Landlord Guide to Renting in Alberta

Alberta recognizes both oral and written residential tenancy agreements. Written agreements are strongly recommended and should outline the rent amount, payment due date, tenancy term, and the rights and obligations of both parties. The RTA applies to all residential tenancies regardless of whether the agreement is written or oral.

• Both fixed-term and periodic (month-to-month, week-to-week) tenancies are recognized under the RTA
• A written tenancy agreement must be provided to the tenant within 21 days of the tenancy start date if requested (RTA, s. 5(2))
• Clauses that attempt to waive or contract out of the RTA are void and unenforceable (RTA, s. 3)
• Alberta does not provide a mandatory standard lease form, but the government publishes guidance and sample clauses

Under the RTA, a landlord may collect a security deposit of up to one month's rent at the start of a tenancy. The deposit must be held in a trust account at an Alberta financial institution, and interest accrues on the deposit at a rate set annually by regulation.

• Maximum security deposit: one month's rent (RTA, s. 46(1))
• The deposit must be placed in a trust account at an Alberta financial institution within two banking days of receipt (RTA, s. 47(1))
• Interest accrues on the deposit at a rate prescribed by the Security Deposit Interest Rate Regulation, AR 366/2003
• Landlords may not collect a damage deposit and a security deposit—only one deposit is permitted (RTA, s. 46)

Alberta landlords have disclosure obligations related to the condition of the premises and certain property details. While the province does not impose as many mandatory disclosures as some other jurisdictions, proper documentation at move-in is essential.

• A move-in inspection report should be completed jointly by the landlord and tenant at the beginning of the tenancy to document the condition of the premises (RTA, s. 19)
• The landlord must disclose the name and address of the property owner or the owner's authorized agent
• Any known material defects or health hazards should be disclosed before the tenancy begins
• Lead-based paint disclosure is not provincially mandated but is recommended for older properties

Rent is due on the date specified in the tenancy agreement. Alberta does not impose a mandatory grace period for late rent, and landlords may charge a reasonable late fee if the agreement provides for one. There is no rent control in Alberta.

• Rent is due on the date specified in the tenancy agreement; if no date is specified, rent is due on the first day of each rental period
• No statutory grace period for late rent payments
• Landlords may charge a late fee only if it is provided for in the tenancy agreement and the amount is reasonable
• Rent receipts must be provided upon request (RTA, s. 37(3))

Landlords in Alberta are required to maintain the rental premises in a condition that meets the minimum health, safety, and housing standards established under the Public Health Act, RSA 2000, c. P-37, and applicable municipal bylaws. The landlord's obligation to repair applies throughout the tenancy.

• The landlord must provide and maintain the premises in a good state of repair and fit for habitation (RTA, s. 16(1))
• Essential services—heat, water, electricity, and gas—must be maintained at all times (RTA, s. 16(c))
• Tenants must notify the landlord in writing of needed repairs; the landlord is expected to respond within a reasonable time
• Municipal health and safety inspectors may order landlords to address deficiencies under the Housing Regulation, AR 173/99

Alberta law requires landlords to provide written notice before entering a tenant's rental unit for non-emergency purposes. Entry must be at reasonable times and for permitted reasons, with proper advance notice.

• At least 24 hours' written notice is required for non-emergency entry (RTA, s. 23(1))
• Entry must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless the tenant agrees otherwise (RTA, s. 23(2))
• Permitted purposes include inspections, repairs, showings to prospective tenants or buyers, and pest control
• Emergency entry (e.g., fire, flood, gas leak) is permitted without notice (RTA, s. 23(6))

Alberta does not have rent control. Landlords may increase rent by any amount, but must follow specific notice requirements. Rent may not be increased more than once per year for periodic tenancies and cannot be increased during a fixed-term tenancy unless the agreement permits it.

• No cap on the amount of a rent increase—Alberta has no rent control legislation
• A minimum of 12 weeks' (approximately 3 months') written notice is required for a rent increase on a periodic tenancy (RTA, s. 41(2))
• Rent may only be increased once every 365 days for periodic tenancies (RTA, s. 41(1))
• For fixed-term tenancies, rent cannot be increased during the term unless a clause in the agreement permits it

The notice periods required to terminate a residential tenancy in Alberta depend on the type of tenancy and the reason for termination. Notice must be in writing and served in accordance with the RTA.

• Periodic tenancy (month-to-month), tenant or landlord: at least one full tenancy month's written notice (RTA, s. 8(1))
• Weekly tenancy: at least one full tenancy week's notice (RTA, s. 8(2))
• Nonpayment of rent: 14 days' written notice (RTA, s. 14(1))
• Substantial breach by tenant: 14 days' written notice with an opportunity to remedy within the notice period (RTA, s. 15)

Alberta landlords may not use self-help eviction methods such as changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities. All evictions must follow the legal process through the RTDRS or the courts.

• Serve the appropriate written termination notice on the tenant under the RTA
• If the tenant does not vacate, apply to the RTDRS or the Provincial Court for an order of possession
• If the tenant still does not comply, the landlord may apply to the Court of King's Bench for a writ of possession, which is enforced by a civil enforcement agency
• Self-help evictions are prohibited and may result in liability for damages and penalties (RTA, s. 24)

Under the RTA, the landlord must return the security deposit plus accrued interest within 10 days of the tenancy ending, provided the tenant has given a forwarding address and there are no permissible deductions.

• Return deadline: within 10 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant provides a forwarding address (RTA, s. 48(1))
• The landlord must provide a written statement of any deductions and the remaining balance
• Permissible deductions: unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs to restore the unit to the condition documented in the move-in inspection report
• If the landlord fails to return the deposit within 10 days, the tenant may apply to the RTDRS for an order for the full return of the deposit