Living through building renovations can be disruptive for Alberta tenants. It's important to know your rights, understand what your landlord can and cannot do during renovations, and learn how to protect yourself if your home is affected. This article gives you practical, up-to-date guidance based on Alberta's landlord-tenant law.

Who Oversees Residential Tenancies in Alberta?

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) handles most tenancy disputes in Alberta. This body helps resolve issues between landlords and tenants, including problems related to renovation work, eviction, or repairs.

Your Rights During Renovations Under Alberta Law

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)^[1], tenants have a right to quiet enjoyment, safe living conditions, and proper notice about changes affecting their rental unit. Renovations can complicate your living situation, but your rights do not disappear simply because work is being done.

• Notice of Entry: Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit for renovations, unless it’s an emergency.
• Right to Remain: In most cases, your landlord cannot force you out just for renovations, unless they're making extensive changes that require ending the tenancy.
• Essential Services: Even during renovations, your landlord must provide basic services—heat, water, and electricity—unless a temporary interruption is necessary and notice is given.
• Right to Compensation: If you experience a serious loss of use (e.g., you’re temporarily unable to live in your home), you may be eligible for a rent reduction or other compensation.

When Can a Landlord Renovate?

Landlords have a right to upgrade and maintain their properties. However, they must:

• Give clear, written notice for any non-emergency entry
• Ensure renovations are done with as little disruption as possible
• Comply with Alberta’s health and safety requirements

Major renovations that require you to move out often mean the landlord intends to end your tenancy. In these cases, they must serve a legal notice.

What Kind of Notice Do You Need to Receive?

If the landlord needs you to leave for major renovations, they must give written notice depending on your lease:

• Monthly Lease or No Fixed Term: You must receive at least 3 full tenancy months notice before the end of a rental period.
• Fixed-Term Lease: The tenancy usually ends when the lease expires, unless otherwise agreed.

The notice must state the reason—such as major renovations that require vacancy. If you believe the landlord is not following proper procedures, contact the RTDRS for guidance.

Temporary Relocation and Rent Adjustment

For renovations that only temporarily disrupt your use of the unit, Alberta law does not require the landlord to find you another place to stay, but you can negotiate directly. If parts of your unit are unusable, you can ask for a temporary rent reduction.

Health, Safety, and Quiet Enjoyment

Dust, noise, or hazardous conditions during renovations can affect your health and safety. Your landlord has a duty to maintain a safe environment and minimize disruption. If renovations create unsafe conditions or reduce your ability to use your home, discuss solutions with your landlord first. If things do not improve, Alberta’s Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting page explains your options, including contacting Alberta Health Services.

Common Tenant Concerns With Renovations

Renovations often disrupt daily life. Here’s how to handle some frequent issues:

• Lack of Communication: Request clear updates and schedules in writing from your landlord.
• Utility Shut-Offs: Make sure you get proper notice and services are restored promptly.
• Loss or Damage: Take photos and make a record before work starts. If damage occurs, contact your landlord to resolve it quickly.

Many tenants worry about eviction under the pretense of renovations (sometimes called 'renoviction'). Landlords can only end your tenancy for major renovations they genuinely intend to complete, and proper legal notice is required.

Official Forms for Alberta Tenants During Renovations

• Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy (Form 3): Used by landlords to notify tenants about ending the tenancy for reasons such as major renovations. Example: If your landlord needs you to move out for major upgrades, they must give you this form at least 3 tenancy months in advance. View the official Notice to Terminate form
• Application to the RTDRS: If you disagree with a notice or seek compensation for inconvenience, apply to the RTDRS. Example: If your landlord did not follow notice rules, you can file this application. RTDRS Application Forms

How to Respond If Renovations Affect Your Tenancy

If your landlord plans or starts renovations that affect your home, take these steps:

1. Get Written Notice: Insist on written updates about work schedules and entry dates.
2. Keep Documentation: Save all correspondence and take photos of your home before renovations begin.
3. Negotiate Solutions: If renovations seriously disrupt your life, discuss temporary measures or compensation with your landlord.
4. File a Complaint: If issues persist, submit an application to the RTDRS explaining your situation and requesting a hearing.

For more on landlord and tenant obligations during tenancy, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Learn More About Tenant Rights in Alberta

For a broad overview of laws that protect residents, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Looking for a new place while renovations are ongoing? Browse apartments for rent in Canada for up-to-date listings in your city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building Renovations for Alberta Tenants

1. Can my landlord ask me to move out due to renovations?
   Yes, but only for major renovations that require vacancy. You must receive written notice three tenancy months in advance if on a periodic (monthly) lease.
2. Is my landlord required to find me a place to stay if renovations make my home unusable?
   No, Alberta law does not require landlords to provide alternate accommodation. You can negotiate for rent reductions or temporary solutions.
3. What if renovations make my home unsafe or unhealthy?
   Notify your landlord and ask for corrections. If problems persist, contact Alberta Health Services or apply to the RTDRS for help.
4. Can my landlord enter my unit without notice for renovation work?
   No, except in an emergency. Written notice of entry (minimum 24 hours) is required by law.
5. What forms do I use to dispute a renovation-related eviction or seek compensation?
   Use the Application to the RTDRS and provide detailed information about your situation, supported with photos and correspondence.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords need written notice and follow legal steps for renovations that impact tenants.
• Keep records and communicate in writing to protect your rights.
• If your health or living conditions are affected, you have access to help and complaint processes.

Understanding your rights helps you respond confidently to renovation situations and maintain safe housing during any upgrades or changes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• RTDRS – Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service: File complaints or dispute renovation-related evictions.
• Government of Alberta: Residential Tenancies: Forms, laws, and tenant resources.
• Alberta Health Services: Report unsafe rental housing conditions.
• Local tenants’ associations such as the Edmonton or Calgary tenants’ unions for peer support and legal information.

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1. Alberta’s main law for leases and renovations: Residential Tenancies Act (RSA 2000)
2. Official forms and RTDRS resources: Government of Alberta – RTDRS Forms
3. Notice requirements: Residential Tenancies Act, s.21–23
4. Safety and health complaints: Alberta Health Services

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