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Landlord and Tenant Information for Albertans

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You are here: Home / Repairs / FAQ – Can a tenant stop paying rent while waiting for repairs to be done?

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

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No. Even if repairs are not complete, a tenant must continue to pay all the rent on time and in full. If a tenant stops paying rent, they can be evicted.

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 Provincial Court 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 can be repaired, it is likely the lease will be able to continue.

February 2020

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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