Living with roommates or sharing housing in Alberta comes with its own set of challenges. If you or someone you know is experiencing harassment—whether from a landlord, property manager, or a fellow tenant—it's essential to understand what legal protections exist and how you can take action. This guide will help you confidently handle harassment issues, outlining your rights and available remedies according to current Alberta tenancy law.

What Is Harassment in Shared Housing?

Harassment involves repeated, unwanted behaviour that causes you to feel threatened, intimidated, or unsafe in your rental home. In Alberta, both landlords and co-tenants are expected to respect each other's right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises, according to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)^[1].

• Verbal abuse, threats, or yelling
• Unwanted physical contact or intimidation
• Repeated, intrusive visits or communications
• Unwarranted entry into your space (by landlord or another tenant)

Harassment negatively impacts a safe, secure living environment. Tenants have the right to pursue remedies if such conduct occurs.

Legal Protections for Alberta Tenants

The Residential Tenancies Act sets out both landlord and tenant rights in Alberta. Section 16 of the Act gives all tenants—including those in shared rentals—the right to "quiet enjoyment" of their home, free from interference that could be considered harassment.

• Landlords must not harass, threaten, or intimidate tenants.
• Tenants are also protected from harassment by roommates when it affects their legal rights under the lease.

If these rights are violated, tenants can take legal steps to stop the harassment or end the tenancy early.

Common Issues: Roommates vs. Landlords

Harassment could originate from either your landlord or a fellow tenant. While landlord harassment may have clearer legal remedies, ongoing conflicts with roommates can sometimes fall into a "grey area"—especially if each tenant holds their own separate rental agreement. In any event, the Act and tenancy tribunal can provide assistance.

How to Respond to Harassment in Shared Housing

• Document Everything: Keep a record of incidents, with dates, times, and details of what occurred.
• Send a Written Complaint: Notify your landlord (if the harassment is from a roommate) or the person responsible. Be clear, factual, and request the behaviour stop.
• Contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): This Alberta tribunal handles rental disputes, including harassment cases.
  Alberta RTDRS
• Consider Ending the Tenancy: If harassment threatens your safety, you may have grounds to apply for an early termination order under the law.

If you need to break your lease because of harassment, it's crucial to follow the correct legal procedures to avoid penalties. For more information, see How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant.

Applying for Help: Relevant Alberta Forms

• Form: RTDRS Application Form (L1 – Application for Remedy)
  Use: File this form with the RTDRS to request an order stopping harassment, or to end your tenancy early for cause.
  Example: You want an early move-out because a roommate's behaviour has become threatening, and the landlord refuses to act.
  Access the Application for Remedy form (L1)

Tribunal Handling Tenant Harassment Issues

In Alberta, the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) is the primary tribunal dealing with tenant-landlord problems, such as harassment in shared rentals.

What Evidence Should Tenants Collect?

To support your case before the RTDRS or in court, collect evidence such as:

• Text messages, emails, or written notes showing harassment
• Photos of any damage or unsafe conditions
• Statements from witnesses (other roommates or visitors)
• Medical reports (if physical harm occurred)

This documentation will help demonstrate the impact of the behaviour on your tenancy and wellbeing.

Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords are expected to maintain safe and healthy living conditions. Unaddressed harassment can be considered a breach of their obligations. Learn more about Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Alberta

For a comprehensive view of your provincial rights and obligations—including those surrounding harassment—visit our page on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tenant Harassment Protections

1. What counts as harassment in a roommate situation?
   Harassment can include repeated unwanted contact, threats, stalking, offensive language, or actions that make you feel unsafe. This applies whether the behaviour comes from a landlord, roommate, or other occupant.
2. Can I end my lease early due to harassment?
   Yes, Alberta law may allow you to apply for early termination if the harassment is serious and ongoing. You must apply to RTDRS or court and provide evidence of the harassment.
3. Who do I contact for harassment complaints?
   Start by documenting incidents and notifying your landlord. For ongoing issues, the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) can accept applications for remedies and tenancy termination.
4. What if my landlord refuses to help with my roommate's harassment?
   If your landlord is notified but fails to help, you can submit a complaint to the RTDRS. You may request an order for the landlord to fulfill their obligations or allow you to end your tenancy early.
5. What should I include in my RTDRS application?
   Include details of the harassment, supporting evidence (messages, witnesses, photos), previous complaints to the landlord, and the remedy you’re seeking (e.g., a stop order or early termination).

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Harassment in shared housing violates your legal right to quiet enjoyment.
• You can collect evidence, submit complaints to your landlord, and file applications through the RTDRS if needed.
• Protect yourself by knowing your rights and seeking timely support when harassment affects your living situation.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta RTDRS: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service - File tenant rights and harassment complaints.
• Landlords & Tenants Advisory Board (Edmonton): Advisory Board Website
• Calgary Residential Rental Association: Tenant Information and Resources
• For emergencies: Call local police or dial 911 if you are in immediate danger.
• For more details on tenancy rights in Alberta, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta): Full Legislation (Alberta Queen’s Printer)
2. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service: Alberta RTDRS Official Site
3. RTDRS Application Form (L1): L1 Application for Remedy

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