How much can my landlord charge for a security deposit in Alberta?

The security deposit cannot exceed one month's rent, and must be placed in a trust account by the landlord.

How often can my rent be increased?

Your landlord can only increase rent once every 12 months, and must provide at least three full months' written notice.

What should I do if my landlord doesn't return my security deposit?

First, contact your landlord in writing. If you don't receive your deposit (with interest) or a statement of deductions within 10 days of moving out, you can apply to the RTDRS for resolution.

Are landlords required to provide receipts for rent or deposits?

Yes. If you request a receipt for either rent or your security deposit, the landlord must provide one.

Alberta Tenant Guide to Rent and Security Deposit Issues

Rent & Deposits Alberta published July 01, 2025

Navigating rent and deposit issues as a tenant in Alberta can feel overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with your legal rights. With everchanging rules and responsibilities for both landlords and tenants, it's important to stay informed so you can protect your home — and your hard-earned money.

Rent: What Alberta Tenants Should Know

Rent payments are the foundation of every tenancy, but problems can arise, from late payments to unexpected increases. In Alberta, both tenants and landlords are regulated by the Residential Tenancies Act^[1].

Paying Rent: Timing, Methods, and Receipts

Rent is typically due on the same day each month, as agreed in your lease.
Landlords must provide a receipt if requested by the tenant.
Acceptable payment methods (e.g., e-transfer, cheque, direct deposit) should be specified in your rental agreement.

For more on managing your payments and what to do if an issue arises, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Rent Increases: Notice Requirements and Legal Limits

Landlords must provide at least three full months' written notice of a rent increase for monthly or periodic tenancies.
Rent increases are allowed once every 12 months per tenant, regardless of lease renewal.
No limit is set by law on how much rent can be increased, but proper notice must always be given.

If you believe a rent increase notice is not valid or fair, you may seek mediation or apply to the official dispute tribunal.

Security Deposits: Your Rights and Responsibilities

Security (damage) deposits are common in Alberta rentals. The deposit helps protect the landlord in case of unpaid rent or damages, but tenants have explicit rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.

The Basics of Security Deposits

Maximum deposit amount is one month’s rent.
Deposits must be held in a trust account separate from the landlord’s personal funds.
Tenants should receive a written receipt for their deposit.

For a comprehensive breakdown, read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Getting Your Security Deposit Back

After you move out, landlords have 10 days to return the deposit with interest, or provide a statement of deductions.
Your deposit can only be used for unpaid rent, damages (excluding normal wear and tear), or specific lease violations.
Completing both an initial and final inspection is key to protecting your deposit. Always ask for a copy of the inspection reports.

Official Forms for Alberta Tenants

Staying organized and using the right forms strengthens your position if you encounter rent or deposit disputes.

Notice of Rent Increase: Landlords use this form to notify tenants of an upcoming rent raise. You should receive it in writing at least 3 months in advance. Learn more and access the official form.
Inspection Report: Both move-in and move-out inspections require a completed Inspection Report. This protects tenants against unjust deductions to their deposit. Download the Alberta Inspection Report Form. Complete the form jointly with your landlord at the start and end of your tenancy.
Application to Resolve a Dispute (RTDRS Form L1): If you can't resolve an issue over rent or deposits, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) using this form. Submit your application online or download the form. For example, use this if your security deposit isn't returned on time or in full.

Keep copies of every form for your records, and note all correspondence with your landlord.

Dispute Resolution: Who Handles Tenant Issues in Alberta?

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) helps tenants and landlords resolve problems such as rent increases, lease violations, or security deposit disagreements. You can apply online, by mail, or in-person. If the RTDRS can't help, court is an option for exceptional circumstances.

Stay Informed: Additional Rights and Obligations

Success as a tenant isn't just about paying rent on time. For a balanced overview of tenant and landlord duties, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. To see how Alberta compares to other provinces, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

If you’re ever struggling to resolve a rent or deposit issue, remember that early communication and using the proper forms are your best first steps. Document everything!

If you're searching for your next place, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada with easy map-based search tools.

FAQ: Alberta Rent and Deposit Issues

How much can my landlord charge for a security deposit in Alberta?
The security deposit cannot exceed one month's rent, and must be placed in a trust account by the landlord.
How often can my rent be increased?
Your landlord can only increase rent once every 12 months, and must provide at least three full months' written notice.
What should I do if my landlord doesn't return my security deposit?
First, contact your landlord in writing. If you don't receive your deposit (with interest) or a statement of deductions within 10 days of moving out, you can apply to the RTDRS for resolution.
Are landlords required to provide receipts for rent or deposits?
Yes. If you request a receipt for either rent or your security deposit, the landlord must provide one.

How-To: Dealing With a Rent Increase or Deposit Dispute in Alberta

How do I dispute a rent increase?
1. Carefully review the notice to ensure it complies with Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act. 2. If the notice is improper, contact your landlord in writing with your concerns. 3. If unresolved, file a complaint with the RTDRS using the official form.
How do I get my security deposit back?
1. Clean and repair the property (normal wear and tear is not penalized). 2. Complete a move-out inspection with your landlord. 3. Request your deposit in writing if it’s not returned within 10 days. 4. Apply to the RTDRS if necessary.
How can I formally complain about a landlord’s action?
Gather documentation (emails, forms, inspection reports), then use the appropriate RTDRS application to file your dispute.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

Always document rent payments and deposit transactions with receipts and forms.
Know the legal notice periods for rent increases and deposit returns.
Don’t hesitate to contact Alberta’s RTDRS if a dispute cannot be resolved directly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – File complaints, resolve disputes, and access forms.
Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta) – Full legislation and updates.
Alberta Landlord and Tenant Information – Official guidance, contact info, and more.
For a wide view of tenant-landlord legal rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.