How Alberta Tenants Should Handle Neighbour Complaints About Pets or Smoke

Neighbours raising concerns about pets or smoke is a common situation for tenants in Alberta. Understanding your rights and responsibilities, and knowing how to respond, can help prevent disputes from escalating. This guide explains Alberta laws, complaint processes, and practical steps if you’re a tenant facing neighbour complaints about pets or smoke in your rental unit.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities in Alberta

In Alberta, tenants and landlords are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act. This law outlines what tenants and landlords must do to keep rental homes safe, healthy, and enjoyable for everyone. If you rent, you have the right to quiet enjoyment, but you are also responsible for not bothering other tenants or neighbours with noise, pets, or smoke.

• Smoke Concerns: Includes both cigarette/cannabis smoke and incense or scented candles.
• Pet Concerns: Excessive barking, odours, or damage caused by animals may lead to complaints.

It’s important to review your lease, as some may include additional rules about pets or smoking. For a complete picture, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Happens When a Neighbour Complains?

If a neighbour complains about your pet or smoke coming from your unit, the landlord is often required to follow up. They may:

• Contact you directly to discuss the issue
• Issue a written warning
• Request you stop the specific behaviour (e.g., smoking on the property, not securing your pet)

Landlords must address complaints fairly, and tenants should be given the chance to resolve the problem. If the concern is about health or safety—such as second-hand smoke affecting someone with allergies—there are additional legal considerations. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Respond to a Complaint: Step-by-Step

Handling neighbour complaints proactively can prevent bigger issues. Here are practical steps:

• Review your lease for pet and smoking rules
• Ask your landlord for specifics about the complaint, if not provided
• Document your efforts to address the concern (e.g., cleaning, restricting pet where possible, using air filters)
• Communicate respectfully and directly with your landlord and, if appropriate, your neighbour
• If you believe the complaint is unjustified or is not being correctly handled, consider using Alberta’s formal dispute process

If the complaint involves possible health risks, document all communications for your records.

Forms and Where to Get Help

If a dispute cannot be resolved, you or your landlord may apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). Relevant forms include:

• RTDRS Application for Remedies (RTDRS Form): Used if you disagree with a warning, eviction, or feel your quiet enjoyment is impacted by false complaints. Example: A tenant receives eviction notice over a pet complaint they believe is unfounded.

Find the tribunal at Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).

Possible Outcomes

The outcome of a complaint can depend on its seriousness and how it is handled. Common results include:

• No further action if you resolve the problem
• Written notice or lease addendum for repeated issues
• Eviction, only in rare or ongoing cases where behaviour seriously disturbs others or breaches lease terms

Most pet and smoke issues can be dealt with through good communication and addressing reasonable concerns. For more on resolving disputes, check out How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

Legislation: The Key Rules

All rights and responsibilities, including pet and smoke issues, are set by the Alberta Residential Tenancies Act.^[1]

For a full overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

FAQ: Neighbour Complaints About Pets or Smoke

1. Can my landlord evict me because of a neighbour’s complaint about my pet?
   Only if the pet’s behaviour is ongoing and seriously disturbs other tenants or breaches your lease terms. You must be given notice and a chance to correct the issue first.
2. What if my neighbour falsely claims my smoke is disturbing them?
   You can respond with your own evidence (e.g., logs, air filter receipts) and dispute the complaint. If you feel unfairly targeted, consider submitting an application to the RTDRS.
3. Do I need permission to keep a pet in my Alberta rental?
   Check your lease. If pets are not listed as prohibited or require permission, you need to ask your landlord before bringing one in. Your lease terms take priority.
4. Are there special rules about smoking cannabis in apartments?
   If your lease bans all smoking, this applies to cannabis as well. Even if not mentioned, disturbing neighbours with smoke could still be a lease violation under the "right to quiet enjoyment." Always review your rental agreement.
5. Where can I report an unresolved neighbour dispute?
   If attempts to resolve the issue fail, or you feel the complaint process is unfair, file a dispute with the RTDRS.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Always check your lease for pet and smoking rules—it’s your legal guide.
• Document how you respond to neighbour complaints for your own protection.
• Use Alberta’s RTDRS process if issues cannot be resolved directly.

Addressing concerns promptly and respectfully is the best way to avoid lease problems. For more rental tips, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Tenant Information Line: 1-877-427-4088
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• Alberta Community Legal Clinics
• For a full summary of laws and your rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, SA 2004, c R-17.1. Read the full Alberta Residential Tenancies Act here.
2. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service, Government of Alberta. Access RTDRS information and forms.
3. Alberta Government: Information for Tenants. Visit Alberta's official tenant info page.

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