Knowing your rights about emergency repairs can make a big difference when faced with an urgent safety or health issue in your Alberta rental home. Landlords have strict legal duties under Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) to ensure rental units are safe and livable. If something goes seriously wrong—like no heat in winter or a burst pipe—tenants need fast solutions and clear guidance.

What Qualifies as an Emergency Repair?

Emergency repairs are urgent problems that make your home unsafe, put your health at risk, or make the property uninhabitable. Examples include:

• No heat during Alberta’s cold winter months
• Major plumbing leaks, burst pipes, or flooding
• Electrical problems creating fire or shock risk
• Broken exterior doors or windows that allow intruders or severe weather
• Sewer backups, major pest infestations, or contaminated water
• Loss of essential services (water, power, gas)

Problems like these threaten your health or security and must be addressed immediately by your landlord. For non-urgent issues, see the difference between Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and emergency repairs.

Your Landlord's Legal Obligations for Emergency Repairs

Under Alberta law, landlords must maintain the rental so it meets minimum health, safety, and housing standards. This covers heating, plumbing, security (locks on main doors/windows), and basic sanitation. Emergency repairs cannot be delayed—prompt action is required.

If you report an emergency repair and your landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, you may be allowed to arrange the repair yourself and seek reimbursement. Always document the problem and your communications.

How to Request Emergency Repairs

Act quickly if you identify an urgent repair need:

• Contact your landlord or property manager immediately. Phone calls work best, but follow up in writing (email or text) for a record.
• Describe the problem clearly—mention what happened, when, and how it affects your health or safety.
• Keep a record of all messages and responses.

If the landlord cannot be reached or does not act quickly, Alberta tenants may complete the emergency repairs themselves properly and deduct the cost from their rent—but very strict conditions apply. For details and next steps, consult Service Alberta’s guide to tenant rights or contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).

Relevant Official Forms for Alberta Tenants

• Application for a Remedy (Form 8): Use if the landlord refuses to make vital repairs and you need an order requiring them to act. File with the RTDRS.
  Example: If your landlord ignores your request to fix broken heating, you may file Form 8 with evidence (photos, copies of your communication) to seek an urgent order.
  Application for a Remedy (Form 8) [PDF]
• Notice of Objection (Form 9): If your landlord issues you a notice (such as to evict you for requesting repairs) and you wish to dispute it, use this form with the RTDRS.
  Notice of Objection (Form 9) [PDF]

You can also consult Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for practical tips on emergency scenarios.

Next Steps If Emergency Repairs Aren't Done

If your landlord ignores essential emergency repairs:

• Gather documentation: photos, written notices, timelines, and receipts
• Apply to the RTDRS with Form 8 for a fast-track decision (hearings are usually faster than court)
• Contact Alberta Health Services if there is a health hazard
• If you fix the problem yourself, keep all receipts and communicate with your landlord as required by law

In very serious cases, emergency repairs may justify ending your tenancy early. Always verify your rights as outlined in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for up-to-date information about Alberta’s rental laws.

What Legislation Covers Emergency Repairs?

All emergency repair issues in rentals are governed by Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act and Minimum Housing and Health Standards administered by Service Alberta. These set out both tenant and landlord obligations for repairs, maintenance, and emergency situations.
For a deeper look at tenant safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

For tenants seeking a new place with responsive management, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and helpful tenant resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Repairs in Alberta

1. What is considered an emergency repair in Alberta?
   Emergency repairs are urgent fixes needed to address health, safety, or security hazards, such as loss of heat, major leaks, broken locks, or unsafe wiring.
2. How quickly must my landlord respond to emergency repairs?
   Your landlord must take immediate steps to resolve emergency issues. If they do not act within a reasonable timeframe, you may arrange repairs and claim reimbursement—with strict notice and documentation.
3. Can I withhold rent if an emergency repair is not done?
   No, Alberta law does not let tenants withhold rent. Instead, you may complete the repair and deduct the cost—but only after fulfilling all legal requirements.
4. What should I do first if I have an emergency repair?
   Contact your landlord promptly, describe the problem, and follow up in writing. If unresolved, document everything and consider applying to the RTDRS.
5. If I pay for the repair, will I automatically get reimbursed?
   Not automatically. You must provide proof, notify your landlord as required, and follow proper procedures to avoid disputes.

Conclusion: What Alberta Tenants Should Remember

• Act promptly and keep thorough records if you experience an emergency repair need.
• Alberta landlords must fix urgent safety or health-related problems immediately under provincial law.
• Clear steps exist, including applying to the RTDRS, if repairs are not handled.

Staying informed on tenant rights can help protect your health, security, and finances when emergency problems arise.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Service Alberta: Residential Tenancies – Official resources, forms, and tenant guidance
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – Fast, accessible tribunal for repairs and other rental disputes
• Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) – Free tenant information and plain-language guides

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
2. Minimum Housing and Health Standards (A.R. 211/2004)
3. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
4. Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy