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Landlord and Tenant Information for Albertans

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Repairs

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Westmount

The Residential Tenancies Act does not deal specifically with repairs and maintenance, but landlords have a responsibility under public health laws to ensure their properties are sanitary and safe to live in. However, there are some repairs that are the tenant’s responsibility.

The landlord must ensure that:

  • the living space is safe and meets minimum housing, fire, building, and health standards;
  • the heating, wiring, and plumbing work;
  • the structure of the building is maintained including windows, doors, walls, roofs, ceilings, floors, and stairs;
  • the fridge and stove work; and
  • the common areas are clean (common areas are the spaces shared with other tenants including hallways, stairs, and parking lots).

The Residential Tenancies Act states that in order to enter a tenant’s unit to do repairs, the landlord must give notice to the tenant, except in the case of an emergency.

Sometimes the tenant will be responsible for making repairs or maintaining the rental property. The tenant should read the lease for information about what they are responsible for. The tenant is usually obligated to:

  • keep the property clean;
  • inform the landlord of any needed repairs;
  • repair any damage they cause to the property; and
  • make small repairs (for example, changing light bulbs or unplugging drains).

If the there are repairs that need to be done to the property by the landlord, then the tenant should make that request in writing (see example below).

Repairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Minimum Housing and Health Standards?

What can a tenant do if the landlord won’t do any repairs?

Can a tenant stop paying rent while waiting for repairs to be done?

If a tenant completes repairs, can he or she bill the landlord?

Does a landlord have to give the tenant notice before making repairs?

Can a repair person enter the property without the tenant being present?

Is a landlord allowed to make frequent and disruptive repairs?

Who is responsible for getting rid of bugs in a rental property?

Does the landlord have to paint between tenants?

Tools to Help

Can a landlord charge for renovations?

Minimum Housing & Health Standards

ARLA’s Bed Bug Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 2015

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  • About
    • About CPLEA and Disclaimer
    • Copyright Statement
  • Topics
    • Legislation
    • Leases and Agreements
    • Security Deposits
    • Inspection Reports
    • Responsibilities
    • Roommates, Subletting, and Assignment
    • Repairs
    • Notices
      • Eviction Notice (Notice of Termination of Tenancy for Substantial Breach)
      • Notice of Objection to an Eviction Notice
      • Notice of Entry by the Landlord
      • Notice of Landlord
      • Notice of Rent Increase
      • Notice of Termination of a Periodic Tenancy for Allowable Reasons
      • Notice to End a Periodic Tenancy
      • Tenant’s 14 Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy
    • Dispute Resolution
  • Resources
  • FAQs
  • Glossary
  • Find Help
    • Forms
    • Legal Advice
    • Government & Court Services