines the terms and conditions of the utility service. For example, its cancellation terms, expiration date, charges and any automatic renewal clauses. You should find out what happens to the contract when you move. Make sure that you read and understand the contract before signing. If you have a dispute with your landlord or tenant about utility payments, go to our Find Help page. For more information and resources on utilities, refer to the following: Utilities Consumer Advocate website Who pays for heat when utilities are included in the rent? CPLEA Blog post Service Alberta consumer tips: Electricity and Natural Gas Contracts Service Alberta consumer tips: Sub-meters for Rental Units Electricity and Natural Gas Sub-meters for Rental Units (pdf) Some landlords are changing the way they charge tenants for natural gas and electricity. Landlords are using a new tool that measures the... - Published: 2018-03-08 - Modified: 2025-09-19 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/faq-lower-rent/ A lease is a contract between you and your landlord. This means that only the terms that are in your lease apply to your situation. Other tenants may have different terms in their leases with the landlord. A landlord generally does not have to treat all tenants the same. But a landlord cannot discriminate against a particular tenant on certain grounds related to human rights. You can change a lease if all of the parties who signed the original lease agree to the change. Consequently, you may want to try to negotiate with the landlord to see if they will lower the rent for you to match your neighbor’s. The landlord is not under any obligation to agree to such a change. Finally, make sure that any change in rent is in writing. December 2023 - Published: 2018-03-08 - Modified: 2025-09-19 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/faq-co-sign/ When you co-sign a lease, it will usually specify what the co-signor agrees to. There may also be other documents (e. g. , a co-signor agreement) outlining what you agree to. If you assume all of the tenant's liabilities and responsibilities, you will be responsible for them. Before co-signing a lease or any other document, know what you are signing up for. Even if you are just trying to “help” someone out, you can be responsible for paying the rent (and possibly more) if they don't meet their obligations. If you have any concerns about your obligations as a co-signor, get legal advice. December 2023 - Published: 2017-02-01 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-can-find-information-illegal-secondary-suites/ For more resources and information on illegal secondary suites, refer to the following list: https://www. landlordandtenant. org/legislation/ https://www. landlordandtenant. org/repairs/minumum-housing-and-health-standards/ https://www. alberta. ca/secondary-suites-building-codes. aspx http://mywildwood. ca/wp-content/files/City_of_Calgary_Secondary_Suites_Brochure. pdf http://www. edmonton. ca:8084/city_government/urban_planning_and_design/secondary-suites-faq. aspx http://www. reddeer. ca/city-services/permits-and-inspections/permits/secondary-suites/ https://www. edmonton. ca/programs_services/funding_grants/cornerstones-grant-secondary-suite. aspx *Access to safety codes online is limited. The most recent Alberta Fire Code and Alberta Building Code can be viewed online or ordered in hard copy (for purchase) through the National Research Council of Canada. Your local public library or a courthouse library may carry copies of safety codes as well. December 2023 - Published: 2017-02-01 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-rent-illegal-secondary-suite-house-can-penalized/ Yes. If you rent out an illegal suite that is unsafe, you can face a fine under the Public Health Act or a provincial safety code, such as the Alberta Fire Code. If a safety codes officer finds that your suite does not comply with the rules after a home inspection, you may need to renovate the suite. Check your municipality’s website to see if your property is zoned for secondary suites. You should also check whether you are eligible for grants or financial assistance for constructing or renovating a secondary suite. Contact your municipality to see if there are any grants available to you. November 2023 - Published: 2017-02-01 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-can-fine-eviction-illegal-suite/ No. You cannot face a fine or eviction for living in an illegal suite. However, if a safety codes officer inspects your suite and finds that it is unsafe, you may have to move out. November 2023 - Published: 2017-02-01 - Modified: 2023-11-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-know-live-illegal-secondary-suite/ Secondary suites (sometimes called basements suites, mother-in-law suites or granny suites) are self-contained units within a single family home. A secondary suite has its own kitchen, bathroom and entrance. Secondary suites must comply with the Alberta Fire Code and Alberta Building Code, as well as municipal bylaws. If your suite was built after December 31, 2006, it must have: a separate mailing address a ceiling height of at least 1. 95m direct access to the outdoors a window in each bedroom fire protected walls and ceiling between the secondary suite and the main home and around common exits by the use of ½ inch of drywall interconnected smoke alarms that cover both the secondary suite and the main home an independent heating and ventilation system enclosed gas-fired furnaces and water heaters that are in an enclosed space that is insulated with ½ inch drywall If your suite was built before December 31, 2006, the above requirements may not apply. To be legal a safety codes officer must approve the existing structure of your secondary suite. The secondary suite must also comply with municipal bylaws which vary throughout Alberta. December 2022 - Published: 2017-02-01 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-live-illegal-secondary-suite-reason-breaking-lease/ No, living in an illegal secondary suite is not a reason for breaking your lease. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) still applies to illegal secondary suites. There are specific rules in the RTA about breaking a lease. For example, you can break your lease when a landlord commits a substantial breach like not meeting Minimum Housing and Health Standards. If your landlord is not following Alberta’s Minimum Housing and Health Standards, you can refer to the Repairs page for more information. November 2023 - Published: 2016-12-22 - Modified: 2026-08-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/help/legal-advice/ Legal Advice If you require legal advice about your situation, there are a number of services available to help you find a lawyer. Click on the links below for more information. Law Society of Alberta Lawyer Directory This is a database that allows people to find a lawyer using certain search criteria. Individuals can find a lawyer by searching by name, location, practice areas, language(s) spoken, gender, and whether a lawyer offers limited scope retainers. Legal Clinics – Tenants Only Legal advice may be available free of charge to tenants who meet income guidelines from a student legal service: Student Legal Services, University of Alberta – (780) 492-2226 Student Legal Assistance, University of Calgary – (403) 220-6637 Legal information and advice may be available to tenants with low incomes from these organizations: Calgary Legal Guidance – Calgary – (403) 234-9266 The Women’s Centre of Calgary – Calgary – (403) 264-1155 Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic – Red Deer and surrounding areas – (403) 314-9129 Edmonton Community Legal Centre – Edmonton – (780) 702-1725 Ft McMurray Legal Clinic - (587) 674-2282 Grande Prairie Legal Guidance – Grande Prairie – (780) 882-0036 Lethbridge Legal Guidance – Lethbridge – (403) 380-6338 October 2024 - Published: 2016-11-16 - Modified: 2023-11-17 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-emotional-support-animal/ It depends on the situation. Landlords may have a duty to accommodate disabled persons with an emotional support animal. Whether the landlord must accommodate you depends on whether there is reliable medical information confirming your disability and dependence on the animal. For more information, refer to Renting with Assistance and Support Animals If you are disabled tenant with a qualified service dog, the Service Dogs Act prohibits discrimination in a rental accommodation situation. However, your must be able to control the dog’s behaviour. For more information about discrimination with a service dog, you can contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission for more information. You can find more information about service dogs on the Government of Alberta website. To learn more about renting with pets generally, refer to our Renting with pets page. November 2023 - Published: 2016-11-16 - Modified: 2023-06-28 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-condo-eviction/ Yes, the Condominium Property Act gives the condominium board the power to evict a tenant in certain situations. For example, when the tenant has: caused damage, other than normal wear and tear, to the common property or any other property of the condominium corporation; or violated one of the condominium’s bylaws. When evicting a tenant for one of the above reasons, the condominium must give the tenant written notice and provide a copy to the owner. The owner cannot prevent the condominium board from evicting the tenant. The tenant must move out by the last day of the month immediately following the month the notice is served. For example, if the condominium board serves the notice on May 14, the tenant would need to leave by June 30. If a tenant does not move out after receiving notice, the condominium board has the right to make an application in the Court of King’s Bench for an order requiring the tenant to leave. Read more on our Condo Law for Albertans website. March 2020 - Published: 2016-11-16 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-no-possession/ Under the Residential Tenancies Act, the landlord must make sure the property is ready to for move in, on the day that the landlord said it would be ready. If the property is not ready, then you can refuse to rent it (known as repudiation of the agreement). You may also want to ask the landlord, in writing, to return your deposit. You should keep a copy of the letter. If the landlord still refuses to return the deposit to you, then you can choose to make an application against the landlord for return of the deposit to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service, or to Alberta Court of Justice. Alternatively, you can take legal action against the landlord by: Applying to the Court of King’s Bench for an order that the landlord live up to their obligation and make the property available (this is called an Order for Specific Performance of the contract). Pursuing a claim for damages for the landlord’s breach of the agreement. Pursuing a claim for special damages that arise as a result of the landlord’s actions. You would have to prove that the landlord could have reasonably known that you would suffer damages for not making the property available. If you are considering taking legal action against your landlord, you may want to contact a lawyer to receive more information and advice on how to proceed. Here is some information on where to find help. December 2023 - Published: 2016-11-16 - Modified: 2023-11-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-landlord-foreclosure/ If a tenant suspects that the landlord is in financial trouble and at risk of losing their home, then the tenant can: talk to the landlord; run a search at the Court of King’s Bench to find out if there is a lawsuit against the landlord. There is a fee for this service. The tenant will need to know the property owner’s name. They can find this information in the lease or the Notice of Landlord; or conduct a title search on the property. Some lawyers register a “Certificate of Lis Pendens” (which means a certificate of a pending lawsuit) on the title to the property when there is a dispute involving land. An Alberta Registry Agent can conduct this search for a fee. None of these methods guarantee that the tenant will find out about a foreclosure. In fact, a tenant might not find out until they are served with a court order. For further information on this particular topic, we have a free on-line publication called “Foreclosure for Landlords and Tenants” . Foreclosures are a complicated area of the law. You should contact a lawyer to receive more information and advice on how to proceed. Here is some information on where to find help. November 2023 - Published: 2016-10-31 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-often-can-landlord-raise-rent/ Landlords cannot increase rent unless: 365 days have passed since your last rent increase or the start of your tenancy, whichever is later. For example, if your rent increased on October 1, 2016, your landlord cannot increase your rent again until 365 days have passed – that being after October 1, 2017. Likewise, if your tenancy started on October 1, 2016, your landlord cannot increase you rent until after October 1, 2017. For more information, CPLEA has a tip sheet on rent increases that you can download for free. If you have a dispute over a rent increase with your landlord, here is some information on where to find help. To learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a renter in Alberta, check out our Renting Basics resource. November 2023 - Published: 2016-09-16 - Modified: 2026-08-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/help/forms/ Please note that CPLEA does not provide any residential tenancy or dispute resolution forms. If you are looking for forms, please refer to the following: Where can I get residential tenancy forms (e. g. , leases, eviction notices, etc. )? Please note that there are no standard residential tenancy forms in Alberta. However, forms are available from different organizations within Alberta for a fee. You may want to check with the following organizations for further information and whether they have a form that is relevant to your situation: Alberta Residential Landlord Association (located in Edmonton) Calgary Residential Rental Association Medicine Hat Community Housing Society Red Deer Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Society Printing Unlimited (located in Fort McMurray) If you are looking for Alberta Court of Justice forms, go to the Alberta Court of Justice Civil. If you are looking for Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution (RTDRS) forms, go to Service Alberta's RTDRS website. Service Alberta -Landlord and Tenant Disputes - Find commonly used application forms, affidavits, notices and tip sheets. TIP: Did you know there are options to help people who may not be able to pay the filing fee for their legal matter. Information on waivers can be found here: "Waiving a Filing Fee". If you need fee waivers for your landlord and tenant matter (Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service) you can obtain them directly at the RTDRS office. For more information see: ‘"Request for RTDRS Fee Waiver and Statement of Finances. " June 2021 - Published: 2016-02-01 - Modified: 2023-06-28 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-roommate-move-share-of-rent/ Yes, your roommate is still responsible to pay his share of the rent. You and your roommates are all bound jointly to pay the rent to your landlord. If a roommate leaves, the rent must still be paid in full. The landlord can evict you if the rent is not paid in full, regardless of your roommate moving out. Your roommate may ask the landlord to remove him from the lease. If you and your landlord agree to this change, then the roommate will no longer be responsible for any of the rent. This new agreement should be in writing and everyone should sign it to avoid later difficulties. As a tip for next time, it is often a good idea to have a roommate agreement in place with all of the people you are living with. The agreement should specify: how rent will be paid how long each roommate remains responsible to pay their share of the rent what will happen to rent payments if a roommate leaves A sample roommate agreement can be downloaded here. You can view our Shared Accommodation tip sheet here. To find out what happens to a security deposit when a roommate moves out, you can refer to the following FAQ on our website. February 2020 - Published: 2016-02-01 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-problem-with-my-roommate/ While the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) addresses the rights and obligations between landlords and tenants, it does not address the rights and obligations between roommates. Before moving in with someone, you should have a written roommate agreement in place to prevent future problems. You can download a sample roommate agreement here. If you do have a problem with your roommate, the first step is to try communicating about the situation. See if you can find a solution. If you reach an agreement, make sure it is in writing. It is important to document problems and solutions in case you need to take further action . Since the RTA does not apply to roommate conflicts, you do not have the option of going to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) if you need help resolving a problem with your roommate. If you can’t reach a resolution with your roommate, you may wish to consider mediation or making an application to Alberta Court of Justice. Get legal advice if you plan to make a court application. A list of organizations that provide legal advice are located on our website. More information on shared accommodation can be located on our Roommates, Subletting and Assignment – Landlord as Roommate web page. You can read more about the general dispute resolution processes for landlords and tenants on our Dispute Resolution web page. November 2023 - Published: 2016-02-01 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/faq-live-with-landlord-dispute/ If you and your landlord have a problem, the first step is for you to communicate about the situation and try to work out a solution. If you reach an agreement, make sure it is in writing. It is important to document problems and their solutions in case you need to take further action. If you share living space with your landlord, then the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) does not apply. For example, the RTA does not apply when you rent a room in the landlord’s home. Likewise, it does not apply if you share a kitchen and/or living room with your landlord. Since the RTA does not apply, you do not have the option of going to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) if you need help resolving a problem. If you can’t reach a resolution with your landlord, you may wish to consider mediation or making an application to Alberta Court of Justice. You should get legal advice if you plan to make a court application. A list of organizations that provide legal advice are located on our website. December 2023 - Published: 2015-12-18 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/can-landlord-keep-application-fee/ The Residential Tenancies Act does not prohibit landlords from charging application fees. If there is an application form, the tenant should review it carefully before signing it and handing over any money. If the application form says that the application fee is non-refundable, then the money will not be paid back. This is the case even if the tenant decides not to move in or if the landlord does not accept the tenant's application. Tip 1: Be sure to have in writing whether an application fee is refundable or not. Tip 2: Not all landlords charge an application fee. If you do not want to pay an application fee to rent, then you may want to look for a different property to rent. December 2023 - Published: 2015-11-25 - Modified: 2024-05-24 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/frequently-asked-questions/ Our comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions on landlord and tenant issues in Alberta. Select a topic of interest to see the related questions and answers. - Published: 2015-04-02 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/search/ Search Results - Landlord and Tenant - CPLEA Landlord and Tenant - CPLEALandlord and Tenant Information for Albertans AboutAbout CPLEA and DisclaimerCopyright StatementTopicsLegislationLeases and AgreementsSecurity DepositsInspection ReportsResponsibilitiesShared AccommodationRepairsNoticesEviction Notice (Notice of Termination of Tenancy for Substantial Breach)Notice of Objection to an Eviction NoticeNotice of Entry by the LandlordNotice of LandlordNotice of Rent IncreaseNotice of Termination of a Periodic Tenancy for Allowable ReasonsNotice to End a Periodic TenancyTenant’s 14 Day Notice to Terminate TenancyDispute ResolutionResourcesFAQsGlossaryFind HelpFormsLegal AdviceGovernment & Court ServicesYou are here: Home / Search Results Search Results Funded byTerritory Acknowledgement The Centre for Public Legal Education respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 territories, the traditional lands of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.A Project ofwww.cplea.caPlease note CPLEA does not provide legal advice or legal representation. For publication and resource requests, click here.DisclaimerThis website provides legal information for Alberta law only. It does not provide legal advice. Laws may be different in other provinces.Copyright  Legal Resource Centre of Alberta. All rights reserved. Read the full Terms of Use.Terms of Use AboutAbout CPLEA and DisclaimerCopyright StatementTopicsLegislationLeases and AgreementsSecurity DepositsInspection ReportsResponsibilitiesShared AccommodationRepairsNoticesEviction Notice (Notice of Termination of Tenancy for Substantial Breach)Notice of Objection to an Eviction NoticeNotice of Entry by the LandlordNotice of LandlordNotice of Rent IncreaseNotice of Termination of a Periodic Tenancy for Allowable ReasonsNotice to End a Periodic TenancyTenant’s 14 Day Notice to Terminate TenancyDispute ResolutionResourcesFAQsGlossaryFind HelpFormsLegal AdviceGovernment & Court Services Search - Published: 2015-02-18 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/copyright/ All materials on this site (including all original written content and files such as PDFs) are copyright of the Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd. (operating as the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta “CPLEA”) and are intended for public education purposes. Use of material from this site, either wholly or partly, is prohibited unless it meets the content use policy as follows. Content use policy CPLEA material may be used for a non-commercial purpose or endeavour as long as: There is proper attribution to CPLEA as the source of information, with a link to this site; and The material is not re-purposed, re-written, changed or altered; and You have obtained our permission. To request permission, please contact CPLEA at info@cplea. ca. CPLEA material cannot be used, either wholly or partly, for a commercial purpose or endeavour. Please note that CPLEA reserves the right to refuse any content use requests. Be aware that some material on this site may be covered by copyright from a third party with different restrictions on the reproduction of the material. Copyright 2023 Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd. (operating as the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta “CPLEA”). All rights reserved. November 2023 - Published: 2015-02-18 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/disclaimer/ The information on this website is for general information purposes only. It is not legal or other professional advice. If you need specific legal advice on any issue, please consult a lawyer. The information on this site was correct at the posting time. Be aware that it is possible there may have been subsequent changes, making information outdated when you are accessing it. Links to third parties’ websites are provided on this website. These sites are not under the authority of the Legal Resource Centre. The information in linked websites is not guaranteed as to accuracy or timeliness by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta and is provided for convenience only. Some information on the Legal Resource Centre’s websites may have been provided by outside sources. The Legal Resource Centre accepts no responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of outside material. Any opinions and views expressed are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Legal Resource Centre. Usage of this site is at the user’s own risk. The Legal Resource Centre does not guarantee that viruses or other harmful items do not exist on the site or on the server that makes it available. November 2023 - Published: 2015-02-02 - Modified: 2025-10-09 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-of-objection/ If the landlord serves the tenant with a 14-day eviction notice and the tenant does not agree with the notice, the tenant can usually serve a Notice of Objection on the landlord. The objection notice must be in writing and set out the reasons for objecting to the termination. The tenant must send the notice to the landlord before the termination in the notice (before the 14 days are over). A tenant cannot object to a 14 day eviction notice for unpaid rent. The only thing a tenant can do is pay all of the rent owing, and the rent due by the termination date in the notice. A tenant must give the objection notice to the landlord or landlord's agent personally or by sending it through registered or certified mail. If these methods do not work, the tenant can send the notice electronically (e. g. , fax). However, it must result in a print copy of the notice that is receivable by an electronic device at the landlord's address. A landlord cannot make a tenant move if the tenant serves a notice of objection before the termination date in the notice. Once the landlord receives the objection, the landlord can: do nothing, and the tenancy will stay in place; or apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service or Alberta Court of Justice for termination of the tenancy. If the landlord applies to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service or Alberta Court of Justice, the tenant will be served... - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2026-08-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/dispute-resolution/who-can-help-prepare-for-a-hearing/ If You Need to Talk to Someone: Service Alberta: Their call centre can be accessed from anywhere across the province. Alberta Health Services' Environmental Public Health: Contact for questions or complaints about the Minimum Housing and Health Standards. If you need legal advice on a landlord and tenant matter, the Law Society of Alberta Lawyer Directory through the Law Society of Alberta can provide you with the names of lawyers who might be able to help. Please note that lawyers through this service generally charge for their services. Legal advice may be available free of charge to people who meet income guidelines from a student legal service: Student Legal Services, University of Alberta – (780) 492-2226 Student Legal Assistance, University of Calgary – (403) 220-6637 Free legal information and advice may also be available for individuals with low incomes from these organizations: Calgary Legal Guidance - Calgary – (403) 234-9266 Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic - Red Deer – (403) 314-9129 Edmonton Community Legal Centre - Edmonton – (780) 702-1725 Grande Prairie Legal Guidance - Grande Prairie – (780) 882-0036 Lethbridge Legal Guidance - Lethbridge – (403) 380-6338 Ft McMurray Legal Clinic – Fort McMurray - (587) 674-2282 June 2021 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/dispute-resolution/will-the-tenant-find-out-if-an-application-against-them-is-made/ Yes, the landlord usually has to serve the tenant with the landlord's application. The tenant will usually have a certain time to prepare a response to the application. There are few circumstances where a judge makes an order without notice to the other side. November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/can-tenant-bill-the-landlord-for-repairs/ It depends on the circumstances of the situation. It is more likely a tenant will get a reimbursement if the repairs were clearly the landlord's responsibility and the tenant can show the landlord knew about the need for repairs, but ignored the request. If the landlord refuses to pay the tenant for the cost of the repairs, the tenant could make an application to get the money back in Alberta Court of Justice Civil or through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. The judge or tenancy dispute officer who hears the matter will decide if the tenant gets a reimbursement based on all of the evidence brought before them. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/repair-person-enter-the-property-without-the-tenant/ Yes, the landlord can have a repair person enter the property. The landlord still must give at least 24 hours written notice to the tenant about an agent entering the property to complete repairs. The landlord is responsible for all of the actions of their agent. For example, if the repair person damages the suite or fails to show up, then the situation is like the landlord damages the suite or fails to show up. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/paint-between-tenants/ No. The landlord does not have an obligation to paint between tenants. However, the landlord must ensure that walls and ceilings are in good repair under the Minimum Housing and Health Standards. This includes no cracks or holes and that they are easy to clean. Bathroom walls must also be smooth and non-absorbent. Kitchen walls must in very good condition to ensure that bacteria and pests do not become a problem. These requirements mean that while a landlord does not have to paint between every tenant, the landlord should paint regularly to meet health standards. November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/landlord-wont-fix-anything/ The tenant should let the landlord know about the problem in writing. The letter or email will provide proof that the tenant actually requested the repairs if there is a dispute later on. If the landlord does not complete the repairs, the tenant has a few options: The tenant could complete the repairs and then request reimbursement from the landlord. If the landlord does not pay the tenant, then the tenant could bring an application for reimbursement in Alberta Court of Justice Civil or through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. The tenant could also apply to Alberta Court of Justice or the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service for a rent abatement, if the lack of repairs deprived the tenant of a benefit that he or she was supposed to receive. If the repair involves a matter covered by the Minimum Housing and Health Standards, then the tenant can contact the nearest Alberta Health Services, Environmental Public Health office or call Health Link at 811. See an outline of the standards here. The tenant could provide notice to move out if he or she is in a periodic tenancy. The tenant could apply to terminate the tenancy early if he or she is in a fixed term tenancy. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/tell-the-landlord-about-vacation/ Landlords may have the right to ask for details about a tenant's vacation plans. It depends on the terms of the lease. For example, the lease may say that the tenant must inform the landlord of absences from the property. Landlords typically include this provision in the lease for insurance purposes. Sometimes a landlord’s insurance policy will state that if the rental property is vacant or uninhabited for a period of time, then the insurance will lapse and the landlord would no longer have valid insurance on the property. For more information, see our blog post - Do you have to tell your landlord if you're going on vacation? December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/what-if-a-tenant-breaks-a-rule-in-the-lease/ If a tenant substantially breaches the residential tenancy agreement, the landlord may be able to end the tenancy. Depending on the type of breach, they can do so by: applying for a court order or giving the tenant a 24 hour or 14 day eviction notice A tenant can be evicted for the following reasons: not paying the rent on time and in full (requires 14 day notice or court order); significantly damaging the property, or allowing significant damage to the property (requires 24 hour notice or court order); physically assaulting or threatening to physically assault the landlord or another tenant (requires 24 hour notice or court order); interfering with the rights of other tenants or the landlord (for example, tenant is unreasonably loud) (requires 14 day notice or court order); committing any illegal acts in the property (type of notice will depend on illegal activity committed); failing to maintain the property in a reasonably clean condition (type of notice will depend on damage caused to the unit); and refusing to move out at the end of the tenancy (requires 14 day notice or court order). For more information about the eviction process, read the Eviction Notice section of this website. November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/can-the-tenant-have-guests/ Usually a tenant can have guests visit the property. But if the guest is staying at the property, the tenant should get the landlord's permission. Also, the lease may have terms that limit if and how long guests can stay at the property. If the landlord thinks that someone has moved in with the tenant, the landlord could take steps to force the guest to leave the property. March 2020 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/reasons-that-a-tenant-could-be-evicted/ If a tenant commits a "substantial breach" of the residential tenancy agreement, the landlord can serve a 24 hour or 14 day eviction notice (depending on the type of breach). A substantial breach is when the tenant breaks one of the rules under the Residential Tenancies Act. A landlord can evict a tenant for the following reasons: not paying the rent on time and in full (requires 14 day notice or court order); significantly damaging the property, or allowing the property to be significantly damaged (requires 24 hour notice or court order); physically assaulting or threatening to physically assault the landlord or another tenant (requires 24 hour notice or court order); interfering with the rights of other tenants or the landlord (for example, tenant is unreasonably loud) (requires 14 day notice or court order); committing any illegal acts in the property (type of notice will depend on illegal activity committed); failing to maintain the property in a reasonably clean condition (type of notice will depend on damage caused to the unit); and refusing to move out at the end of the tenancy (requires 14 day notice or court order). For more information about evictions, go to the Eviction Notice section of this website. February 2020 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/faq-can-the-tenant-refuse-to-pay-the-rent/ Tenants cannot refuse to pay rent. However, there is only one situation where a tenant can refuse to pay rent. When a landlord and tenant have a written lease, the landlord must give the tenant with a signed copy of lease within 21 days of the tenant signing the lease and returning it to the landlord. If the landlord does not provide a signed copy of the lease within 21 days, the tenant can refuse to pay rent. But as soon as the landlord provides a signed copy, the tenant must pay the landlord the withheld rent. If a tenant does not pay rent for any other reason, the landlord can take steps to end the tenancy. For more information on evictions, go to the Eviction Notice section of this website. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-11-17 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/when-can-the-landlord-enter-the-property/ A landlord can only enter a tenant's unit for specific reasons, unless: the tenant gives the landlord permission to enter there is an emergency requiring the landlord to enter the unit or the tenant abandons the property The Residential Tenancies Act gives five reasons a landlord can enter a tenant's property: To inspect the state of repair of the unit To make repairs to the unit Pest control Showing the property to potential buyers and Showing the property to potential renters during the last month of a fixed term tenancy or after giving notice to end a periodic tenancy. The landlord must give the tenant at least 24 hours written notice before entering. There are also rules the landlord must follow, for example: They must sign the written notice, state the reason for entry, and give a date and time for the entry. They can only enter between 8:00 a. m. and 8:00 p. m. They cannot enter on a holiday or on the tenant's day of religious worship (which is Sunday unless the tenant informs the landlord, in writing, of a different day). As long as the landlord follows these rules, they do not need the tenant's consent and the landlord can enter without the tenant being present. Reason for entry and notice timing November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/can-a-landlord-increase-the-rent-at-any-time/ The Residential Tenancies Act allows the landlord to increase the rent once a year. For monthly periodic tenancies, landlords must provide three tenancy months written notice of the increase in rent. If the landlord wants to increase rent starting on January 1, they must give rent increase notice before October 1. For weekly tenancies, landlords must give 12 weeks notice. For any other periodic tenancies, landlords must give 90 days notice. For fixed term tenancies, the landlord can only increase the rent once per year. Also, they can only increase once the term is over. For example, the landlord could increase rent at the end of an one-year fixed term for the next fixed term tenancy. For a six-month fixed term tenancy, the landlord cannot increase the rent at the end of that fixed term. This is because 365 days have not passed since the tenant began renting there. If they enter into a another 6-month fixed term tenancy after the first one, then the landlord could increase the rent at the end of the second lease. The landlord does not need to provide written notice of a rent increase in a fixed term tenancy situation. It is a very good idea for the tenant and the landlord to talk to one another about what will happen at the end of the fixed term, and if the landlord is going to raise the rent. They should have this conversation at least one month before the end of the tenancy. November... - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/can-the-landlord-or-the-tenant-change-the-lease-without-the-others-consent/ No, a landlord or tenant cannot change a lease without the other side agreeing. Leases are contracts and like all contracts, cannot be changed without the other side agreeing. The only change a landlord can make to a tenancy agreement without the tenant's consent is an increase the rent. A landlord must, however, follow the rules set out in the Residential Tenancies Act for rent increases. For more information, visit the Notice of Rent Increase section of this website. