Tenant Rights in Alberta
Understanding the Residential Tenancies Act
Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs residential rentals in Alberta. The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) handles disputes, offering a faster alternative to court.
Important
Alberta does not have rent control. Landlords can increase rent by any amount, but must give proper notice (3 months for periodic tenancies).
Security Deposits
- Maximum security deposit is one month's rent
- Must be held in a trust account and earn interest
- Landlord must return deposit within 10 days of move-out
- A statement of deductions must be provided if any is withheld
Eviction Rules
Landlords must follow proper procedures to evict a tenant. Common grounds include non-payment of rent, substantial breach of the lease, or the landlord's own use. Notice periods vary from 14 days to 3 months depending on the reason.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Pay rent on time
- Keep the unit reasonably clean
- Report needed repairs to the landlord
- Not disturb other tenants
- Obtain permission before making changes to the unit
Resources
Contact the RTDRS at 310-0000 (in Alberta) or visit their website for dispute resolution services.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.