Can a new landlord raise my rent immediately after buying the property in Alberta?

No, a new landlord must follow Alberta's standard rules for rent increases, which include providing advance written notice and respecting existing tenancy agreements.

How much notice must a landlord in Alberta give before increasing rent?

Landlords must provide at least 12 full weeks (3 months) of written notice before increasing rent on periodic tenancies.

Does my rental agreement change if the property is sold to a new landlord in Alberta?

No, your lease or rental agreement remains in force and the new landlord must follow its terms.

Can a New Landlord Raise the Rent Right Away in Alberta?

Q: Who do I contact if I think my landlord is raising rent improperly?

You can contact Alberta's Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for help and to file a dispute if needed.

Affordable Housing & Subsidies Alberta published: June 12, 2025

For tenants in Alberta, a change in landlord can bring uncertainty—especially around potential rent increases. Knowing your rights under Alberta law ensures you can respond to any rental changes confidently and avoid unwanted surprises.

What Happens to Rent When a Property Changes Owners?

When your rental property is sold and a new landlord takes over in Alberta, your existing lease or rental agreement remains in effect. This means the terms—such as rent, payment schedule, and other conditions—stay the same until the agreement ends or is renewed.

Do New Landlords Have Special Rights to Raise the Rent?

No. In Alberta, a new landlord steps into the shoes of the previous one, bound by the same lease or month-to-month terms. They cannot raise the rent immediately or outside the standard legal process.

Alberta Rent Increase Rules: Notice Requirements and Timelines

Alberta law sets clear rent increase guidelines to help both tenants and landlords know what to expect. The rules depend on the type of rental agreement:

Fixed-term leases: Rent can only be increased at the start of a new lease period, never during an active fixed-term lease.
Month-to-month or periodic tenancies: Rent increases are allowed, but only with proper notice, and not more than once every 12 months.

Regardless of who owns the property, the same rent increase rules apply. A new landlord must respect your existing contract and follow legal notice requirements.

How Much Notice Does a Landlord Need to Give in Alberta?

Landlords in Alberta—including new ones—must provide written notice before increasing rent:

12 full weeks (3 months) notice for month-to-month or weekly tenancies
One year between increases (rent may not be increased more than once every 365 days for a specific tenant and premises)

The notice must:

Be delivered in writing (paper or electronic acceptable)
State the new rent amount and the date it will take effect
Follow established delivery methods (in person, by mail, etc.)

If you get a notice that does not meet these requirements, the rent increase is invalid, and you don’t have to pay the higher amount.

What Official Form or Process Must a Landlord Use?

Alberta does not have a mandatory government form for rent increases. However, the written notice must include:

Date the notice is given
Current rent and proposed new rent
Date the new rent takes effect

Your landlord should keep a record of the notice. If you have concerns about the notice or believe it fails to meet the legal standard, you can contact Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for guidance (official RTDRS link).

Your Rights and Next Steps as a Tenant

If you believe your landlord (new or previous) is not following the law, you have options:

Contact Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) to file a dispute
Check the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta page for a clear summary of protections
Review your rental agreement and all written communications

For a full understanding of rent increases, visit Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

It’s also good practice to know your broader responsibilities. See Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Summary Table: New Landlords and Alberta Rent Increase Rules

New landlords must follow current lease terms
No rent increase without proper notice and only once per year
Notice must include key details and respect legal timeframes

If you are looking for affordable alternatives or planning a move, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Can a new landlord increase rent during a fixed-term lease in Alberta?
No. In Alberta, rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease by any landlord. Any increase can only occur at renewal.
How much notice is required for rent increases in Alberta?
Landlords must provide 12 weeks (3 months) written notice for periodic tenancies or wait until the end of a fixed-term lease.
Does my rental agreement change when ownership changes?
No. The new landlord must honour all terms of the existing lease or rental agreement.
Where can I dispute an improper rent increase?
You can file a dispute with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) in Alberta.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

A new landlord cannot increase your rent immediately—standard Alberta rules apply.
You must receive written notice at least 3 months before any rent increase on periodic tenancies.
Fixed-term leases are protected from increases until renewal.

In short: a new owner can't override your rights or the laws regarding rent increases.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Alberta Government Residential Tenancies – Official Website
Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for information and dispute resolution
Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for a complete overview
Contact Service Alberta: 1-877-427-4088 (toll-free)

Relevant legislation: Alberta Residential Tenancies Act
Official tribunal: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
Notice periods and rent increase rules from the Government of Alberta: Increasing Rent in Alberta