Applying for a rental home in Alberta can sometimes mean providing a guarantor, especially if you have limited credit history, are a student, or are new to the country. This guide explains what a guarantor is, when one is required, and your legal rights as a tenant in Alberta when applying with a guarantor. Our goal is to help you navigate this process clearly and confidently, ensuring you understand every stage from application to finalizing your lease.

What Is a Guarantor, and Why Do Landlords Ask for One?

A guarantor (sometimes called a co-signer) is a person who agrees to take legal responsibility for the rent and other obligations if the tenant fails to pay or causes damage. Landlords may request a guarantor if:

• You have little or no rental or credit history
• Your income doesn't meet the landlord's threshold
• You are new to Canada or a student with limited resources

Both the tenant and guarantor must fully understand the legal implications before signing any agreement.

How the Guarantor Process Works in Alberta

In Alberta, the rental application may include a section for a guarantor, or the landlord may ask you to have one complete a separate guarantor agreement. This agreement is a legal commitment. If the tenant defaults, the landlord can pursue rent or damages from the guarantor directly. Ensure your guarantor reads and understands all the terms before signing.

Required Information and Documentation

• Guarantor’s full name, contact details, and identification
• Proof of income or employment (pay stubs, letter from an employer, or bank statements)
• Credit check authorization

Landlords should only ask for information reasonably necessary to assess the guarantor’s suitability. The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) governs privacy in Alberta, so your data and your guarantor’s data must be protected.

Legal Requirements: Forms and Provincial Process

There are no standardized government forms for guarantor agreements in Alberta. Typically, landlords will draft their own documents. However, every rental in Alberta should be covered by a Residential Tenancy Agreement. Details about the guarantor should be added as an appendix or clause in the lease.

• Sample Residential Tenancy Agreement: Alberta Standard Lease Sample. Always review, and ensure all parties sign any addendum about the guarantor.

All rental disputes and questions concerning guarantor agreements fall under the jurisdiction of the Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).

Alberta’s rental laws are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act. This Act outlines your rights and responsibilities, including those involving guarantors¹.

Before You Sign: Key Rights and Protections for Alberta Tenants

It’s important to know your rights when a guarantor is involved, such as:

• The landlord cannot request a security or damage deposit greater than one month's rent
• Any guarantor agreement should be transparent — never sign a blank or incomplete document
• Your privacy and your guarantor’s privacy must be respected
• If issues arise, tenants and guarantors can seek help through the RTDRS

After you’re approved, make sure to review what’s expected with your first payments and move-in. See What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for a helpful checklist.

Both tenants and guarantors should keep copies of every document signed and all correspondence with the landlord.

What Happens If You or Your Guarantor Have a Dispute?

If you disagree with a charge or the landlord claims unpaid rent or damages, you can apply to the RTDRS. Common tenant issues—such as maintenance, health and safety, or rent increases—are more frequent when the tenant is new to renting.

For general questions about obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What to Expect After Moving In

Once you move in, your rights and obligations are the same as any renter in Alberta, regardless of having a guarantor. That includes your right to a safe home, timely repairs, and getting your security deposit returned at the end.

Want to explore options in other Canadian cities, or compare listings in Alberta? Browse apartments for rent in Canada easily with map-based search.

For an overview of renter and landlord rights locally, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord require a guarantor in Alberta?
   Yes. If the landlord is concerned about your ability to pay or your rental history, they can ask for a guarantor. However, this must be fair and not discriminatory.
2. Can my guarantor withdraw after signing?
   No. Once a guarantor signs a legal agreement and the tenant moves in, they are committed for the term unless the landlord agrees in writing to release them.
3. Are there risks for my guarantor if I miss payments?
   Yes. The guarantor is legally responsible for rent and damages not paid by the tenant. They could be pursued for payment through the RTDRS or the courts.
4. What happens to my guarantor if I renew my lease?
   Unless a new agreement is signed, the original guarantor agreement may only apply to the original term. Always check the document's language or get clarification in writing.
5. Does a guarantor need to live in Alberta?
   Not necessarily, but landlords may prefer a guarantor who resides in Canada for legal and practical reasons.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants Applying with a Guarantor

• Guarantors must understand the legal commitment before signing.
• Always get all agreements in writing, and never sign blank forms.
• Know your provincial rights — the RTDRS can help with disputes.

This topic can be complex, but with the right preparation, you can protect yourself and your guarantor when applying for a rental home in Alberta.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): RTDRS Official Website
• Alberta Government Residential Tenancies Info: Provincial Renters’ Resource
• Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA): Free tenant legal info and guides
• Local advocacy organizations, such as tenant associations or legal clinics, can provide additional support in dispute resolution.

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1. Alberta Residential Tenancies Act

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