What if my landlord wants to change the lease terms early?

Both landlord and tenant must agree in writing to any changes before the agreement ends, except where permitted by law. For fixed-term leases, terms cannot be changed until the term is up.

Does my lease automatically renew in Alberta?

Fixed-term leases end on their expiry date, and do not automatically renew unless both parties agree or the contract states otherwise. Monthly tenancies continue until notice is given.

Can I break a lease early without penalty?

Usually, tenants cannot break a fixed-term lease early without penalty unless the landlord agrees, the contract allows it, or there are special circumstances (e.g. family violence protection orders). Seek advice and check your agreement.

How much notice do I need to give before moving out?

For most monthly tenancies in Alberta, tenants must give at least one full month's written notice before the last day of a monthly period.

Who is responsible for repairs while I am renting?

Landlords handle most necessary repairs and ensure the home is safe and habitable. Tenants are responsible for keeping the home reasonably clean and reporting maintenance issues promptly.

Alberta Lease Laws: Tenant Guide to Rental Agreements

Leases & Agreements Alberta published July 01, 2025

Having a clear lease or rental agreement is essential for protecting your rights as a tenant in Alberta. Alberta’s laws set out what must—and must not—be in a rental agreement, how long leases last, and what happens if things go wrong. Here, you’ll find a practical overview of leases and agreements laws in Alberta, including your rights, responsibilities, and the forms you may need.

Types of Rental Agreements in Alberta

In Alberta, most tenancies fall under two main types of rental agreements:

Fixed-term lease: Lasts for a specific period (e.g. one year). It automatically ends at the end date unless a new agreement is made.
Periodic tenancy: Continues indefinitely, typically on a monthly or weekly basis, until either tenant or landlord gives proper notice to end it.

Both written and verbal rental agreements are valid under the law, but it’s strongly recommended to have a written contract to prevent disputes and misunderstandings.

What Should Be Included in a Rental Agreement?

Your lease or rental agreement should clearly state:

Names of all tenants and the landlord
Address of the rental property
Amount of rent, when it is due, and how to pay it
The type and length of the tenancy (fixed-term or periodic)
Security or damage deposit details
Responsibilities for repairs, maintenance, and utilities
Conditions for ending the tenancy

For full details on what to expect after you sign, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Your Rights and Your Landlord’s Obligations

The Residential Tenancies Act sets minimum standards for rental agreements in Alberta. Landlords and tenants must both follow the law—no matter what the signed lease says. For example, a lease can never require the tenant to waive basic rights or accept unsafe conditions.

Tenants have the right to safe and healthy housing.
Landlords must carry out necessary repairs, keep the property habitable, and respect a tenant’s privacy.
Tenants must keep the property reasonably clean, pay rent on time, and avoid damaging the premises.

The Alberta Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta page has a complete overview of these rights.

Security Deposits and Receipts

Alberta landlords can request a security or damage deposit, but this cannot be higher than one month’s rent. It must be deposited into a separate trust account. You are entitled to a receipt for your deposit. For further detail, check out Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Rent Increases, Renewal, and Changes to the Lease

Landlords in Alberta must follow strict rules when increasing rent or making changes to the agreement:

No rent increase is allowed during a fixed-term lease unless specified in the lease itself.
For monthly periodic tenancies, landlords must give at least three full months’ written notice before increasing rent.
There must be at least 12 months between rent increases.
To make other changes to the agreement, both parties must agree in writing.

What Happens When the Lease Ends?

When a fixed-term lease ends, the tenancy simply finishes—unless both parties sign a new agreement. For periodic tenancies, you or your landlord must give proper written notice to terminate.

Tenants should always keep a copy of any notice given or received. It’s best to provide notice in writing for your own protection.

For periodic tenancies, the required notice for tenants is usually one month. Landlords must use the proper Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy form. Complete details and forms can be found directly from the Government of Alberta’s official resources.

Key Tenancy Forms for Alberta Tenants

Residential Tenancy Agreement (No official form): Used to set out the terms of your rental. Always request one in writing.
Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy: Used when you wish to move out of a month-to-month rental. Give written notice (at least one month before your move-out date). Download from the official Alberta government site.
Notice of Rent Increase: Landlords must provide this in writing at least 3 months prior. See official template and requirements at Alberta.ca.

Example: If you have a monthly tenancy and want to move out on June 30, you should give written notice on or before May 31 using the official termination form.

Who Handles Tenancy Disputes in Alberta?

If you have an issue that can’t be resolved directly with your landlord, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). This is Alberta’s main tribunal for residential rental disputes, offering a faster and less formal process than court.

What Happens After You Sign the Lease?

Once the agreement is signed, review your rights and next steps at What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement. For those searching for a new home, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme gives you access to listings in Alberta and across the country.

What if my landlord wants to change the lease terms early?
Both landlord and tenant must agree in writing to any changes before the agreement ends, except where permitted by law. For fixed-term leases, terms cannot be changed until the term is up.
Does my lease automatically renew in Alberta?
Fixed-term leases end on their expiry date, and do not automatically renew unless both parties agree or the contract states otherwise. Monthly tenancies continue until notice is given.
Can I break a lease early without penalty?
Usually, tenants cannot break a fixed-term lease early without penalty unless the landlord agrees, the contract allows it, or there are special circumstances (e.g. family violence protection orders). Seek advice and check your agreement.
How much notice do I need to give before moving out?
For most monthly tenancies in Alberta, tenants must give at least one full month's written notice before the last day of a monthly period.
Who is responsible for repairs while I am renting?
Landlords handle most necessary repairs and ensure the home is safe and habitable. Tenants are responsible for keeping the home reasonably clean and reporting maintenance issues promptly.

How do I give proper notice to end my monthly tenancy?
Fill out the official Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy form and deliver it in writing to your landlord, with at least one month’s notice before your intended move-out date.
How do I respond to a rent increase?
Carefully review the notice. If you believe the increase is unfair or doesn’t meet legal rules (e.g. not enough notice or too soon after a previous increase), contact Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service for advice or to file a dispute.
How do I request repairs if my landlord doesn’t respond?
Document your requests in writing. If repairs remain unaddressed, you may file an application with the RTDRS for an order requiring repairs.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

Always keep a written copy of your tenancy agreement and any notices.
Understand the type of lease you have and the rules around renewals and ending the tenancy.
Seek prompt help from the RTDRS if you face an unresolved issue.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Official RTDRS site
Information and forms: Alberta - Landlords and Tenants page
Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta
Local tenant associations: Search online for tenant advocacy groups and legal clinics in Alberta cities