Alberta Tenant Safety & Security Laws: Your Rights Explained

Feeling safe and secure in your Alberta rental is your right. As a tenant, you’re protected by specific laws that outline what your landlord must provide and what you can do if something goes wrong. This article explains how Alberta’s safety and security rules work, including the roles of landlords and tenants, the legal process for raising concerns, and where you can turn for help.

Legal Basics: Safety & Security for Tenants in Alberta

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)¹ sets out your rights to a safe, habitable rental home. The Act requires landlords to:

• Keep your unit in good repair and comply with health, housing, and safety standards
• Maintain locks and security devices
• Respond to urgent repair requests (e.g., unsafe heating, water leaks, broken windows)

Tenants are also responsible for keeping the home reasonably clean and in good condition, and for not damaging the property.
For a wider look at the rights and duties of both sides, check out Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Understanding Health, Fire, and Security Standards

Mandatory standards include proper heating, plumbing, windows that lock, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and pest-free conditions. Many repairs and upgrades, especially those urgent for safety, must be done promptly by your landlord.

For tips on common safety hazards and what to watch for when renting, see our guide: Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Your Right to Repairs and Maintenance

If something breaks and affects your safety (like a door that won’t lock or a broken furnace), your landlord must fix it quickly — especially if it makes your home unfit to live in or threatens your security.

• Emergency repairs include threats to health, serious water leaks, heating failure in winter, or lack of power
• For routine repairs, landlords must act within a reasonable time

Want to know more about how repairs are handled? See: Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Inspections: What Landlords Can and Cannot Do

Landlords have a right to inspect the property for safety, but they must give at least 24 hours’ written notice and enter only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. They do not need permission for emergencies (like a gas leak).

Forms and Procedures: Reporting a Safety Issue

• Notice of Concern – While there is no official provincial “Notice of Concern” form, always report safety/repair issues in writing (email or letter) to your landlord, describing the problem and requested fix.
• Application for a Remedy to RTDRS (Form 7)
  • When to use: If your landlord won’t fix serious safety issues after you’ve notified them in writing, submit Form 7 to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).
  • How: Fill out Form 7: Application for Remedy and submit online or in person.
  • Example: If your landlord ignores requests to repair a broken lock threatening your safety, you may apply for an order requiring repairs.

Other issues, like infestations, fire damage, or security camera privacy, may need separate action – see government guidelines or contact a tenant support service for specifics.

What About Locks, Keys, and Security Devices?

Your landlord must provide proper locks and cannot change them without your consent (except in emergencies). Only you and those you permit should have access. If keys are lost, both sides should agree on who pays for replacements unless otherwise outlined in your rental agreement.

Tribunal for Alberta Tenants

For disputes about safety or security, Alberta tenants can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), an accessible and affordable alternative to court.

For more on rights specific to your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Other Useful Resources

• Service Alberta's Guide to Renting
• Maintenance in Rental Properties (Alberta.gov.ca)
• Environmental Public Health for Tenants

Looking beyond Alberta? You can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

1. Do I have to let my landlord in for inspections?
   In most cases, your landlord must provide at least 24 hours' written notice and only enter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., except in emergencies.
2. What can I do if my apartment isn't safe?
   Report the concern in writing to your landlord. If nothing is done, you can apply to the RTDRS for help.
3. Who is responsible for locks and keys?
   Your landlord must provide working locks and keys at the start of your tenancy and can't change them without your agreement (unless fixing a safety emergency).
4. What counts as an emergency repair?
   Repairs necessary to make your unit safe or prevent serious damage, like broken doors, windows, failed heating in winter, or major leaks.
5. Where can I learn more about my rights in Alberta?
   You can read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for more provincial details.

1. How can I report a safety hazard to my landlord?
   Describe the problem clearly in writing, include the date, and ask for a repair. Keep a copy of all your communications as a record.
2. How do I apply to the RTDRS about safety issues?
   Fill out Form 7: Application for Remedy, attach proof of your previous written requests, and submit it online or at an RTDRS office.
3. What should I do if my landlord ignores urgent repairs?
   After giving written notice, if no action is taken and it impacts safety, you may apply to the RTDRS for an order.
4. How do I handle unauthorized entry by my landlord?
   Document the incident, remind your landlord of the legal requirements, and pursue dispute resolution if it continues.
5. How do I prepare for a property safety inspection?
   Ensure all your belongings are safe, be present if possible, and make note of any issues raised or discovered during the inspection.

Key Takeaways:

• Tenants in Alberta have the right to a safe, secure rental and prompt repairs under the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Landlords must provide working locks, keep the property in good repair, and follow entry rules for inspections or emergencies.
• Use written records and official forms (like RTDRS Form 7) to resolve disputes over safety or needed repairs.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Low-cost, accessible dispute resolution for tenants and landlords in Alberta
• Service Alberta: Consumer Tips for Renters
• Tenant advocacy: Contact Alberta tenant support services for advice or legal help
• Fire, police, or public health: Call 911 or local authorities for immediate safety threats

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1. ¹ Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
2. ² Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
3. ³ Alberta Government – Maintenance in Rental Properties

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