Alberta Tenant Safety & Security Checklist: Keep Your Rental Safe

Feeling secure and protected in your rental home is essential. In Alberta, tenants have specific rights and responsibilities around safety and security. This practical checklist will walk you through key steps, from moving in to day-to-day living, to ensure your peace of mind while renting in Alberta. Whether you're new to renting or want a refresher on best practices, this resource helps you stay informed and proactive in protecting yourself and your home.

Why Safety and Security Matter for Alberta Renters

Your rental home is meant to be a safe place – physically and legally. Understanding your rights and the safety standards landlords must follow under Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act ensures you can address problems and hold all parties accountable¹.

Pre-Move-In: Your Safety Checklist

• Inspect Doors and Windows: All locks should work smoothly. Check if patio doors, balcony doors, and ground-floor windows have proper security features.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Confirm alarms exist and are in working order. Alberta law requires smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas.
• Fire Extinguisher Access: Ask where extinguishers are located.
• Lighting and Outdoor Access: Common hallways, building entrances, and parking areas must have adequate lighting.
• Mold, Pests, and Hazards: Look for signs of leaks, mold, or infestations. For more details, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Document any issues using Alberta's move-in inspection process. The Move-In Inspection Report (RTS-27) is required by law and should be completed with your landlord.

Download the official Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Report. Use this to note any damages, missing safety features, or concerns before accepting the keys.

During Your Tenancy: Ongoing Security Practices

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly
• Report any broken locks, windows, or doors immediately
• Keep entryways and patios clear to prevent fire hazards
• Be mindful of maintenance in common areas (e.g., lights and fire doors)
• Address safety issues (like pest infestations or mold) quickly with your landlord

For routine maintenance, landlords must handle repairs related to safety within a reasonable time. However, for urgent situations like loss of heating, broken locks, or fire damage, Alberta tenants can take extra action.

How to Report an Emergency Repair

• Document the issue (photos help!) and inform your landlord in writing as soon as possible
• If there's no quick response, tenants may be able to arrange emergency repairs and recover reasonable costs²
• File an application with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) if you face health or safety threats and cannot resolve matters with your landlord

Read more about dealing with urgent repairs in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Securing Your Personal Belongings

While landlords are responsible for the building’s security, tenants must take care of personal belongings. Consider:

• Getting tenant insurance to protect your valuables from theft, fire, or water damage
• Keeping doors and windows locked, even when home
• Never tampering with fire safety equipment – it’s illegal and dangerous

Mental Health, Violence, and Feeling Unsafe

If domestic violence or harassment is present in your home, Alberta law allows you to end a lease early in certain situations. The Safer Spaces Certificate enables tenants to break their lease without penalty if they or a child in the household are experiencing violence. Learn more and apply for the Safer Spaces Certificate here.

Leaving Your Rental: Safety Steps on Move-Out

• Complete another inspection using the same RTS-27 form
• Return all keys and provide your forwarding address
• Photograph the property to document its condition

You can also see our Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for more about inspections and getting your security deposit back.

Proactive safety checks and good documentation protect not just your belongings, but your rights as a tenant.

Key Alberta Resources

• Tribunal: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• Legislation: Alberta Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
• Safety Forms & Guidance: Alberta Health and Safety for Renters

For broader rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta. If you are searching for a new rental that prioritizes security, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with safety features in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible for smoke alarms and locks in Alberta rentals?
   Landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining smoke alarms and ensuring locks work, but tenants should test alarms and report problems promptly.
2. What should I do if my landlord ignores an urgent safety repair?
   Document the issue, email or text your landlord, and if unresolved, you may arrange emergency repairs yourself and claim costs. You can also apply to RTDRS for help.
3. Can I break my lease early if I feel unsafe?
   In situations of family violence, you may apply for a Safer Spaces Certificate to end your lease early without penalty.
4. Is tenant insurance mandatory in Alberta?
   It is not required by law, but most landlords recommend it to protect your personal belongings and liability.
5. What form do I use for move-in/move-out inspections?
   The official Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Report (RTS-27) should be completed jointly with your landlord and signed by both parties.

How-To: Handling Safety Issues During Your Tenancy

1. How do I report a safety or health hazard to my landlord?
   Document the problem (pictures help). Contact your landlord by email or in writing and keep a copy. If there's no response, escalate with RTDRS.
2. How can I arrange emergency repairs if needed?
   If your landlord fails to act on urgent repairs, you may arrange for them, keep all records, and deduct reasonable costs from future rent or seek reimbursement – but notify the landlord first.
3. How do I apply for a Safer Spaces Certificate?
   Contact a certified victim services advocate, gather documentation, and apply via Alberta's government portal.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Inspect, document, and report any safety issues starting from move-in
• You have strong legal protections around urgent repairs and health hazards
• Resources like tenant insurance and Safer Spaces support your security and peace of mind during tenancy

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta RTDRS (Tribunal for disputes)
• Alberta Health, Safety, and Emergencies
• For general legal info and advocacy: Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta

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1. See: Alberta Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
2. RTDRS Emergency Repairs Guidance: Official Government Page

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