How Alberta Tenants Can Handle Mould and Indoor Air Quality Problems

Mould and poor indoor air quality are common concerns for tenants across Alberta. These issues can affect your health and comfort, and landlords have legal responsibilities to provide a safe living environment. Understanding how to address mould or air quality problems in your rental—while knowing your rights—can help you resolve them quickly and effectively.

Recognizing Mould and Indoor Air Quality Risks

Mould often appears in places with high moisture, such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, or around windows. It can sometimes be hidden behind walls or under carpets. Mould exposure may lead to health issues, especially for children, seniors, or people with asthma or allergies. Along with mould, poor air quality can result from lack of ventilation, pests, or use of certain cleaning products.

Why It Matters

• Health: Mould spores may cause respiratory symptoms, allergic reactions, and worsen pre-existing health conditions.
• Safety: Persistent moisture and dampness could lead to structural concerns over time.
• Your Rights: Alberta law requires landlords to keep rental properties in habitable—safe and healthy—condition.

Your Rights and Responsibilities Under Alberta Law

In Alberta, tenants and landlords each have duties under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Landlords must ensure the premises meet health and safety standards and are fit for occupancy throughout the tenancy.

• Landlord obligations: Address any condition that endangers health or safety, including removing mould, fixing leaks, and ensuring proper ventilation.
• Tenant obligations: Keep your unit clean, avoid behaviours that cause moisture buildup, and promptly report concerns to your landlord.

For a detailed overview, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Where to Start: Identifying and Reporting the Issue

• Document the problem. Take photos or videos of the mould or source of moisture. Note when and where you noticed the issue.
• Notify your landlord in writing. Use email, letter, or your landlord's preferred method. Keep a record of your communication.
• Request timely repairs. Clearly ask your landlord to investigate and correct the problem.

If your landlord does not respond, you may take further action (see below for forms and next steps).

What Landlords Must Do About Mould and Air Quality

Under Alberta law, landlords must respond to major health risks promptly. The Public Health Act also sets minimum standards for housing safety and health.

Landlords cannot require you to perform major remediation or pay for repairs due to building defects or leaks (unless you caused the problem). Tenants are typically responsible for minor cleaning, like wiping away surface mould caused by everyday living. However, more serious or recurring issues are the landlord's duty to fix.

Requesting a Health Inspection or Making a Formal Complaint

If your landlord does not act after being notified, you can:

• Contact Alberta Health Services’ Environmental Public Health office to request an inspection (Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health).
• File an application with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), Alberta’s tenancy tribunal.

This process can help enforce repairs, order compensation, or even allow you to terminate your lease in severe cases.

Relevant Official Forms

• Tenant Application for Repairs (RTDRS Form): Used to ask for an order requiring your landlord to make repairs, such as fixing leaks or removing mould. Access the RTDRS forms here. Example: A tenant discovers black mould due to a leaking pipe that hasn't been fixed, despite multiple requests.
• Environmental Public Health Complaint Form: For tenants seeking a health inspection after reporting mould that threatens safety. Submit a complaint online to Alberta Health Services.

RTDRS handles disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act, while Alberta Health Services enforces public health standards.

Steps to Resolve Mould or Air Quality Issues

• Identify and document the problem.
• Notify your landlord in writing and request repairs.
• Allow a reasonable time for your landlord to act (generally 3–10 days, depending on severity).
• If no response, contact Alberta Health Services or file an RTDRS application.
• If repairs remain incomplete, get support from tenant advocacy services or seek an order to end the tenancy.

This process is the recommended route for dispute resolution in Alberta, ensuring your safety rights are upheld.

Other Related Issues in Rental Homes

Mould and indoor air quality often occur alongside other common rental problems in Alberta, such as Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and pest concerns. Proactive communication and record-keeping are key to protecting your rights.

If you are moving into or out of a rental, thorough inspections and documentation help ensure existing problems are recorded (see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for tips).

Looking for a healthy new home? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings with listings across Alberta and Canada.

For more on your provincial rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

1. Can a landlord make a tenant clean up mould?
   Your landlord is responsible for fixing causes of significant mould (like leaks). Tenants may be expected to clean minor surface mould due to everyday living, but landlords must handle structural repairs and major remediation.
2. What if my landlord ignores requests for air quality repairs?
   If you’ve notified your landlord and they do not respond, you can contact Alberta Health Services or file an application with the RTDRS to seek enforcement, an order for repairs, or compensation.
3. How fast does my landlord need to respond to a health complaint?
   Alberta law requires landlords to address health or safety threats promptly. Severe issues, like major mould, should be acted upon immediately. Non-urgent matters should be resolved in a reasonable time (usually within 10 days).
4. Can I stop paying rent if there is mould in my apartment?
   No, tenants should continue paying rent as required. Withholding rent can result in eviction proceedings. Resolve mould issues by following the complaint process and seeking a formal order if needed.
5. Who do I contact for official help about mould in Alberta?
   Alberta Health Services’ Environmental Public Health office and the RTDRS are the two main government bodies to help tenants resolve serious mould or air quality issues.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Document and report any mould or air quality concerns to your landlord in writing as soon as possible.
• Landlords are legally responsible for major repairs and remediation of health hazards.
• Use provincial complaint forms and tenant dispute services if your concerns are not addressed.

Staying informed and following the right steps will help ensure your rental home is a safe, healthy environment for you and your family.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – Alberta’s tenancy tribunal
• Alberta Health Services – Environmental Public Health – File a complaint or request a health inspection
• Alberta Residential Tenancies Act – Official legislation and tenant/landlord rights
• Local tenant advocacy groups such as the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA)

1. Alberta Ministry of Service Alberta, Residential Tenancies Act: Official legislation and updates
2. Alberta Health Services – Environmental Public Health: Health complaints and inspections
3. Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Tribunal services for tenants and landlords