Alberta Tenant Maintenance & Repairs: Complete Guide

Are you renting a home or apartment in Alberta and having trouble with your landlord responding to repair requests? Understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding maintenance and repairs can make all the difference in keeping your living space safe, healthy, and well-maintained. This guide explains what Alberta tenants need to know, how to get repairs done, and what to do if your landlord won’t cooperate.

Maintenance Responsibilities: Tenant vs. Landlord

In Alberta, both landlords and tenants have crucial roles when it comes to keeping rental units in good condition. The law states that landlords must make sure properties meet health, safety, and housing standards at all times, even if tenants know about issues when moving in.

• Landlord Responsibilities: Ensure the unit meets minimum standards and promptly repair anything that makes the home unsafe or unfit for living, such as broken heating or plumbing.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Keep the unit reasonably clean, inform the landlord of needed repairs right away, and avoid damaging the property or common areas.

For more details on responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Qualifies as a “Repair”?

Repairs include fixing anything that affects safety, health, or essential services such as:

• Heating, plumbing, or electrical problems
• Broken doors or windows
• Pest infestations or water leaks
• Faulty appliances provided by the landlord

Tenants should act fast, especially if a repair involves a health or safety risk. Serious maintenance issues often overlap with Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Requesting Repairs: Steps for Alberta Tenants

If you discover a maintenance problem, follow these steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Email and written letters work best because they create a paper trail.
• Clearly describe the problem, when it began, and ask for it to be fixed promptly.
• Keep copies of all correspondence, including repair requests and responses.

Tip: Landlords generally must respond and address urgent repairs (like loss of heat) in a reasonable time—usually 24 hours for emergencies, or within a few days for non-urgent matters.

Dealing with Delayed or Refused Repairs

If your landlord ignores your request or refuses to make necessary repairs:

• Send a follow-up letter or email reiterating your request, with a clear deadline for action.
• If there’s still no response or the repair poses a health/safety risk, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or Provincial Court.

Official Forms and Action Steps for Repairs in Alberta

If you need to formally request repairs or begin a dispute, these official forms may apply:

• Application for Remedy (RTDRS Form):
  When to use: When you need the RTDRS to order your landlord to make repairs after other attempts have failed.
  Example: Your landlord hasn’t fixed broken heating for several days after multiple written requests.
  How to use: Complete the Application for Remedy Form from the Alberta government. Submit it online, by mail, or in person to the RTDRS with any supporting evidence like photos or emails.

Relevant tribunal: In Alberta, the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) handles most disputes between landlords and tenants, including maintenance and repairs.

Relevant legislation: All maintenance and repair matters fall under Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). This law details the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants for safe, habitable housing¹.

Types of Repairs: Emergency vs. Routine Maintenance

Not all repairs are handled the same way:

• Emergency Repairs: Issues that make the rental unsafe (no heat in winter, broken locks, major leaks). Landlords must address these within 24 hours.
• Routine Repairs: Non-urgent issues (a squeaky door, leaky tap). Addressed in a reasonable timeframe.

Find more on who handles routine fixes in the Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Your Rights: Maintenance, Repairs, and Withholding Rent

Even if repairs are overdue, Alberta tenants are generally not allowed to withhold rent without a tribunal or court order. Instead, pursue formal remedies and keep paying rent to avoid eviction risks.

Moving Out? Get Repairs Addressed Early

If you’re planning to move or preparing for your final inspection, getting all maintenance issues documented and resolved in advance is wise. This helps protect your deposit and ensures a smooth transition.

For a full summary, consult Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

For those searching for a better managed apartment or new home, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to discover listings by responsible landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who pays for repairs in Alberta rental homes?
   Landlords must pay for repairs due to normal wear and tear or anything that affects health and safety; tenants pay only for damage they or their guests cause.
2. What repairs can I do myself?
   Minor things like replacing lightbulbs or smoke detector batteries are usually the tenant’s job. Bigger repairs or anything related to structure, plumbing, or safety must be done by the landlord or a qualified professional.
3. How quickly must my landlord fix emergency repairs?
   Landlords must address emergency repairs (like loss of heat, water, or power) within 24 hours, or as soon as reasonably possible.
4. Can I hold back rent if repairs aren’t made?
   No. Alberta tenants cannot legally withhold rent for repairs unless ordered by the RTDRS or court. Always pay rent on time.
5. What if repairs make my home temporarily unlivable?
   If a repair means you must temporarily move out, discuss with the landlord about rent reductions or alternate accommodation. You can also apply to the RTDRS if you can’t reach an agreement.

How To: Getting Repairs Done in Your Alberta Rental

1. How do I make a formal repair request?
   Write to your landlord (email or letter), describe the issue, request action, and keep a copy for your records.
2. How can I escalate if the landlord doesn’t respond?
   Send a follow-up in writing. If needed, file an Application for Remedy with the RTDRS, attaching your records and correspondence.
3. What should I include in a repair complaint?
   List the problem, how it affects your living, previous attempts to have it fixed, and provide photos or evidence if possible.

• Step 1: Notify your landlord in writing.
• Step 2: Wait a reasonable time for a response (24 hours for emergency, a few days for routine).
• Step 3: If unresolved, contact the RTDRS and submit an Application for Remedy form with supporting documents.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must keep Alberta rental properties safe and liveable, promptly addressing necessary repairs.
• Tenants should request repairs in writing and keep detailed records of all communication.
• Unresolved issues can be escalated to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service using official forms.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – File applications or get dispute help
• Alberta Residential Tenancies Act – Review full housing legislation
• Service Alberta: Landlord and Tenant – Guidance, forms, FAQs
• For detailed rights and obligations in your province, see the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta page

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1. See Alberta Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), current legislation.
2. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), Government of Alberta.
3. Service Alberta - Renting in Alberta, Government of Alberta.

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