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/inform-tenant-property-is-being-foreclosed/ When a property is being foreclosed, the landlord is not under any obligation to inform the tenant of the foreclosure. For more information about this topic, go to our Foreclosure for Landlords and Tenants in Alberta booklet. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/offences-under-the-residential-tenancies-act/ The Residential Tenancies Act lists all of the obligations and rules that a landlord must follow. It is an offence for a landlord to not follow those rules. Tenants can make a complaint to Service Alberta if their landlord is not following the rules. Service Alberta investigates complaints and if an offence has been committed, then a landlord could be warned, fined, or face a court appearance. For more information about offences under the Residential Tenancies Act, read the LawNow article: What is an offence under provincial renting laws? Service Alberta has also compiled a list of Residential Tenancies Act offences and their penalties. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/landlord-take-steps-against-loud-tenants/ Loud tenants may be interfering with the rights of the other tenants. One of the obligations of a landlord is to ensure that all tenants are able to peacefully enjoy their property. Tenants should inform their landlord about loud tenants in writing. A landlord must respond to complaints received from other tenants and make attempts to resolve the issue to ensure no one's rights are being breached. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2022-08-23 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/provide-landlord-contact-information/ Yes. The landlord must provide tenants with their contact information such as a mailing address and physical location. That way, tenants can contact the landlord to pay rent or if they have problems with their rental unit. The landlord can provide this information in a Notice of Landlord. which is a dated and signed notice. The landlord must give the notice to the tenant within 7 days of the tenant moving into the rental property. The landlord can also provide this information in the lease. Otherwise, they can post it in a common area of the rental building such as the lobby or mail room. In case the tenant does not have the landlord's contact information, they can speak with other tenants to find out if they know how to locate the landlord. If the tenant pays rent by cheque, then the person who accepts the cheque or wherever the cheque is sent to may be where a tenant can locate the landlord. If the landlord fails to provide any contact information, it may be an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act. The tenant can contact Service Alberta to speak to someone about the complaint process. March 2020 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-06-20 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/new-owner-rental-property-with-tenants/ If the new owner wants to keep the tenants, then the new owner will become the tenants' new landlord. The new landlord becomes responsible for: all of the obligations of the old landlord, including any special terms agreed to in the original lease providing tenants with updated contact information and a statement about the security deposit In addition, the new landlord cannot increase the security deposit and can only increase rent according to the rules of the Residential Tenancies Act. There are two situations where a new owner can require tenants to move out: If the new owner, or the new owner's relative, wants to live in the property; or If the property sold is one condo unit, one semi-detached dwelling, or one detached dwelling. The new owner must request, in writing, that the landlord give current tenants a notice to terminate the tenancy. This notice must follow the rules outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act. For example, the landlord must give three months’ notice for a monthly periodic tenancy. Refer to the Notices section of this website to learn more. For more information about tenant and landlord rights when the rental property is put up for sale, go to the What You Need to Know if the Place You are Renting is Sold booklet. For more information about purchasing or living in a condo, visit Condo Law for Albertans. June 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/can-the-inspection-report-be-changed/ Usually an inspection report cannot change when the tenant signs off on it. The tenant should let their landlord know if there is something wrong. For example, if the tenant notices damage in the property after moving in, they should inform the landlord in writing. The tenant should alert the landlord as soon as possible of the damage. By putting the problem down in writing, the tenant will have proof that they alerted the landlord of the problem. This way, it may help protect the tenant's security deposit later on if they end up having a dispute over it. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/landlord-does-not-provide-statement-of-account/ The landlord has 10 days to deliver a statement of account with a cheque for the security deposit (if there is money owing after any deductions) to the tenant. “Deliver” means the landlord must put the statement in the mail within 10 days of the tenant moving out. It does not mean the tenant has to receive it within 10 days. If a tenant does not receive the statement of account and security deposit from their landlord within a reasonable period after the 10 day deadline, they should write to the landlord requesting the return of the security deposit. For a sample request for return of security deposit, refer to our Security Deposits page. If the tenant and landlord cannot reach an agreement, the tenant can make an application in Alberta Court of Justice Civil or the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service for the return of the deposit. Tenants may also consider filing a complaint with Service Alberta. It is an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act for the landlord to fail to deliver a statement of account to the tenant. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/tenant-does-not-agree-with-deductions/ Tenants could write to their landlord requesting the return of the security deposit and why they should return it. For example, tenants may disagree with the reason for the deduction or with the amount being deducted. If the landlord and tenant cannot come to an agreement about the security deposit, then the tenant can make an application in Alberta Court of Justice or with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service for the return of the security deposit. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/pay-the-security-deposit-in-installments/ A tenant can try to negotiate with the landlord about paying the security deposit by installments. However, the landlord does not have to agree to a payment plan. If the landlord does agree to installments, the agreement should be in writing. Most landlords will require the full amount of the security deposit and first month's rent before the tenant moves into the property. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-11-15 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/end-of-a-fixed-term-lease/ The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) assumes a tenant will move out at the end of the lease unless the landlord and tenant make other arrangements. Under the RTA, neither the landlord or tenant needs to provide each other with a written notice when ending a fixed term lease. But it is considerate for both landlords and tenants to provide notice before ending a fixed term lease. At least one month before the lease end date, the tenant and landlord should discuss whether the tenant wants to stay. If the tenant wants to stay, they should sign a new lease with the landlord. However, the landlord does not have to agree to a new lease. The tenant must move out by the lease end date if the landlord does not agree to sign a new lease. There are two situations where a tenant can continue to stay in the rental unit without signing a new lease. The first is where the original lease includes a provision that allows the tenancy to be renewed without notice after the lease ends. If the tenant chooses to stay, the tenancy becomes a periodic tenancy. The second situation is where a tenant continues to lives in the rental property after the lease ends and the landlord continues to accept rent from the tenant. The fixed term lease becomes a periodic tenancy in this situation. November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/no-pets-allowed-lease-is-this-legal/ Yes. In Alberta, landlords can decide whether or not to allow pets in their rental properties. If a landlord does not allow pets or the building has a no pets policy, then pets are not allowed in the property. If pets are allowed in the rental property, the landlord may charge a pet fee. The fee must be reasonable, and the landlord should be able to provide the tenant with the reasons why the fee is being collected. For example, if the pet will be walking through the common areas, there may be additional carpet cleaning required. For more information, see our Renting with a Pet booklet. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-23 - Modified: 2025-02-13 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/does-everyone-have-to-on-the-lease/ A landlord usually requires that everyone who is living in a rental unit be named on the lease. Landlords have the right to know how many people and who are living in the rental unit. This information is important to ensuring that: the landlord meets Minimum Housing and Health Standards and both landlords and tenants can exercise their rights if either breaches their legal obligations It is important to know whether a roommate is a tenant on the lease or an occupant without approval. To learn more about what happens if a roommate is a tenant on the lease but doesn't sign it, refer to our FAQ - Does each roommate need to sign the lease? If a roommate is a tenant on the lease That person has rights and obligations of a tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act. For example, Person A and Person B are both tenants on the lease. When they don't pay their rent, the landlord can choose to collect the rent from: A alone, B alone, or from both If a roommate is an occupant without approval If someone moves into the rental unit without the landlord’s approval, then the landlord has the right under the Residential Tenancies Act to require the person to vacate the property. Depending on the circumstances, the person may have to leave within 48 hours or 14 days. You can read more about notices in the Notices of this website. November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-22 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-of-landlord/notice-of-landlord-served-personally/ No, the landlord does not have to personally serve the tenant with the Notice of Landlord. The landlord could post the Notice of Landlord in one of the common areas of the building instead of serving it. Many landlords also provide the Notice of Landlord as part of the lease, instead of as a separate document. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-22 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-of-landlord/property-sells-new-landlord/ When a rental property is sold, the new landlord must provide the Notice of Landlord "forthwith. " While forthwith is not defined in the Residential Tenancies Act, the new landlord should serve or post the Notice of Landlord as soon as possible after taking over. Given a landlord has 7 days to provide a new tenant with the notice, this is a good benchmark. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-22 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-of-landlord/notice-of-landlord-not-provided/ First, a tenant should check the lease to see if the landlord's contact information is there. If it is, the landlord does not have to provide a Notice of Landlord. If the tenant didn't sign a lease or there is no contact information in the lease, the tenant should check for the Notice of Landlord in common areas such as the lobby or mail room. The landlord does not need to personally serve every tenant with the Notice of Landlord; it is enough to post it in a common area. A tenant could also talk to other tenants to find out if they know the landlord's contact information though this would not meet the landlord's obligation under the Residential Tenancies Act. If the landlord does not serve or post the Notice of Landlord, then the landlord may have committed an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act and the tenant may be able to make a complaint against the landlord with Service Alberta. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-22 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/tenant-notice-to-end-periodic-tenancy/not-enough-notice/ There are rules that tenants must follow when ending a periodic tenancy. If the tenant does not serve the notice to terminate a periodic tenancy within the deadlines outlined by the Residential Tenancies Act, the notice still has effect. However, the termination date would be later than the one set out in the tenant's notice. For week-to-week periodic tenancies, the tenant must provide a minimum of one full tenancy week’s notice. If the tenancy week starts on Monday, November 1 and the tenant serves the notice to terminate on Tuesday, November 2, the earliest the tenancy could end is Sunday, November 14. The tenant must pay rent until the end of the tenancy. For month-to-month periodic tenancies, the tenant must provide one full tenancy month's notice. If the tenancy month starts on July 1 and the tenant serves the notice to terminate on July 5, the earliest the tenancy could end is August 31. The tenant must pay rent until the end of the tenancy. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-22 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/14-day-notice-to-landlord/landlord-has-not-committed-substantial-breach/ If the landlord has done something wrong that is not substantial, the tenant may be able to end the lease. They can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service or Alberta Court of Justice Civil to terminate the tenancy. If the tenant applies to terminate the lease, the tenant will need details about what the landlord did wrong. This is where it is very helpful for the tenant to have documentation showing that the landlord knew about the problem(s) but did nothing to resolve them. November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-22 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/14-day-notice-to-landlord/ The tenant can give the landlord a 14 day notice to terminate the tenancy when the landlord commits a substantial breach. The landlord commits a substantial breach when: the landlord does not meet the Minimum Housing and Health Standards and an executive officer (also called a health inspector) issues an order about the breach and the landlord does not follow the order. If all three things occur, the tenant can give the landlord a 14 day notice to terminate the tenancy. The tenant can also apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service or to Alberta Court of Justice to terminate the tenancy. Notice Requirements The tenant must give the landlord 14 clear days notice. So, the tenant cannot count the day they serve notice on the landlord. Also, the tenant cannot count the day the tenancy ends. The tenant’s notice must: be in writing give the address of the property have their signature state the reason for the termination and state the date that the tenancy will end Service of Notice The tenant must serve the notice on the landlord by: giving the notice to the landlord in person delivering the notice by registered mail or certified mail. The tenant will mail the notice to the landlord at the address provided in the “Notice of Landlord. ” A tenant must give the termination notice to the landlord personally or by sending it through registered or certified mail. If these methods do not work, the tenant can send the notice... - Published: 2014-10-22 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/eviction-notice/evicted-in-the-winter-months/ While a landlord can evict a tenant at any time of the year, they must have grounds to evict under the Residential Tenancies Act. As in any eviction, landlords must follow proper notice rules. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-22 - Modified: 2023-11-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/eviction-notice/tenant-does-not-object-and-does-not-move/ The landlord can apply for an order to end the tenancy and get back possession of the property. They can do this through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service or Alberta Court of Justice Civil . When applying for this order, the landlord will serve the tenant with new documents. For more information on this process, refer to our Who Can Help page. If the tenant does not move after service of the order, the landlord may hire a civil enforcement agency to evict the tenant. A civil enforcement agency bailiff can then come to the property, remove the tenant and any of the tenant’s belongings. Only the bailiff has the power to physically remove the tenant and the tenant’s belongings. The landlord cannot remove the tenant themselves. November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-22 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/eviction-notice/landlord-change-the-locks/ No, the landlord cannot change the locks without providing the tenant with a key immediately. If the landlord locks the tenant out, the landlord has committed an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act and could face a fine of up to $5,000. Tenants can file a complaint with Service Alberta if this happens to them. January 2015 - Published: 2014-10-22 - Modified: 2025-10-09 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/eviction-notice/ Landlord's Remedies / 14 Day Eviction Notice / Tenant's Notice of Objection / 24 Hour Eviction Notice / Frequently Asked Questions The Residential Tenancies Act says that a tenant must: pay rent when it is due not interfere with the rights of the landlord or other tenants keep the property reasonably clean not do anything illegal in the premises or allow guests to commit illegal acts not endanger the tenants or property not significantly damage the property or let others damage the property move out when the tenancy ends If a tenant fails to do any of these things, then the tenant has committed a substantial breach of the residential tenancy agreement. A tenant also commits a substantial breach by committing a series of breaches of the residential tenancy agreement, if the total effect of all the breaches is substantial. Landlord's Remedies If a substantial breach has been committed the landlord can: give the tenant a 14 day notice to terminate the tenancy give the tenant a 24 hour notice to terminate the tenancy (for causing significant damage or assaulting / threatening to assault the landlord or another tenant) or apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service or Alberta Court of Justice for an order terminating the tenancy. 