Facing eviction or having recently lost your home in Alberta can be overwhelming, especially when financial worries are top of mind. Fortunately, a range of provincial and community-based financial assistance programs exist to help tenants regain stability. Understanding your options and how to access support can make a significant difference as you plan your next steps.

What Financial Assistance Is Available for Tenants After Eviction in Alberta?

If you’ve been evicted—or are about to lose your home—Alberta offers several emergency benefits and housing supports for tenants facing a crisis. Here’s an overview to help you navigate available resources.

Emergency Financial Assistance: Alberta Supports

The Alberta Supports Emergency Financial Assistance program can help eligible individuals or families pay for basic needs in crisis situations, such as losing your home unexpectedly. You may qualify for help with:

• Short-term emergency accommodation
• Damage deposit and first month's rent for new housing
• Basic essential needs (food, transportation)

This assistance is designed for urgent, temporary needs and is accessible by visiting your local Alberta Supports Centre or by calling 1-877-644-9992.

Rent Supplement and Long-term Housing Assistance

Once your immediate needs are met, Alberta offers several rent supplement programs to support low-income tenants as they transition to new housing:

• Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB): A short-term benefit for working Albertans or those receiving benefits but not eligible for full income support.
• Rent Assistance Benefit: A longer-term monthly subsidy for eligible low-income tenants renting through the private market or non-profit housing.

Both programs require an application and are administered by your local housing management body (e.g., Civida in Edmonton, Calgary Housing Company in Calgary). Full details and application links can be found on the Alberta Rent Supplement Programs page.

Other Community and Provincial Supports

• Income Support: If you are not able to work, you may qualify for Income Support, which can help cover basic living costs.
• Local Housing Foundations: Many municipalities have emergency housing programs, or offer referrals to food banks and urgent assistance.
• Tenant advocacy organizations can provide information and guidance on your rights and next steps. See our resources section below.

Important Forms, Tenancy Tribunal, and Legislation in Alberta

Knowing your rights and official resources is vital as a tenant navigating post-eviction challenges.

Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) is the official tribunal handling landlord and tenant disputes. If you believe your eviction was unlawful, or you’re owed money (like a security deposit), you may apply for a hearing. A common form is:

• RTDRS Application Form (L1): Used to file complaints about unlawful eviction, unpaid deposits, or other disputes.
  When to use: For example, if your landlord has not returned your security deposit after you move out, fill out the L1 application and submit it online or at an RTDRS office. See the official instructions and download at the RTDRS Application Filing page.

Alberta’s tenancy law is the Residential Tenancies Act, which sets out rules for evictions, security deposits, rent, and the obligations of both landlords and tenants.^[1]

Getting Your Security Deposit Back

If you have recently moved out, remember to request your security deposit back. Alberta landlords are required to return deposits, with interest, minus any eligible deductions. Visit How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out for an in-depth guide on this process.

For a full overview of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Alberta, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

After an eviction, apply for government supports immediately. Keep all documents and communications from your landlord to support any applications or disputes.

How to Apply for Post-Eviction Financial Assistance in Alberta

The process may seem daunting, but taking it step-by-step will help you secure the help you need.

• Gather documentation: proof of eviction (e.g., written notice), ID, proof of income, and, if possible, a new lease if you’ve found housing.
• Contact Alberta Supports immediately for emergency assistance. Either visit a centre or call the toll-free help line.
• For rent supplements, complete the appropriate application form for your city or housing agency, and submit along with requested documents.
• If you wish to dispute an eviction or claim a security deposit, use the RTDRS application form and follow their submission instructions.

Timely action can help prevent further hardship and may unlock additional supports you didn’t realize you qualified for. If moving, check out our Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.

To browse available rental homes for your next move, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Alberta Tenant Financial Assistance After Eviction

1. What emergency financial help is available for Alberta tenants after eviction?
   The Alberta Supports Emergency Financial Assistance program provides help with urgent needs like temporary shelter, food, and basic expenses after losing your home.
2. How do I apply for rent supplement programs?
   Apply through your local housing agency using the application forms provided, ensuring you submit all required proof of income and ID. Check the Rent Supplement Programs page for details.
3. Who handles complaints about wrongful evictions in Alberta?
   The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service can hear your application if you believe your eviction was unlawful or if you have other tenancy-related disputes.
4. Can I get my security deposit back, and how do I claim it?
   Yes. Landlords must return your deposit, less any eligible deductions. If there is a dispute, use the RTDRS process for resolution. Visit How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out for more.
5. Are there long-term housing supports after eviction?
   Yes, the Rent Assistance Benefit and other programs can help with ongoing rent support or subsidized housing in Alberta.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants After Eviction

• Apply as soon as possible for emergency support and keep all documentation.
• Rent supplement and income support programs can provide both immediate and longer-term help.
• If you feel your eviction was improper, contact the RTDRS for dispute resolution.

Understanding your rights, knowing where to go for help, and acting quickly can make a real difference in securing the housing and financial stability you need.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Emergency Financial Assistance – 1-877-644-9992
• Rent Supplement Programs – Guidance and application links
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• Contact your local housing authority (e.g., Civida, Calgary Housing Company)
• Tenant support organizations – Legal clinics and tenant advocacy centres (see local listings)

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1. Alberta Residential Tenancies Act

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