What kinds of offences can landlords be fined for in Alberta?

Landlords can be fined for violations such as not maintaining habitable conditions, mishandling deposits, failing to give proper notice, or illegal entry.

Who sets the amount for landlord fines in Alberta?

Fines are determined by RTDRS, the courts, or government investigators based on guidelines in Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act.

Can a tenant receive compensation if a landlord is fined?

Tenants may get compensation through RTDRS in addition to any fines imposed on landlords for legal violations.

How Fines Are Calculated for Landlord Offences in Alberta

Landlord Compliance & Penalties Alberta published June 19, 2025

Tenants in Alberta deserve safe, fair, and healthy housing. But what happens when a landlord breaks the law? Understanding how fines are calculated for landlord offences under Alberta's rental laws can help tenants know their rights and the consequences landlords face for non-compliance.

Landlord Offences and Penalties: An Overview for Alberta Tenants

In Alberta, most landlord-tenant relationships are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta Residential Tenancies Act). When landlords do not follow the rules—such as failing to keep the property safe or improperly handling security deposits—they may be found in violation of the Act and face penalties, including government fines.

What Is an Offence?

A landlord "offence" means breaking a requirement of the Residential Tenancies Act or regulations, such as:

Not providing a safe, healthy, or habitable rental unit
Withholding or misusing a tenant's security deposit
Failing to provide proper written notice for rent increases or eviction
Wrongfully entering a tenant's unit without notice or consent

If you are facing any of these issues, you can learn more from Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How Are Fines Calculated in Alberta?

Fines for landlord offences in Alberta are set out within the Residential Tenancies Act and enforced by the provincial government. The amount depends on the offence, its severity, and whether it is a first or repeated violation.

Types of Penalties

Specified Penalties: For many offences, fines have a set maximum under the Act — up to $5,000 for individuals or $20,000 for corporations per offence.
Daily Fines: Some ongoing offences may incur fines for each day the offence continues.
Other Orders: Courts or the Rental Dispute Resolution Service (see below) may also order landlords to pay compensation to tenants.

The government will consider factors such as:

Whether the offence was intentional, negligent, or a repeat incident
The harm caused to the tenant
Any steps taken by the landlord to fix the problem

Who Enforces Landlord Fines and Penalties?

Enforcement of fines and landlord penalties in Alberta is handled by Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or Alberta Courts. In some cases, government inspectors or Consumer Investigations Unit officers may issue tickets directly.

For tenants, the RTDRS is often the quickest way to address breaches of your housing rights or recover losses caused by a landlord’s actions. You can find a detailed explanation of all rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants at Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Official Forms in Alberta

As a tenant, you may interact with official forms if you want to report an offence or request compensation. Here are key forms and their uses:

RTDRS Application for Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution (Form):
- When & How to Use: If your landlord has broken tenancy laws and you’re seeking compensation (such as a refund of your deposit or for failure to repair), complete this application. File it online or in person with the RTDRS.
- Download from Government of Alberta
Notice to End a Tenancy (Form):
- When & How to Use: If the landlord’s actions have seriously breached your right to safe housing, use this form to give proper notice to end your lease.
- Find forms on Alberta.ca

Tip: If your landlord withholds your security deposit, learn about your rights from Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What to Do if Your Landlord Breaks the Law

If you believe your landlord has committed an offence, take these steps:

Document the violation with photos, notes, and communications
Communicate your concern in writing to the landlord first
If the issue is not resolved, consider applying to the RTDRS or filing a complaint with Alberta's Consumer Investigations Unit

How to Apply to RTDRS: Quick Steps

Gather your lease, correspondence, and evidence
Review the RTDRS website for eligibility
Download and fill out the application form
Submit the form in person, by mail, or online
Prepare for your hearing with your evidence

You can Browse apartments for rent in Canada if you need to find new housing while resolving a rental dispute.

Helpful Links and Further Reading

FAQ: Fines and Landlord Offences in Alberta

What kinds of offences can landlords be fined for in Alberta?
Landlords can be fined for not maintaining healthy and safe living conditions, mishandling deposits, failing to provide required notices, or entering a unit unlawfully.
Who determines the amount of the fine in Alberta?
The amount is set by the courts, RTDRS, or government investigators, following the guidelines in the Residential Tenancies Act and regulations.
Can tenants get compensation if the landlord is fined?
In some cases, yes—RTDRS can order the landlord to compensate tenants for losses due to a violation, in addition to government-issued fines.
How can I report a landlord offence?
You can apply to RTDRS to resolve your dispute or file a complaint with Alberta's Consumer Investigations Unit, depending on the issue.
What if my landlord keeps violating tenancy laws?
Repeat offences may lead to higher fines or additional penalties. Tenants should keep documenting issues and seek legal help if needed.

Conclusion: Key Points About Landlord Fines in Alberta

Landlord fines in Alberta are determined by the Residential Tenancies Act and can be significant for serious or repeat offences.
Tenants can seek compensation through RTDRS if a landlord’s actions have caused harm or loss.
Act quickly and keep documentation if you experience a landlord offence; seek support when needed.

Understanding these rules helps protect your rights and encourages safe, fair rental experiences for all Albertans.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – Tribunal for resolving rental disputes and offences
Service Alberta Consumer Contact Centre – Inquiries and complaints
Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) – Tenant legal info