14 Day Notice for Substantial Breach (14 Day Eviction Notice) The landlord must give the tenant 14 clear days notice. This means that the landlord cannot count the day the notice is served on the tenant, and the landlord cannot count... - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/terminate-periodic-tenancy-allowable-reasons/property-not-used-for-reason-in-the-notice/ It is an offence if the landlord does not use the property for the reason stated in the notice. The tenant can file a complaint with Service Alberta if the landlord is not using the property for the reason provided in the notice. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/terminate-periodic-tenancy-allowable-reasons/tenant-move/ If the tenant wants to move before the termination date stated in the landlord’s notice, the tenant can give the landlord a notice to end the tenancy. The tenant must still give the proper amount of notice as outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act. See Notice to End a Periodic Tenancy for more information. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/terminate-periodic-tenancy-allowable-reasons/not-given-proper-notice/ If the landlord does not serve the notice to terminate a periodic tenancy within the deadline outlined by the Residential Tenancies Act, the notice still has effect. However, the termination date would be later than the one set out in the notice. For week-to-week periodic tenancies, the landlord must provide a minimum of one full tenancy week's notice. If the tenancy week starts on Monday, November 1 and the landlord serves the notice to terminate on Tuesday, November 2, the earliest the tenancy could end is Sunday, November 14. The landlord could not make the tenant leave any earlier. For month-to-month periodic tenancies, the landlord must provide three full tenancy months notice. If the tenancy month starts on July 1 and the landlord serves the notice to terminate on July 5, the earliest the tenancy could end is October 31. The landlord could not make the tenant leave any earlier. If the landlord forces the tenant to leave before the termination date, the tenant can apply for damages in Alberta Court of Justice Civil or through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service These rules do not apply to termination of periodic tenancies for condo conversions, major renovations, or employee termination. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-12-12 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/terminate-periodic-tenancy-allowable-reasons/ Notice Requirements / Serving the Notice / Frequently Asked Questions A landlord can serve a tenant with a notice to terminate a periodic tenancy for specific reasons, none of which mean the tenant did something wrong. The only reasons a landlord can end a periodic tenancy are: major renovations or demolition of the property conversion to a condominium termination of employee of the landlord the landlord or the landlord’s relative is going to live in the property conversion from residential to non-residential (e. g. , business) usage the property is sold and the new owner or a relative of the new owner wants to move in the property sold is a detached or semi-detached home or condo unit and the new owner requests in writing that the landlord give the tenant a notice to end the tenancy the landlord is an educational institution and the tenant is no longer a student or will no longer be a student as of the tenancy termination date Notice Requirements Condominium Conversion or Major Renovations To terminate a periodic tenancy for condominium conversion or major renovations, the landlord's notice must meet the following requirements: be in writing give the address of the property contain the landlord's signature state the reason for the tenancy ending (e. g. , condo conversion or major renovations); state the date the tenancy ends served on the tenant at least 365 days before the termination date Landlord's Employee To terminate a periodic tenancy of an employee of the landlord, the... - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-11-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/rent-increase/tenant-cannot-afford-to-pay/ The tenant can trying negotiating with the landlord if they cannot afford to pay rent. Sometimes a landlord may be more interested in keeping a good tenant than receiving extra money. For example, the landlord may not raise rent if the tenant offers to help with tasks like painting or shoveling snow. If the landlord will not negotiate, the tenant can find a way to pay rent. Or, they can find a less expensive place. If the tenant decides to move out, they must give proper notice to their landlord to end a periodic tenancy. If the tenant does not pay rent, the landlord can serve the tenant with a 14-day notice to terminate for non-payment of rent and the tenant can face eviction. November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2025-08-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/rent-increase/how-much-can-rent-increase/ There is no legislative limit under the Residential Tenancies Act on how much a landlord can increase rent in Alberta. However, there are legislative limits on how often a landlord can increase rent. Keep in mind that there is now developing caselaw in Alberta that says that landlords cannot raise rent to indirectly evict a tenant (also known as an “economic eviction”). The courts and RTDRS may void a rent increase notice in such situations. For more information, refer to CPLEA’s webpage or publication on economic evictions. August 2025 - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/rent-increase/notice-of-rent-increase-incomplete/ When a notice of rent increase does not include all of the necessary information, the notice is void and the tenant doesn't have to pay the increased rent. Notice of rent increases must contain the following: amount of rent increase date the rent increase will start notice must have a date the landlord must sign in If a tenant pays the increased rent, but the notice did not contain all of the necessary information, they can make an application in Alberta Court of Justice Civil or the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service to get back the amount paid under the increase. November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2025-08-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/rent-increase/ Periodic Tenancies / Fixed Term Tenancies / Frequently Asked Questions In Alberta, there is no legislative limit under the Residential Tenancies Act on how much a landlord can increase rent. However, a landlord can only increase rent one year from the start of the tenancy or the last rent increase -- this rule applies to both periodic and fixed-term tenancies. It is important to note there is now developing caselaw in Alberta that says that landlords cannot raise rent to indirectly evict a tenant (also known as an “economic eviction”). The courts and RTDRS may void a rent increase notice in such situations. For more information, refer to CPLEA’s webpage or publication on economic evictions. Rent Increases for Periodic Tenancies If a tenant has a periodic tenancy, the landlord must give the tenant a signed written notice of the increase. The notice must state the date of the increase, plus signed and dated by the landlord or landlord's agent. For monthly periodic tenancies, the landlord must give the tenant at least 3 tenancy months notice of the increase. So, to increase rent on November 1, the landlord must serve notice on or before July 31. For weekly periodic tenancies, the landlord must give the tenant at least 12 tenancy weeks notice of the increase. For example, the rental week runs from Monday to Sunday and the landlord wants to increase rent on Monday, November 1. So, the landlord must serve the notice before Monday, August 9. For any other length... - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-11-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-to-enter-the-property-by-the-landlord/property-being-sold-realtor-notice-of-entry/ Yes, unless the landlord has already provided one. The realtor is acting as the landlord's agent. As such, they must follow all of the same rules about Notice of Entry as the landlord. If a tenant does not receive a proper Notice of Entry, the tenant can make a complaint against the landlord. If the realtor does not provide proper Notice of Entry, the tenant can make a complaint against the landlord, since the realtor is acting on the landlord's behalf. For more information, read our publication What You Need to Know if the Place You Rent is Being Sold. November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-11-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-to-enter-the-property-by-the-landlord/how-often-can-landlord-enter/ This depends on the circumstances. If the property is for sale, there may be a lot of entries by the landlord or a realtor to show the property. If a landlord is doing repairs, then there may be multiple entries. Tenants have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their property. Tenants should not be continually disturbed by the landlord entering the unit. If a tenant feels the landlord is being unreasonable with entry requests, the tenant should speak to the landlord. It is helpful for tenants to put their concerns in writing, in case there is a dispute in the future. If the tenant is unable to reach a resolution with the landlord, the tenant may want to consider applying for a rent abatement or to end the tenancy on the basis that the landlord is not allowing for peaceful enjoyment of the property. They can make an application through the Alberta Court of Justice Civil or the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-to-enter-the-property-by-the-landlord/faq-can-the-tenant-refuse-to-allow-the-landlord-to-enter-the-property/ With entry to the rental property, the tenant cannot refuse the landlord's entry to the rental property if they follow the proper notice of entry rules. The landlord does not need the tenant's consent to enter the property. If the tenant is concerned about not being present at the time of entry, they can contact the landlord. That way, they can see if they can work out an alternate time that would work best for both of them. The landlord is under no obligation to agree to a different date and time, but may be willing to be flexible. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-to-enter-the-property-by-the-landlord/landlord-not-provided-notice/ The tenant should make note of any time the landlord enters their unit without notice. The tenant may want to write to the landlord and remind the landlord of their obligation to provide notice of entry. If there is a dispute in the future, the tenant will have proof that they advised the landlord of the issue. It is an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act for the landlord to fail to provide the proper Notice of Entry. The tenant may want to call Service Alberta to find out about filing a complaint against the landlord. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-11-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-of-landlord/ Landlords must provide tenants with a document called "Notice of Landlord. " This contains contact information for the landlord or someone acting on the landlord’s behalf (such as a property manager). The notice must be in writing, have a date and the landlord's signature. It must include the landlord's name, mailing address, and physical location. If the landlord has a property manager, then the property manager’s name, mailing address, and physical location may be provided instead of the landlord’s. The landlord must serve the Notice of Landlord within 7 days of the tenant moving into the rental unit. For example, if a tenant moves in on October 1, then the landlord must provide the Notice of Landlord to the tenant on or before October 8. Alternatively, instead of giving a notice to each tenant, a landlord can post the Notice of Landlord in a common area of the rental property such as the lobby or mailing room. If the landlord's contact information changes, the landlord must serve or post a new Notice of Landlord. If the landlord sells the rental property, the new landlord must serve or post a new Notice of Landlord. Frequently Asked Questions What if the landlord has not provided a Notice of Landlord? If the property is sold, when does a new landlord have to provide the Notice of Landlord? Does a tenant have to be personally served with the Notice of Landlord? November 2023 - Published: 2014-10-21 - Modified: 2023-12-12 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/notice-to-enter-the-property-by-the-landlord/ Reasons for Entry There are only certain reasons why a landlord can give a notice of entry. The reasons include: to inspect the state of repair of the premises; to make repairs; to control pests to ensure the property meets health standards; to show the property to people who may want to buy the property, or who may provide a mortgage for the purchaser; or to show the premises to potential tenants during the last month of a fixed term tenancy, or anytime after a periodic tenancy has been terminated by either the landlord or the tenant. Who Can Enter the Property The landlord can allow someone else to enter the premises on their behalf provided that person is entering for the purpose stated on the notice. For example, if there is a need for plumbing repairs, the landlord can give the tenant notice that a plumber, not the landlord, will be entering the premises on a specific date and time. Notice Requirements The notice of entry must be in writing along with the signature of the landlord or landlord's agent. It must be served on the tenant at least 24 hours before the time of entry. The notice must state the reason for entry and the date and time of entry. Time and Date of Entry Requirements The landlord must obey the following rules about the time and date of entry: Can only enter between 8:00 a. m. and 8:00 p. m. Cannot enter on a holiday. Cannot enter... - Published: 2014-10-20 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/ AbandonAbandoned GoodsAbatement of RentAffidavitAffidavit of ServiceAgentAmenitiesAssignmentAttachment of EarningsBreachBuilding ManagerCivil Enforcement AgencyCommon AreasConsentContractCourtDamagesDistressEstate in landEvictEvidenceExclusive PossessionFixed Term LeaseFrustrationGarnisheeGarnishmentHabitableHostelInspection ReportLandlordLeaseLodge AccommodationMaintenanceMediationMitigateMobile HomeNormal Wear and TearNoticeNotice of EntryNotice of Objection to SeizureNotice of TerminationNotice to VacateNursing HomeOrder of PossessionOverholding TenantPeaceful EnjoymentPeriodic LeasePeriodic TenancyProperty ManagerRemediesRent abatementRental PeriodRepudiationResidential LeaseResidential Tenancies ActResidential Tenancy AgreementSecurity DepositSeizureSeniors' LodgeSocial care facilityStatement of AccountStatute LawSub-leaseSub-meteringSubletSubsidized Public HousingSubstantial BreachTenancyTenancy AgreementTenancy MonthTenant Tenant at WillUnauthorized Tenant - Published: 2014-10-14 - Modified: 2023-11-17 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/bugs/ The landlord must make sure the premises comply with public health requirements at all times. Under the Minimum Housing and Health Standards, the landlord must make sure the rental property is free of insect and rodent infestations. That said, the tenant must also: keep the property reasonably clean allow entry for any pest control treatment and follow the instructions of the exterminator What a tenant can do with pest issues If a tenant is having pest issues, they should notify the landlord about the problem in writing. If the landlord ignores the problem, the tenant can contact Environmental Public Health or call Health Link at 811 to speak with a health inspector. A health inspector will investigate the situation and has the power to order the landlord to deal with the matter. The law prevents a landlord from evicting a tenant for making complaint to Environmental Public Health. If a health inspector investigates and finds there is an insect or rodent infestation, the inspector can order the landlord to fix the problem. If the landlord ignores the order, the tenant can either apply to Alberta Court of Justice or the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service to end the tenancy. They also have the option to serve the landlord with a 14-day notice to end the tenancy. Disputes over paying for treatment Sometimes, there may be a dispute over who pays for treatment. If the landlord believes the tenant should pay, then the landlord may issue a bill to the tenant.... - Published: 2014-10-14 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/frequent-disruptive-repairs/ With repairs, there is a balance between the rights of both the landlord and tenant. Tenants have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their property. Landlords have an obligation to ensure tenants receive that right, along with the obligation to provide a property that is safe and habitable. It is possible that by continually arriving to carry out repairs, the landlord is breaking their obligation to allow the tenant to live in peaceful enjoyment. On the other hand, if the landlord does not complete repairs, they may be breaching their other obligation to provide a safe, habitable rental property. If the tenant thinks the landlord is being unreasonable, the tenant should talk to the landlord about the situation. Both parties may reach an acceptable agreement. If the tenant does not reach an agreement with the landlord, they may want to consider applying for a rent abatement or to end the tenancy on the basis that the landlord is not allowing for peaceful enjoyment of the property. They can make an application through the Alberta Court of Justice Civil or Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. If the property is not safe to live in because of the repairs being made, then the tenant may want to review the Minimum Housing and Health Standards. If the landlord is not meeting those standards, the tenant could contact Alberta Health Services, Environmental Public Health or Health Link at 811 for more information on property inspections. December 2023 - Published: 2014-10-14 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/enter-for-repairs-at-any-time/ Yes, the landlord must give the tenant notice if the landlord will be entering the tenant's property to do repairs. