Alberta Rent & Deposit FAQs: Tenant Rights Explained

Renting a home in Alberta comes with important questions about security deposits, how and when rent can be raised, and what the eviction process involves. If you’re a tenant in Alberta, understanding your rights and responsibilities around rent and deposits can help prevent misunderstandings and protect your interests. This guide covers the most frequently asked questions for tenants—using clear, plain language and up-to-date rules for 2024.

Understanding Rent and Security Deposits in Alberta

In Alberta, the rules for rent and security deposits are set out by the Residential Tenancies Act.¹ Knowing how much you can be asked to pay up front, how deposits should be handled, and what landlords can (and cannot) deduct is crucial.

What Is a Security Deposit?

A security deposit (sometimes called a damage deposit) is a sum you pay your landlord at the start of a tenancy. The deposit amount cannot be more than one month's rent. Your deposit must be returned—plus interest calculated yearly—unless the landlord can show legal deductions for things like unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear.

For more detailed information, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

When and How Is the Deposit Returned?

• Your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days of the end of your tenancy unless they make a claim for damages or unpaid rent.
• If deductions are made, you must be given an itemized statement.
• Interest must be paid at the rate specified by Alberta regulations.

Paying Rent: Methods, Receipts, and Late Payment

Tenants are expected to pay their rent in full and on time. Rent may be paid by cash, cheque, e-transfer, or another agreed method—always ask for a receipt.

Learn more at Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

• Late fees: Landlords can only charge late fees if specifically included in your lease, and these fees must be reasonable.
• Rent increases: If you are on a periodic (month-to-month or week-to-week) tenancy, your landlord must give proper written notice before any rent increase. In Alberta, rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease.

Notice for Rent Increases

• For monthly tenancies, you must receive at least 3 full months’ written notice.
• For weekly tenancies, at least 12 full weeks’ written notice is required.
• The notice must be in writing and delivered to you in person, by mail, or by another method agreed upon in your lease.

Important Forms for Alberta Tenants

• Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy (Form RTB-7): Use this form if you wish to end a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy. Serve this notice in writing with the correct number of days' notice (e.g., one full month).
• Application for a Hearing (Form RTDRS-5): Use this form to file a complaint or resolve disputes with your landlord (e.g., for non-return of deposit, rent disputes, etc.). Submit via the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).³

For step-by-step help, see the How To section below.

Where to Resolve Rental Disputes

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) handles most rental disputes between landlords and tenants in Alberta. You can also apply to the Court of King’s Bench for complex matters.

Quick Facts on Tenant & Landlord Rights in Alberta

• Your landlord cannot require more than one month’s rent as a deposit.
• Your rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease.
• Get everything in writing—and keep your receipts.
• Learn more about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

To see available rental homes and apartments, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

1. How much can a landlord ask for a security deposit in Alberta? Landlords in Alberta can ask for up to one full month’s rent as a security deposit. Charging more is not allowed under law.
2. How do I get my security deposit back? Your landlord must return the deposit (plus interest) within 10 days after your tenancy ends unless deductions are made. If deductions are made, you must get an itemized list.
3. Can a landlord raise the rent whenever they want? No. Landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months in Alberta, and they must give written notice—three months’ notice for monthly tenancies.
4. What if my landlord refuses to return my deposit? File a complaint with the RTDRS using the correct form. You may have your deposit returned, sometimes with interest.
5. Do I have to move out if I can’t pay my rent on time? Your landlord can serve a 14-day eviction notice for unpaid rent, but you may be able to avoid eviction by paying all overdue rent within the notice period.

1. How do I file a complaint with the RTDRS if my landlord won’t return my deposit?
   • Step 1: Download and fill out the Application for a Hearing (Form RTDRS-5) from the Alberta government’s website.
   • Step 2: Gather supporting documents (lease, move-out inspection, correspondence, receipts).
   • Step 3: Submit your completed form and documents to the RTDRS in person, by mail, or online, and pay the filing fee.
   • Step 4: Wait for your hearing date and bring all evidence to present your case.
2. How do I give written notice if I want to move out of a month-to-month rental?
   • Step 1: Fill out the "Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy" (Form RTB-7).
   • Step 2: Give your landlord at least one full month's notice in writing.
   • Step 3: Keep a copy as proof of notice.
3. How do I respond to a rent increase notice?
   • Step 1: Check the date and amount of increase match Alberta’s legal requirements.
   • Step 2: Contact your landlord with any questions or concerns. Put concerns in writing.
   • Step 3: If you believe the increase is illegal, contact Alberta’s Service Alberta or file a dispute.

• Security deposits in Alberta cannot exceed one month’s rent and must be returned with interest, unless there are legal deductions.
• Rent increases require three full months’ written notice for monthly leases and can only occur once per year.
• Use the RTDRS to resolve disputes like withheld deposits or illegal rent increases.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Residential Tenancies (Service Alberta) – Information, forms, and guides for tenants
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – File complaints and resolve disputes
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta
• Contact local legal clinics in Alberta for free tenant advice

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
2. Rules for Rent Increases (Alberta)
3. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

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