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, the landlord must give the tenant written notice at least 24 hours prior to entering the suite to make repairs. There are some exceptions, for example, if there is an emergency (e. g. , a burst pipe). The notice must have the landlord's signature, state the reason for the entry, and the date and time of entry. The notice cannot list multiple entry dates. The landlord can only enter between 8:00 a. m. and 8:00 p. m. The landlord cannot enter on a holiday or on the tenant’s day of religious worship. This is Sunday unless the tenant informs the landlord, in writing, of a different day. As long as the landlord follows these rules, the landlord can enter to make repairs without the tenant's consent or presence. Alternatively, a tenant could provide written consent to the landlord to enter on a specific day to complete repairs. In such a case, notice is not needed. A landlord cannot contract out of the notice requirement. For example, the landlord includes a term in the lease that says they don't have to give notice to complete repairs. This term would have no effect because it is in direct opposition to the law. The landlord must follow the notice rules set out in the Residential Tenancies Act. See our Notices section for more information. March 2020 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2023-11-17 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/each-roommate-sign-the-lease/ No, but a landlord usually requires that everyone living in a rental unit be on the lease. If a roommate is a tenant on the lease but doesn't sign it, they still have rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act. However, it can be a problem if the lease includes rights and obligations outside of the Act. This is because the tenant who doesn't sign the lease may not be subject those provisions. For example, a lease gives a tenant the ability to end a periodic tenancy with a shorter notice period. A tenant who doesn't sign the lease may not get the benefit of the shorter notice period. To learn more about whether everyone needs to be on the lease, refer to our FAQ – Does everyone who is living in the property have to be named on the lease? November 2023 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2023-12-12 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/lease-sublet/ When a tenant takes over a lease through sublet, it's a good idea to enter into a written agreement. The original tenant should enter into a fixed term written agreement with the new tenant (subtenant). The agreement should include all of the obligations the original tenant agreed to in their lease with the landlord. The original tenant will still be responsible for all of the obligations in their lease. However, the original tenant can also consider adding any extra terms that might be necessary. For example, what happens if the new tenant decides to move out early and who should be responsible for contacting the landlord about rental property issues. December 2023 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/conditions-in-the-lease/ Leases include mandatory obligations from the Residential Tenancies Act and obligations that fall outside of it. Everyone who lives in a rental property must follow the rules in the Residential Tenancies Act, even if they didn't sign the lease. Obligations that are not under the Residential Tenancies Act may include shoveling snow, not smoking in the property, and not having pets. If one roommate did not sign the lease, the question is whether they need to follow these rules. There are arguments that go both ways in this situation. If a roommate did not sign the lease, they may not be a party to the lease and bound by the obligations beyond the terms of the Residential Tenancies Act. On the other hand, a roommate's ongoing relationship with the landlord suggests they are a party to the agreement and therefore should assume those extra obligations. It is most beneficial to assume that all roommates are bound by the terms of the lease. Even if a roommate is not going to sign the lease, they should ask to see it before moving in to understand the obligations their roommates may expect them to fulfill. Roommates may also want to consider creating a roommate agreement. December 2023 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2023-11-15 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/do-i-still-pay-rent-to-the-landlord-sublet-property/ With a sublet property, the lease still binds the original tenant so they are still responsible for paying rent. However, the new tenant (or subtenant) is also a tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act. So with a sublet property, they are also responsible for paying rent when due. The original tenant could choose to pay rent directly to the landlord, and collect the rent from the subtenant. Another option is to see if the landlord would agree to accept the rent directly from the subtenant. However, if the subtenant did not pay the rent for any reason, the original tenant would still be responsible for paying the rent. November 2023 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2025-02-13 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/roommate-moves-out-return-security-deposit/ No. If roommates each paid part of the security deposit, the landlord is under no obligation to return part of the security deposit if one moves out early. The landlord usually returns the security deposit when the tenancy ends. When returning the security deposit at the end of the tenancy, the landlord must make the cheque out to all of original tenants named on the lease, even if one of the tenants already left the premises. If the landlord does agree to return some of the security deposit early, they should put it in writing. Tenants may also want to consider creating a roommate agreement to specify what would happen to the security deposit if one person left early. Download a free sample roommate agreeement. November 2023 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/number-of-people-in-a-house-or-apartment/ When it comes to how many people can live in a house or apartment, landlord must follow certain rules. Public health housing regulations require landlords to ensure there is adequate sleeping space for all occupants of a unit. If there is not enough space, the property could be overcrowded. Local municipal bylaws can also impact the number of people that can live in a rental property. Many landlords restrict the number of people who can live in a specific type of unit. This information would be included in the lease agreement. December 2023 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/who-can-evict-subtenants/ Who can evict a subtenant depends on the circumstances. The new tenant (or subtenant) becomes a tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act, so a landlord has the authority to evict the subtenant for the reasons listed in the Act. The original tenant may also be able to evict the subtenant if they assumed the role of landlord for the subtenant. Some things that would indicate the original tenant was acting as the subtenant's landlord would be if the original tenant entered into a lease agreement with the subtenant, if the original tenant collected rent from the subtenant, and if the subtenant paid the original tenant a security deposit. December 2023 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/reasonable-grounds-to-refuse-subletting/ A landlord may refuse a sublet or assignment depending on the situation. However, a landlord cannot refuse to consent to sublet or assignment without providing written reasons for the refusal. Some examples of when the landlord may refuse to consent to a sublet or assignment is if they require the prospective subtenant to fill out an application form and the subtenant does not do so or refuses to do so. The landlord could also refuse to consent if the prospective subtenant does not have enough income to pay rent. December 2023 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/inspection-report-not-completed/ If the landlord does not complete the move in or move out inspection reports, they cannot keep the security deposit. But, the landlord can keep the security deposit to cover other things, like unpaid rent. If the landlord keeps the security deposit for physical damage to the property and has not completed either of the inspection reports, then the landlord has committed an offence. The tenant can contact Service Alberta for more information about making a consumer complaint. The tenant could also make an application in Alberta Court of Justice Civil or through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service for return of the security deposit. If there is damage beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord could make an application to cover the damage. They can do so through Alberta Court of Justice or through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. December 2023 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2023-12-12 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/what-do-inspection-report-look-like/ There is no standard form inspection report in Alberta. The only requirement is that the inspection report include wording from the Residential Tenancies Ministerial Regulation. The landlord and tenant could choose to make their own form. Alternatively, they can purchase inspection report forms from organizations in Alberta who have developed their own forms. For more information, go to our page on forms. The wording that must be in the inspection report depends on the circumstances. All inspection reports must contain the following statement: "Inspections should be conducted when the premises are vacant unless the landlord and tenant or their agents otherwise agree. " If the landlord and the tenant conduct the inspection together, then the report must contain the following: "The inspection of the premises was conducted on (date) by (landlord's name) and by (tenant's name). " This statement must be signed by the landlord. Two statements with the tenant's signature: "I, (name of tenant), agree that this report fairly represents the condition of the premises. " "I, (name of tenant), disagree that this report fairly represents the condition of the premises for the following reasons (list the reasons). " If the tenant refuses to sign either of the above statements, then the report must include the statement: "The tenant or tenant's agent present at the inspection refused to sign the tenant's statement. " The landlord must then sign this statement. If the landlord conducts the inspection alone without the tenant, then: The report must include this statement: "The inspection... - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/what-to-look-for/ The inspection report should reflect the condition of the property on move-in and move-out. During the move-in inspection, it is important to take note of anything that is damaged or missing from the property. The tenant or landlord should take pictures of each room in the property during the inspection. Tenants should look for the following items during a move-in inspection: missing light fixtures; nicks and nail holes in walls; the condition of the floors, including any stains or rips in the carpet; closet doors that do not work properly; dirt behind the fridge and stove; broken or cracked windows and missing screens; leaking faucets; and missing oven racks and fridge shelves. Tenants should check that all appliances are in good working order and turn them on to ensure that they are working property. Tenants should also check the plumbing, heating, and electrical fixtures. February 2020 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/who-keeps-a-copy-of-the-report/ The tenant should keep a copy of the inspection report in their records. Landlords must keep inspection reports for three years after the tenant moves out. Keeping good records protects both the landlord and tenant. It is important to note that after each inspection (move in inspection and move out inspection), the landlord must immediately give the tenant a written copy of the inspection report. December 2023 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/tenant-does-not-show-up/ If a tenant doesn’t go to the inspection appointment, the landlord can carry out the inspection alone. The landlord will complete the inspection report and indicate that the tenant was not present. The landlord must give the tenant a copy of the report. In the case of a move-in report, the landlord can leave it under the tenant's door. In the case of a move-out report, the landlord can mail it to the tenant's new address. If the tenant does not agree with anything in either of the reports, they should mark this clearly on the report and give a copy to back to the landlord. If the tenant disagrees with the condition as reflected in the report, then it is a good idea for the tenant to take date-stamped pictures of the property. It is preferable for the tenant to attend the inspection so they can take part in it, rather than disagreeing about it later. If something comes up at the last minute and the tenant cannot attend, he or she could ask someone else to attend. For example, a friend or parent could act as the tenant's agent and complete the inspection with the landlord on the tenant's behalf. The landlord should give the tenant two opportunities to meet for the inspection by suggesting two different days between 8:00 a. m. and 8:00 p. m. that are not holidays. December 2023 - Published: 2014-09-24 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/do-tenants-have-to-attend/ Tenants are not required to attend the inspection. But it is a very good idea for them to be there and take part. The landlord must suggest two appointment times for the inspection. The landlord must complete the move-in inspection one week before/after the tenant moves in and moves out. The landlord's two suggested inspection times must be on separate days, between 8:00 a. m. and 8:00 p. m. The inspection cannot be on a holiday. If the tenant cannot attend either suggested times, they can try to negotiate a new time with the landlord. But the landlord is not have to agree to a new date or time. If the tenant cannot attend the appointment times offered, the landlord can complete the inspection report without the tenant. The tenant should make every effort to attend because an inspection report helps to protect them in the future. The move-in inspection gives the tenant the chance to point out any damage to the property and make sure it is properly documented in the report by the landlord. The tenant should also take photos of the property during the move-in inspection to fully document the condition of the property. If the tenant is not present, some damage may get missed. The move-out inspection forms the basis for any deductions from the security deposit for physical damage. If the tenant is present, he or she can remind the landlord about the damage that was present at move-in and ensure no unnecessary deductions are taken.... - Published: 2014-06-22 - Modified: 2023-11-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/stop-paying-rent-repairs/ No. Even with incomplete repairs, a tenant must continue paying rent on time and in full. If a tenant stops paying rent, they can face eviction. If a tenant moves out during repairs, the tenant can talk to the landlord about reducing rent for this period. The tenant may want to talk to the landlord about extra costs (e. g. , accommodation, eating out) of moving out. If the landlord agrees to reduce the rent or pay for any of the tenant's expenses, the landlord and tenant should get the agreement in writing and sign it. Without such an agreement, the tenant should keep paying rent in full. If the landlord will not voluntarily agree to reduce the rent and the tenant thinks that the landlord has interfered with their right to enjoy living in the property, then the tenant could apply for a rent abatement in Alberta Court of Justice Civil or through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. If a disaster (e. g. , fire, flood) completely destroys the property, it is likely the lease is frustrated. This means the lease is unable to continue and the agreement will be over. But if premises are repairable, it is likely the lease will be able to continue. November 2023 - Published: 2014-06-22 - Modified: 2023-11-09 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/minimum-housing-and-health-standard/ The Minimum Housing and Health Standards are rules that landlords must follow about the upkeep and condition of their rental properties. These standards deal with many different health and safety issues in rental properties. They include: Buildings are waterproof, windproof, and weatherproof. All windows and outside doors are in good repair, free of cracks, and weatherproof. Outside doors and windows can be locked. In the winter, windows must protect against the cold weather. In the summer, there must be screens for outside windows. Stairs and railings in good repair. All walls, windows, ceilings, floors, and floor coverings are in good repair. This includes free of cracks and holes, and in an easy to clean condition. The furnace is in good repair and is able to heat all living spaces to a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. During the winter when it's very cold, the furnace must keep up a temperature of at least 16 degrees Celsius. If the rent includes electricity, water, and heat, then the landlord must make sure that they provide those utilities. All hot running water must be between a temperature of 46 degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Celsius. The landlord must provide a refrigerator and stove maintained in a safe and proper operating condition. The property must be free of pest infestations. The tenant must cooperate with pest control measures. The Minimum Housing and Health Standards are enforced by Alberta Health Services, Environmental Public Health. If a tenant thinks the landlord is not meeting health or... - Published: 2014-05-20 - Modified: 2023-12-12 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/tenant-notice-to-end-periodic-tenancy/ A tenant can end a periodic tenancy by giving the landlord written notice. A tenant's notice to end a periodic tenancy must: be in writing be signed by the tenant give the address of the rental unit and state the date the tenancy will end A tenant must give the termination notice to the landlord personally or by sending it through registered or certified mail. If these methods do not work, the tenant can send the notice electronically, as long as it will result in a print copy of the notice receivable by an electronic device at the landlord’s address. The amount of notice that a tenant must give to a landlord to end the tenancy depends on the kind of periodic tenancy that is in place. For a week-to-week periodic tenancy, the tenant must give the landlord at least one week’s tenancy notice. The notice must be given on or before the first day of the tenancy week for the termination to be effective on the last day of the tenancy week (i. e. must be given on Sunday if the tenancy week starts on a Monday). For a month-to-month periodic tenancy, the tenant must give the landlord one month’s notice. The written notice must be given on or before the first day of the one month period. For example, if the tenancy month runs from the first day of the month to the last day of the month, then the tenant would have to give the notice to... - Published: 2014-05-19 - Modified: 2022-08-23 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/not-completed-an-inspection-report/ No. If a landlord did not complete inspection reports, they cannot keep any of the security deposit to coverage damage to the unit. However, a landlord could still keep the security deposit to cover other things, such as unpaid rent. The landlord must complete a move-in inspection one week before or after the tenant moves in. The landlord must also complete a move-out inspection one week before or after the tenant moves out. Further, the landlord must give tenants a copy of reports from both inspection. The landlord can complete the inspection without the tenant if a tenant refuses to take part in either inspection. If the landlord does not return the security deposit, the tenant should write a letter requesting the return of it. If the deposit still isn't returned, the tenant can file a complaint with Service Alberta. The tenant can also make an application for return of the security deposit in Alberta Court of Justice Civil or with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. February 2020 - Published: 2014-05-19 - Modified: 2025-02-13 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/two-tenants-return-half-security-deposit/ No. If tenants are sharing a rental property and each paid part of the security deposit, the landlord does not have to return part of the security deposit if one tenant moves out early. The landlord usually only returns the security deposit when the tenancy ends. When the landlord returns the security deposit at the end of the tenancy, the landlord must make the cheque out to all of original tenants named on the lease, even if one of the tenants already left the premises. If the landlord does agree to return some of the security deposit early, the agreement should be in writing. Tenants may also want to create a roommate agreement to specify what happens to the security deposit if one person leaves early. December 2023 - Published: 2014-05-19 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/carpet-cleaning-and-painting-fees/ Landlords can only keep money from the security deposit for damages that are beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear means the declining condition of the rental property that occurs over time, even though the tenant has been regularly cleaning and maintaining the property. For example, if a tenant left the carpet with stains, dirt and/or rips, then the carpet would have damage beyond normal wear and tear. So, the landlord could deduct carpet cleaning costs from the security deposit. However, if a tenant left the carpet clean with only signs of normal wear and tear, the landlord could not charge for carpet cleaning. If a tenant does not agree with the deductions made from the security deposit, they should write to the landlord requesting return of the security deposit and the reasons why the deductions are unreasonable. A tenant may not agree with the reason for the deduction or may disagree with the deducted amount. If the landlord and tenant cannot come to an agreement on their own, the tenant can make an application in Alberta Court of Justice Civil or with Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service for return of the security deposit. December 2023 - Published: 2014-05-19 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/damages-more-than-security-deposit/ When there is damage more than the security deposit covers, the landlord may ask for extra money to cover the cost of damages greater than the security deposit. Landlords may need to take legal action to recover extra money. In court, they will have to prove: the tenant caused the damage the damage was more than normal wear and tear and the cost of fixing the damage is more than the security deposit Alternatively, landlords may consider mediation as a dispute resolution option. December 2023 - Published: 2014-05-19 - Modified: 2024-01-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/interest-rate-for-security-deposits/ The Security Deposit Interest Rate Regulation sets out the interest rate on security deposits. The landlord must pay interest on a security deposit to the tenant at the end of each tenancy year. In some cases, the landlord and tenant may agree (in writing) to pay interest due at the end of the tenancy. To make it easier to determine how much interest is due, Service Alberta has an online security deposit interest calculator. January 2024 - Published: 2014-05-19 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/non-refundable-fees-pet-cleaning/ Yes, the landlord can charge a non-refundable pet fee and the security deposit. The non-refundable fee does not form part of the security deposit. The landlord can only charge a fee that is reasonable and is a genuine expectation of damages that will occur. This means that the landlord should have a reason behind charging the amount that they are, and the amount must be reasonable. For example, if the landlord allows dogs, then the carpets in common areas will have to be cleaned more often. The non-refundable pet fee may go towards that expense. Tenants can try to negotiate with the landlord if they do not want to pay the fee, or want to pay a lower amount. For more information, see our Renting with a Pet booklet. December 2023 - Published: 2014-05-19 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/maximum-security-deposit/ A security deposit cannot be more than one months rent. The amount is based on the rent charged at the start of tenancy. If the landlord increases rent, they cannot increase the deposit amount. A security deposit plus any refundable fees (e. g. , a refundable key fee), must total one months rent or less. Non-refundable, one-time fees do not form part of the security deposit. The security deposit plus any non-refundable fee can be more than one months rent. It is important to read the lease carefully, or understand any oral agreement you have. That way, you can determine what forms part of the security deposit and what does not. December 2023 - Published: 2014-05-10 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/what-can-be-included/ The lease should include all of the things that the tenant is responsible for, and all of the things the landlord is responsible for. The lease should include all of the rights and responsibilities of both parties. There are many practical aspects of renting a place to live that the lease should address. At a minimum, a lease should cover the following items: Names and addresses of the parties to the contract (e. g. , the landlord and tenant or tenants). Date of the agreement. Names of all those who will be living in the premises, including children and a description of any pets. Address of the rental premises and anything else necessary to further define the accommodation. For example, a rental agreement may include other facilities such as a parking stall or storage area. Tenants should be aware any property they leave at these facilities (e. g. , parking stall or storage room) may be subject to seizure in the event of enforcement proceedings for non-payment of rent. For example, where a parking stall is part of the rental agreement, a landlord may seize a tenant's vehicle from the parking stall if they don't pay rent. Tenant privileges. For example, use of a swimming pool, exercise room, etc. Date the tenancy is to start and whether the tenancy is periodic or fixed term. Amount of rent to be paid, when it is to be paid, how it is to be paid (by cheque, automatic withdrawal, cash), and any late... - Published: 2014-05-10 - Modified: 2022-08-23 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/proof-of-insurance/ Yes, a landlord can require a tenant to have insurance as a term of the lease. It is up to the tenant to agree to that term. Tenants can try to negotiate this term with the landlord. A basic tenant insurance policy will include liability coverage. This helps tenants with situations where they may be at fault for damage to a third party, another suite, or the building. For example, if a fire starts in the tenant's apartment and it damages another suite, liability insurance will help cover the costs of the damage to the tenant's unit and the other suite. Tenant insurance can also include contents insurance. This helps cover the replacement cost of the tenant's goods and personal items destroyed by fire or water damage. The landlord's insurance does not cover a tenant's items. So tenants without insurance will not receive any compensation for destroyed items. If the landlord requires the tenant to have insurance, they can require the tenant to provide proof of that insurance. The landlord may require this proof only once, or on an annual basis. Many tenants have insurance even when it is not required under the lease in case of an emergency. December 2019 - Published: 2014-05-10 - Modified: 2023-11-17 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/break-the-lease/ Substantial Breach There are certain situations where a landlord or tenant may be able to break or end the lease early. If one party substantially breaches the lease, the other party can serve a 14 day notice to end the tenancy. Alternatively, the other party can make an application through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service or Alberta Court of Justice Civil to end the tenancy. For more information, refer to the Eviction Notices and Tenant's 14 Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy page. Personal Circumstances If a tenant wants to break the lease early because of personal circumstances (e. g. , lost job, relocating for work), the tenant should talk to the landlord. The landlord does not have to agree to ending the lease. However, they might be willing if the tenant agrees to help with advertising and finding a new tenant. If the landlord agrees to end the lease early, the tenant should make sure this agreement is in writing. They should also make sure it is signed by the landlord to prevent any future problems. When a landlord will not agree to end a lease early, a tenant may want to consider subletting the property or assigning the lease. For more information, see our tip sheet If Your Employment Ends. Lost your job and want to know more about your rights? Visit CPLEA's Rights at Work page. A landlord cannot break a tenant's lease and make a tenant leave the property before the end of the lease. A... - Published: 2014-05-10 - Modified: 2023-11-09 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/lease-in-writing/ In Alberta, you do not need a written lease. However, a written lease is a good idea because both the landlord and tenant are clear on their responsibilities. If there is a dispute at a later date, a written lease can help clarify what both sides agreed to. A written lease is also important if the landlord chooses to sell the property. The new landlord will have to follow any written agreement that was already in place. If the lease is in writing, it must contain this statement in larger text than the other text of the agreement: "The tenancy created by this agreement is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act and if there is a conflict between this agreement and the Act, the Act prevails. " Also, if the lease is in writing and the tenant has signed it and given it back to the landlord, the landlord must give the tenant a copy of the lease with the landlord's signature within 21 days. If the landlord does not do this, the tenant can withhold rent until they receive a signed copy. This is the only time that the Residential Tenancies Act allows a tenant to withhold the rent. November 2023 - Published: 2014-05-04 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/rta-apply/ The Residential Tenancies Act does not apply in the following situations: tenant shares living space with the landlord. For example, the tenant rents a room in the landlord's home and shares the kitchen with the landlord. Hotel, motel, B & B, or cottage or cabin in a campground rented for less than 6 consecutive months. Mobile home site. Residential rental unit attached to a business and both the residence and business are rented under a single lease. For example, the tenant leases a corner store and lives in an apartment above the store. Only one lease was used to rent both the business and the home. Landlord is an educational institution and the tenant is a student, and the tenant does not have exclusive possession of a self-contained dwelling unit. If the tenant lives in a university or college residence, the Residential Tenancies Act will usually not apply to them. Nursing home. The Nursing Homes Act defines a nursing home as a facility that provides residents with nursing home care which includes basic services and care provided by a government-approved program. All nursing homes must meet the Long-term Care Accommodation Standards created by the Government of Alberta. Seniors' lodge. The Alberta Housing Act defines lodge accommodation as being a home for the use of senior citizens who cannot maintain their own home or do not want to live on their own. February 2020 - Published: 2014-05-04 - Modified: 2022-08-23 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/landlord-or-tenant-is-breaking-the-law/ It depends on the situation. You can put the concern in writing and provide a letter or email to the other side. The other person may not have been aware of the law. Alternatively, they may not know the impact of their actions. If it is not clear whether there is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act, then Service Alberta might be able to help. Service Alberta is the ministry in the Alberta government that enforces the Residential Tenancies Act. You can call the Consumer Contact Centre if you want more information on the law. If there has been a breach, you can make an application through the Alberta Court of Justice Civil or the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. If a landlord or tenant commits an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act, you can make a complaint through Service Alberta. There may also be other options depending on the situation. If there are repair or maintenance problems, you can contact Environmental Public Health 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 the landlord must complete repairs within a set period of time. For more information, visit the Dispute Resolution section of this site. You can also review our publication If You Have a Problem While Renting. February 2020 - Published: 2014-05-04 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/lease-contradict-the-rta/ The Residential Tenancies Act always takes priority over a lease. This means a lease cannot take away any of a tenant's rights under the law. For example, a lease says that the landlord only has to give two tenancy months’ notice to end a month-to-month periodic tenancy. This term in the lease is unenforceable because the Residential Tenancies Act says that landlords must give at least three months’ notice. The landlord can waive their rights under the Residential Tenancies Act. This means that the landlord can agree to certain things that take away their rights. For example, a lease says that a monthly periodic tenant must give the landlord a one week notice to move out. In such a case, the tenant would only have to give one week notice instead of one month. Only the landlord can waive their rights; the tenant cannot. There are many topics that should be included in the lease that are not mentioned in the law. For example, the Residential Tenancies Act does not mention pets. But the lease should state whether or not pets are allowed. December 2023 - Published: 2014-05-04 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/rta-promises-in-the-lease/ The Residential Tenancies Act automatically applies to some living situations. So even if the tenant or the landlord does not know about the Residential Tenancies Act, the law applies to them anyway. Sometimes the lease will specifically reference the Residential Tenancies Act and sometimes the lease won't mention the law at all. The law will still apply regardless of whether the lease mentions it. Tenants cannot waive any of the rights that they have under the Residential Tenancies Act. For example, if the lease says that the landlord can give a monthly periodic tenant a one week notice to move out if they don't pay rent, then that part of the tenancy agreement is not enforceable. This is because the law says that a tenant in that situation should get a 14 day notice. December 2023 - Published: 2014-05-04 - Modified: 2026-08-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/laws-across-canada/ No. Each province has its own renting law. There are different rules that landlords and tenants must follow in each province. In Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act applies. Landlords and tenants should learn about the law that applies in their province. For more information about laws for renting in Canada: LawNow article, Renting in Canada Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Provincial and Territorial Fact Sheets November 2023 - Published: 2014-03-11 - Modified: 2024-05-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/responsibilities/ Need to know Both landlords and tenants have rights and responsibilities when renting. The rules that landlords and tenants must follow fall into two groups: rules in laws (for example, the Residential Tenancies Act or the Condominium Property Act) and rules in the rental agreement. There are legal consequences when a tenant or landlord does not follow rules when renting. Tenant responsibilities Tenants must follow the rules outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the rules in the rental agreement. Tenant's rules under the RTA The RTA sets outs the rules (also known as covenants) a tenant must follow, which include: Pay the rent as required by the tenancy agreement. A landlord can issue an eviction notice if a tenant does not pay rent. Look after the rental unit, keep it clean, and not damage it or the common areas of the property. Do not interfere with the rights of the landlord or tenants in other units. Cannot do anything illegal in the rental unit or common areas of the property. Do not endanger or threaten other people or property in the rental unit or common areas. Move out of the rental unit at the end of a fixed term tenancy. For periodic tenancies, give the required notice to end the tenancy, in writing, and move out by the date given to the landlord. Do not change the locks without permission from the landlord. If the tenant does not follow these rules, the landlord may have the right to end the tenancy and seek... - Published: 2014-02-05 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/help/ Please note that CPLEA does not provide legal advice or legal representation. For more information about CPLEA’s other programs and projects, please visit www. cplea. ca. For publication and resource requests, click here. If you are looking for residential tenancy or dispute resolution forms, click here. If you need help with a landlord and tenant problem, please refer to the links below: Government & Court Services Legal Advice - Published: 2014-02-05 - Modified: 2025-08-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/resources/ Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta has free resources on landlord and tenant issues, including publications, sample forms and articles. You can view or download them for free by clicking the links below (organized by topic). Select publications may be available in print from our store. For a complete list of publications, refer to CPLEA's publications page. Further Resources Condo Law for Albertans – information for landlords who are renting their condo units Office of the Sheriff – Civil Enforcement Property seizures and evictions by civil enforcement agencies (Alberta Courts) This information on the Alberta Courts website explains how to hire an agency to collect on someone’s outstanding debts or evict them if they don’t respond to your court order. Cannabis in Condos and Rentals - Information for condominium owners, landlords and tenants about cannabis restrictions in condos, apartments and rental homes. Landlord Associations in Alberta Alberta Residential Landlord Association (located in Edmonton) Calgary Residential Rental Association Last updated: August 2025   - Published: 2014-02-05 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/topics/ Legislation - Learn more about the laws that apply to landlords and tenants in different renting situations. Leases and Agreements - Before moving in the tenant will usually sign a lease. Learn more about the different types of leases and what they mean. Security Deposits - Most landlords require a security deposit. Read more about the rules of collecting, keeping, and returning the security deposit. Inspection Reports - Inspection reports are mandatory for landlords and it is important for tenants to be present. Find out why here. Responsibilities - This section will discuss the legal responsibilities of landlords and tenants in Alberta. Roommates & Subletting - Find out important considerations that should be made before roommates move in together. Repairs - When things break what should the tenant and landlord do? Find out here. Notices - There are many situations where the landlord must provide the tenant notice, learn more about them here. Dispute Resolution - Disputes between landlords and tenants occur. This section includes information on potential ways to resolve a conflict. - Published: 2014-02-05 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/about/ The Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd. (operating as the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta “CPLEA”), is a non-profit organization that helps people understand the law affecting their everyday lives. We develop plain language online tools, publications, and presentations to help people recognize and respond to their legal rights and responsibilities. This website is part of CPLEA's Housing Law Information Project. The Alberta Real Estate Foundation provides generous funding for this project. . For more information about CPLEA’s other programs and projects, please visit www. cplea. ca. CPLEA does not provide legal advice or represent people in court. If you are looking for legal assistance, please contact the Lawyer Referral Service of the Law Society of Alberta. Disclaimer The information on this website is provided for general information purposes only. It is not meant as legal or other professional advice. The information contained on this site was correct at the time it was posted. Be aware that there may have been subsequent changes, which make the information outdated at the time you are accessing it. CPLEA will not be responsible for any loss arising from reliance on or action taken (or not taken) as a result of the information on this website. Links to third party websites are provided on this website for convenience only. These sites are not under CPLEA's authority. CPLEA does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of information contained in linked websites. Some information on CPLEA websites may have been provided by outside sources. CPLEA... - Published: 2013-12-16 - Modified: 2023-11-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/dispute-resolution/ Need to know A landlord and tenant both agree to take on certain responsibilities when entering a tenancy agreement. The Residential Tenancies Act lists mandatory responsibilities for both landlords and tenants. The landlord and tenant may agree to more responsibilities orally or in writing. Most often, disputes between landlords and tenant occur when they do not fulfill their responsibilities. In some situations, there may be penalties for not meeting one's responsibilities. When dealing with a dispute, both the landlord and tenant should try to work it out themselves. If a landlord and tenant cannot resolve a dispute themselves, they can consider the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or the Alberta Court of Justice. Working out a problem If a landlord and tenant have a dispute, the first step is for the two sides to communicate about the situation. They should try to work out a solution that both sides can live with. If they reach a solution, they should make sure it is in writing. However, if they cannot reach a solution, the tenant or landlord should make sure they write down their problem and give it to the other side. It is important to document problems. That way, the person can prove that they brought the issue to the other side's attention. Where the parties cannot resolve a dispute, the Residential Tenancies Act sets out what remedies the landlord or tenant can apply for. Tenant remedies If a landlord breaches the residential tenancy agreement or the responsibilities under the Residential... - Published: 2013-12-16 - Modified: 2025-12-08 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/notices/ Need to know There are many different kinds of written notices under the Residential Tenancies Act. The law is an attempt to balance the rights of the landlord and the rights of the tenants. Each kind of notice has its own requirements and rules. Landlords and tenants both have notices that they can use. Landlord's Notices Notice of Landlord - Provides the landlord's contact information so that tenants have a way to reach the landlord. Notice of Entry - Landlords must provide tenants with advanced written notice to enter their property. Landlords are only allowed to enter for certain reasons and at certain times. Notice of Rent Increase - Landlords can increase the rent. However, there are rules about how often and how much notice they must provide tenants. Notice of Termination of a Periodic Tenancy for Allowable Reasons - For specific reasons, a landlord can give notice to end the tenancy. This is even if the tenant hasn't done anything wrong. For example, if the landlord wants to move back into the property, they could serve notice on the tenant. Eviction Notice (Notice of Termination of Tenancy for Substantial Breach) - The Residential Tenancies Act only allows landlords to evict tenants in specific circumstances. Tenant's Notices Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy - A tenant can end a periodic tenancy by providing the landlord with the appropriate amount of notice. Notice of Objection to an Eviction Notice - If the landlord serves the tenant with a 14-day eviction notice... - Published: 2013-12-16 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/repairs/ Need to know The Residential Tenancies Act does not deal specifically with repairs and maintenance. However, landlords have a responsibility under public health laws to make sure their properties are sanitary and safe to live in. Both landlords and tenants should refer to the lease for who's responsible for repairs. Some repairs are the tenant's responsibility. Landlord responsibilities Landlords must make sure that: the living space is safe and meets minimum housing, fire, building, and health standards the heating, wiring, and plumbing work they maintain the building structure including windows, doors, walls, roofs, ceilings, floors, and stairs the fridge and stove work and the common areas are clean (common areas are spaces tenants share including hallways, stairs, and parking lots). The Residential Tenancies Act says that to enter a tenant's unit to do repairs, the landlord must give notice except when there is an emergency. Tenant responsibilities Sometimes the tenant will be responsible for making repairs or maintaining the rental property. The tenant should review the lease for what they are responsible for. The tenant usually is responsible for: keeping the property clean informing the landlord of any needed repairs repairing any damage they caused to the property and making small repairs (for example, changing light bulbs or unplugging drains) Requesting repairs If there are repairs that need to be done to the property, then the tenant should make that request in writing (see sample request for repairs below) to their landlord. Explore more November 2023 - Published: 2013-12-16 - Modified: 2023-06-20 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/shared-accommodation/ Need to know Shared accommodation is when you live with a roommate or a landlord (sharing living space). The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in Alberta. But, it does not apply to shared accommodation situations. Any shared accommodation issues between roommates are not covered by the RTA. If you are living with roommates or sharing living space with your landlord, you should have written agreements in place. Living with a roommate The Residential Tenancies Act does not address the rights and obligations that tenants have to one another. It is common for roommates to enter into roommate agreements so that each tenant knows their rights and obligations. A roommate agreement can include things like: how rent is split and paid to the landlord how bills will be split how the rental property will be shared when notice to move out must be given to the other roommate(s) how the security deposit will be handled if one roommate leaves how chores will be split in the rental property Roommates can add other terms as long as all roommates agree on them. Living with the landlord If a tenant shares living space with the landlord, then the Residential Tenancies Act does not apply.  A common example of when the Residential Tenancies Act does not apply is when a tenant rents a room in the landlord’s home and shares the kitchen and living room with the landlord. Tenants who live with their landlords do not have the same protections as tenants who are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. For... - Published: 2013-12-16 - Modified: 2024-05-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/leases-and-agreements/ Need to know A lease is contract between a landlord and tenant (or tenants), setting out rules both parties will follow. Leases are also known as residential tenancy agreements or rental contracts. Leases usually include terms from the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). The RTA prevails over any agreement that the landlord and tenant make on their own. Leases and the RTA Leases usually include terms from the RTA. For example, leases will often include information about when and why a landlord can give notice to end a residential tenancy agreement, which is an issue the RTA covers. The RTA will always prevail over any agreement that the landlord and tenant make on their own. If the RTA is silent on an issue, then the landlord and tenant can agree to anything -- as long as it is not illegal. For example, the lease will usually contain terms about whether pets are allowable. Landlords and tenants can come up with their own agreements about pets, even if the RTA doesn't not specifically cover this issue. Types of leases Periodic Tenancy A periodic tenancy means that there is no end date in the residential tenancy agreement. The tenant can continue to live in the property until either the tenant or landlord gives notice to end the tenancy. There are different kinds of periodic tenancies, including monthly periodic tenancies (where the tenant agrees to rent month-to-month and pay rent on a monthly basis) and weekly periodic tenancies (where the tenant agrees to rent... - Published: 2013-12-16 - Modified: 2026-08-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/legislation/ Need to know In Canada, each province has a different law that deals with renting a home. The law in Alberta is very different from the laws in the other provinces. In Alberta, the law that applies to most landlords and tenants is the Residential Tenancies Act.   Different laws will apply depending on what kind of property a person is renting. There are also laws that deal with specific issues in rental housing or related to rental housing. For example, minimum health standards, building safety, privacy, or human rights. Residential Tenancies Act The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) outlines the rights and responsibilities of the majority of landlords and renters in Alberta. The law includes rules about: landlord and tenant responsibilities how landlords and tenants can end the tenancy agreement security deposits inspection reports what landlords and tenants can do if things go wrong and many other issues Other laws according to type of property Different laws will apply depending on what kind of property a person is renting. Condominium Property Act The Condominium Property Act outlines additional rules to follow when renting a condominium. For example, a condominium board can end a tenancy, even if the landlord does not want to end it. Also, each condominium corporation has its own bylaws that tenants must follow. For more information on condominium laws, refer to CPLEA's Condo Laws for Albertans website. Innkeepers Act The Innkeepers Act outlines tenant and landlord obligations when a tenant is paying for lodging in a hotel or motel... - Published: 2013-12-16 - Modified: 2023-12-13 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/inspection-reports/ Need to know Inspection reports prove the condition of the property when the tenant moves in and when the tenant moves out. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) requires landlords to complete an inspection report within a week of the tenant moving in and out. After completing the inspection, landlords must give the tenant a written inspection report. If the landlord does not carry out an inspection, the landlord cannot deduct anything from the security deposit for physical damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear. What is an inspection report? Inspection reports prove the condition of the property when the tenant moves in and when the tenant moves out. The RTA requires that at least two written inspection reports be done. The move in inspection report must take occur one week before or after the tenant moves in. The move out inspection report must take occur one week before or after the tenant moves out. If the landlord does not carry out an inspection either before or after the tenancy, the landlord cannot deduct anything from the security deposit for physical damage to the property that goes beyond normal wear and tear. If a landlord makes a deduction from the security deposit without carrying out both inspection reports, the tenant can take legal action to get their security deposit back. Attending inspections Ideally, the inspections should be completed when the property is empty. Tenants should attend inspections with the landlord. However, if the landlord proposes two separate times for... - Published: 2013-12-12 - Modified: 2024-01-10 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/security-deposits/ Need to know In Alberta, most landlords require a tenant to pay a security deposit (also known as a damage deposit) before moving in. A security deposit is a one-time only payment and cannot be more than one month's rent. Landlords must follow certain rules for security deposits during a tenant's move in and move out, as well as for returning security deposits. Tenants can write to their landlord requesting the return of their security deposit in some situations. For example, when the landlord does not provide a statement of account or the tenant does not agree with security deposit deductions. Landlords must pay tenants interest on security deposits. Government regulation sets the interest rate for security deposits. Moving in Within two days of receiving a security deposit, the landlord must place it in a trust account. The deposit stays in the trust account until the tenant moves out. Landlords must also pay tenants interest on security deposits. Government regulation sets the interest rate for security deposits. To calculate the security deposit interest, refer to the Government of Alberta's interest rate calculator. Moving out When the tenant moves out, the landlord may use the security deposit if there are valid reasons for deducting money from it. For example, a landlord can keep money from a security deposit if: the tenant owes money for rent the tenant damages the property and the landlord completes the inspection reports the tenant did not clean the property and the landlord completes the inspection reports... ## CM Tooltip Glossary Pro - Published: 2015-02-06 - Modified: 2015-02-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/hostel/ Under the Social Care Facilities Licensing Act, a hostel provides accommodation for vulnerable individuals. - Published: 2015-02-06 - Modified: 2015-02-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/social-care-facility/ The Social Care Facilities Licensing Act defines a social care facility as being a hostel or other establishment operated to provide accommodation and maintenance for vulnerable individuals. - Published: 2015-02-06 - Modified: 2015-02-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/seniors-lodge/ A home for the use of senior citizens who cannot maintain their own home or do not want to live on their own. Regulated by the Alberta Housing Act. - Published: 2015-02-06 - Modified: 2015-02-06 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/lodge-accommodation/ A home for the use of senior citizens who cannot maintain their own home or do not want to live on their own. Regulated by the Alberta Housing Act. - Published: 2015-02-06 - Modified: 2019-12-17 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/nursing-home/ A facility that provides residents with nursing home care which includes basic services and care provided by a government-approved program. All nursing homes must meet the Long-term Care Accommodation Standards created by the Government of Alberta. - Published: 2015-02-05 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/sublet/ When a tenant rents a room or the entire premises to someone else, but is still directly responsible for the rent and other obligations included in the lease. - Published: 2015-02-05 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/property-manager/ A person employed to look after an apartment building. The property manager may be responsible for setting up rental agreements, cleaning, and performing building maintenance. For the purposes of the Residential Tenancies Act, the property manager is in the same position as a landlord of the rented property. This means that a property manager can collect rent, give notices, and collect and return security deposits. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/unauthorized-tenant/ A non-tenant or a person not authorized to live in a particular rental property. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2014-02-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/tenant-at-will/ Where a person occupies land as a tenant with the consent of the owner of the land, on the terms that either party can end the tenancy at any time. Common examples include a person who is allowed into premises while the parties are still negotiating the terms of the lease; a purchaser of property who is allowed into the property pending completion of the deal; and a tenant whose lease has expired but whom the landlord permits to hold over. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2014-02-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/tenant/ The person who rents from the landlord. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/tenancy-month/ The period on which a month-to-month periodic tenancy can be based. A tenancy month does not necessarily have to be a calendar month. As an example, a tenancy month may run from the 1st day of the month to the end of the month, but it may also run from the 15th day of one month to the 14th day of the next month. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/tenancy-agreement/ The agreement between the landlord and tenant. There is no significant legal difference between the terms 'lease' and 'tenancy agreement'. In general usage, the term lease might be used more frequently to describe an agreement for a longer term. For the purposes of the Residential Tenancies Act in Alberta, the lease agreement is called a residential tenancy agreement. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/tenancy/ The legal right to live in residential premises that someone else owns. The tenant has the exclusive use of the residential premises and the right to peaceful enjoyment of the property. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2025-12-12 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/substantial-breach/ A substantial breach is when a tenant breaks one of their covenants (obligations) in section 21 of the Residential Tenancies Act or the landlord breaks one of their covenants (obligations) in section 16 of the Residential Tenancies Act (for example, the landlord does not meet minimum housing standards). A substantial breach can also happen when a tenant commits a series of breaches of the tenancy agreement and the total effect is substantial. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/subsidized-public-housing/ The law in Alberta defines subsidized public housing as residential premises that are rented to people with low incomes. The rent is reduced by government funding. The amount of rent paid by the tenant is based on what the tenant earns. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2014-02-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/sub-metering/ A sub-meter measures the heat or natural gas and electricity for a rental unit. Landlords may install a sub-meter for all rental units in a building. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/sub-lease/ When a tenant rents a room or the entire premises to someone else, but is still directly responsible for the rent and other obligations included in the lease. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2014-02-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/statute-law/ The law that is made by governments. Statutes are often the result of a response to social pressures or conditions. Sometimes a statute will clarify the common law that has already been decided by judges. Other times a statute will deliberately change a principle of common law or state new principles. Statutes provide a degree of certainty to the law, although they are also open to interpretation by judges when they apply them to new cases. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/statement-of-account/ A written document the landlord gives to the tenant that itemizes interest earnings and deductions related to the tenant's security deposit. The landlord must mail the statement of account showing the actual costs, or an estimate of the expected costs, within 10 days of the end of the tenancy. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/seizure/ Seizure is a process whereby a civil enforcement agency is hired to seize items belonging to the debtor (the party that owes money). The debtor's items are sold and the proceeds used to pay the debt. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-25 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/residential-tenancy-agreement/ The contract between the tenant and landlord to rent residential premises. This agreement can be in writing or verbal. It is recommended the agreement be in writing. There is no significant legal difference between the terms ‘lease’ and ‘residential tenancy agreement’. The term lease might be used more frequently to describe an agreement for a longer term. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2014-02-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/residential-tenancies-act/ The Alberta statute that sets out much of the law relating to renting residential property. Not all rented property comes within the Act, for example it does not cover situations where a tenant shares kitchen and bathroom facilities with a landlord, or premises such as hospitals and some student accommodation. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2014-02-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/residential-lease/ An agreement to rent premises on the basis that someone will be living there. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2014-02-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/repudiation/ Rejection of an agreement that a person was bound by. The repudiation can be a clear statement of rejection, or it can be implied from conduct. For example, a tenant might be a party to a residential tenancy agreement, but then abandon the premises. The abandonment could be interpreted as a repudiation of the agreement. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2019-12-17 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/rental-period/ The time period between rent payments. The rental period does not have to relate to a calendar week, month, or year. For example a weekly rental period can go from a Tuesday to a Monday, a monthly rental from the 15th to the 14th of a month. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2019-12-17 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/rent-abatement/ The reduction of rent. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/remedies/ The legal term for actions a landlord or tenant can take if they feel that the other party has breached the tenancy agreement or not fulfilled their responsibilities. For example, if a tenant has not paid rent, a landlord can apply to court to recover the rent owed or evict the tenant. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/periodic-lease/ When you rent a place to live and there is no end date for the tenancy. For example, if a tenant rents on a month-to-month basis with no fixed end date. The tenancy ends when either the landlord or tenant gives notice in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/periodic-tenancy/ When you rent a place to live and there is no end date for the tenancy. For example, if a tenant rents on a month-to-month basis with no fixed end date. The tenancy ends when either the landlord or tenant gives notice in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/peaceful-possession/ One of the obligations of a landlord is to allow a tenant peaceful enjoyment of the rented property. 'Peaceful enjoyment' of the premises does not mean literally that your landlord guarantees that the property will be quiet or peaceful. It means that your landlord will not interfere with your ability to live in and enjoy the property. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/overholding-tenant/ A tenant who stays in the rented property after a tenancy has ended without the landlord's permission. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/order-of-possession/ A document that a court gives to a landlord to order a tenant to move out of the property. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/notice-to-vacate/ A form that the landlord serves: on people who are not tenants but are living in the rental property with the tenant without authorization from the landlord (14-day notice). on people who are not tenants but are living in the rental property after the tenant has abandoned it (48-hour notice). - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/notice-of-termination/ A form that a landlord or a tenant serves on the other party to end the tenancy. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2020-02-25 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/notice-of-objection-to-seizure/ A form that the civil enforcement bailiff gives to the tenant. The tenant can fill out the form and file it with the seizing civil enforcement agency. They must do so within 15 days to object to the seizure. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2014-02-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/notice-of-entry/ A form that a landlord serves on a tenant when the landlord wants to enter the residential premises. Once a landlord has served the notice of entry, the RTA says that so long as it's for a reason stated in the RTA, and the proper notice period is given, the tenant has to allow the landlord into the residential premises at the time specified in the notice of entry. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/notice/ A written document from the landlord to the tenant, or from the tenant to the landlord, about something in the residential tenancy agreement. A notice should always be written, include the date, and be signed by the person giving the notice. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/normal-wear-and-tear/ The gradual worsening of the property's condition over time, even if the property is regularly maintained. For example, even if walls are regularly washed and cared for, they will have to be repainted. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/mobile-home/ The law in Alberta defines a mobile home as a residential structure that is built to move from one place to another. A mobile home may or may not have wheels. Holiday trailers and recreational vehicles are not mobile homes when they are being used for recreational purposes. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/mitigate/ To mitigate is to ensure your losses are as low as possible. For example, when a tenant leaves unexpectedly, the landlord must take steps to rent the property as soon as possible to mitigate (lessen) his or her losses. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2021-06-09 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/mediation/ A process where parties to a disagreement discuss the matter with the help of a mediator to see if they can reach a solution. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/maintenance/ Refers to looking after the rental property, including keeping the premises reasonably clean and fixing things that need repair. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-25 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/lease/ An agreement between the landlord and the tenant whereby the landlord agrees to rent property to the tenant for a period of time in return for payment by the tenant. With regard to residential rental properties, a lease may also be called a residential tenancy agreement or a contract. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/landlord/ A person or corporation that owns a rental property and rents some or all of it to someone else. Building or property managers who stand in the place of the owners are also consider landlords under the law. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/inspection-report/ A written report that the landlord and tenant do together at the beginning and end of the tenancy. The inspection report done at the beginning is often called the move-in inspection report, and the one at the end is often called the move-out inspection report. Inspection reports ensure that the landlord and tenant have a common understanding of the condition of the property at the beginning and end of the tenancy. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/habitable/ A rental property must be fit for living. It must meet the Minimum Housing & Health Standards required by the Public Health Act, as well as any municipal bylaws and codes. If these requirements are not met, a tenant should contact Environmental Public Health or bylaw enforcement. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2022-10-03 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/garnishment/ Garnishment is a process where the debtor (the person who owes money) gives money owing to a creditor (the person or company to whom a debt is owing). For example, if a tenant owes money to a landlord, the landlord could apply to garnish the tenant's employment income. The tenant's employer is the garnishee so the employer would give money to the creditor instead of the debtor. To initiate the process, the creditor must file a Garnishee Summons with the Court of King's Bench. The creditor then must serve it on the Garnishee. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2020-02-21 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/garnishee/ A garnishee is a third party that must surrender money belonging to a debtor (a person who owes money) to a creditor (the person or company to whom a debt is owing). For example, if a tenant owes money to a landlord, the landlord could apply to garnish the tenant's employment income. The tenant's employer is the garnishee so the employer would give money to the creditor instead of the debtor. To initiate the process, the creditor must file a Garnishee Summons with the Court of Queens Bench. The creditor then must serve it on the Garnishee. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2018-02-13 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/frustration/ A contract is frustrated when it becomes impossible to carry out its terms. Once that happens, the parties to the contract are freed from their obligations and the contract ends, subject to certain rules. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/exclusive-possession/ When a tenant has possession, control, and use of the residential premises. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/evidence/ Any type of proof presented by the landlord or tenant for a hearing or court proceeding including: written documents (tenancy agreement, receipts, letters, pictures); photographs, video or audio recordings; and testimony (oral statements) of witnesses. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/evict/ The procedure used to remove the tenant and their possessions from the residential premises. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/estate-in-land/ A legal term used to describe an interest that a person can have in land. For example, the owner of the land has a freehold estate. The tenant has a leasehold estate. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2020-02-14 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/distress/ Distress is a remedy that a landlord can pursue without having to go to court to recover unpaid rent. The remedy allows a landlord to hire a civil enforcement agency. The agency seizes the tenant's property on the rented premises to recover money owed as rent. The property can then be sold and the proceeds used to reimburse the rent. The right to use distress arises as soon as rent is late but the process must be carried out in accordance with the law. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/damages/ A legal term for financial compensation. For example, a tenant could apply for damages / financial compensation from a landlord if the landlord broke one of the rules in the tenancy agreement. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/court/ The Alberta Court of Justice of Alberta - Civil Division, or The Court of King's Bench of Alberta. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-25 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/contract/ An agreement made by two or more people (or parties) that each person will do something to benefit the other. For example, the tenant agrees to pay the landlord rent and in return the landlord allows the tenant to live in the property. Everyone must agree to the terms for a contract to be valid. A lease or tenancy agreement are considered contracts. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/consent/ To give permission. An example of consent is that the landlord has to give permission (or consent) to the tenant changing the locks to the residential premises. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2020-02-14 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/common-areas/ Parts of the residential premises that can be used by all tenants and are under the control of the landlord. For example, common areas may include hallways, stairs, and laundry rooms in apartment buildings. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/civil-enforcement-agency/ An agency that has a licence from the government to take actions to enforce court orders, such as eviction orders. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/building-manager/ A person employed to look after an apartment building. The building or property manager may be responsible for setting up rental agreements, cleaning, and performing building maintenance. For the purposes of the Residential Tenancies Act, the building manager is in the same position as a landlord of the rented property. This means that a building manager can collect rent, give notices, and collect and return security deposits. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/breach/ A violation of a law, contract, obligation, or responsibility. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2014-02-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/attachment-of-earnings/ A process whereby the Court of King's Bench orders that the wages of a person may be diverted to satisfy a court judgment that has been given against that person. The order for attachment of earnings has to be applied for by the party in whose favour the judgment was given. For example, if John has a court order to state that Bill must pay him $5,000 and Bill does not pay within the given time, John can apply for another court order that a portion of Bill’s salary will be deducted by Bill’s employer, and paid to John until the debt is paid off. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-04 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/assignment/ When a tenant gets someone else to take over his or her lease and the responsibilities under it. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2014-02-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/amenities/ Conveniences needed on a daily basis such as grocery stores, transit, parking, restaurants, and service outlets. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-04 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/agent/ Someone who is given authority to act for someone else. For example, a landlord or tenant can send an agent to the move-in or move-out inspection. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2014-02-07 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/affidavit-of-service/ A particular kind of affidavit, which states how and when someone served documents on another person. The affidavit must be sworn by the person who actually served the documents. In any matter involving court proceedings, the affidavit of service must be filed with the court after it has been sworn. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-04 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/affidavit/ A written statement that is affirmed or sworn under an oath. This means the person who made the statement swears in front of a Commissioner of Oaths that the contents of the statement are true. Commissioner of Oaths include lawyers, clerks at lawyers' office, and some courthouse staff. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-04 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/abatement-of-rent/ When a tenant gets to pay a lower amount of rent to the landlord. It can occur once, for a period of time, or be ongoing. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-04 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/abandoned-goods/ Any property a tenant leaves behind after they move out of the rental property. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-04 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/abandon/ When a tenant leaves his or her rental unit before the end of the fixed term or periodic tenancy without giving notice to the landlord. - Published: 2014-02-07 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/security-deposit/ A sum of money or item that is held by a landlord when a tenant moves into a rental property. There is no requirement in Alberta to request a security deposit, but if the landlord requests one, the law governs how much can be requested and how a landlord must look after and return it. - Published: 2014-02-06 - Modified: 2015-02-05 - URL: https://www.landlordandtenant.org/glossary/fixed-term-tenancy/ When a tenant agrees to rent a property for a specific length of time (i. e. one year).