Before moving into a rental home in Alberta, it's important for tenants to understand how much a landlord can legally require upfront. This includes deposits, the first month's rent, and any other fees. Knowing your rights under Alberta law helps prevent unfair charges and gives you confidence through the rental process.

Legal Charges Before You Move In: What’s Allowed in Alberta?

In Alberta, the rules about upfront payments from tenants are clear and meant to protect both landlords and renters. The main legal limitation is on deposits and prepayments — knowing the details can save you stress and money.

Types of Pre-Move-In Charges

• Security Deposit: Sometimes called a "damage deposit," this is the most common upfront charge.
• First Month’s Rent: Usually collected before you get the keys.
• Other Fees: Application or administrative fees are not legally permitted in Alberta.

Security Deposits: Rules and Limits

Under Alberta law, a landlord can charge a security deposit, but it cannot be more than one month’s rent. For example, if your rent is $1,200 per month, the most your landlord can ask for as a deposit is $1,200. They may not ask for additional deposits for pets, keys, or cleaning. This protects you from excessive pre-move-in costs and ensures fairness for both parties.

• Security deposits must be held in a trust account by the landlord.
• Landlords must provide a written receipt for your deposit.

If you want more details on how deposits work, check out Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

First Month’s Rent

Landlords may ask for the first month’s rent before move-in, but they cannot require any payment for future (e.g., last month) rent in advance. All other advance rent payments are not allowed unless you are late or have made an agreement through the appropriate legal process.

Move-In Inspections and Maintenance Deposits

No landlord in Alberta may charge an additional "maintenance deposit" or similar fee before a tenant moves in. However, a move-in inspection is required. This process helps document the property’s condition and can be crucial when getting your deposit back later on. Read the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for practical steps and your inspection rights.

Prohibited Fees and Charges

• Non-Refundable Fees: These are not allowed. All charges must be refundable or covered by the security deposit.
• Application Fees: Alberta law prohibits landlords from charging tenants application or processing fees to review rental applications.
• Cleaning or Pet Deposits: Any such cost must come from the security deposit, not as an extra or separate fee.

If you encounter unexpected fees, you have the right to say no and can contact Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for assistance (visit the official RTDRS site).

Which Forms and Actions Are Used Before Move-In?

Most pre-move-in paperwork in Alberta covers the rental agreement and security deposit:

• Residential Tenancy Agreement: This is your lease contract. There is no single standard form, but the Alberta government provides a recommended template. Access sample tenancy forms here.
• Inspection Report (Move-In/Move-Out): It’s mandatory to complete a written inspection report with the landlord at move-in (and later, move-out). Download the official Inspection Report form.

Relevant Legislation and Who Helps With Disputes?

All rental deposits and move-in charges are governed by Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta).¹ Deposit and move-in payment disagreements can be addressed by the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), Alberta’s official tribunal for landlord-tenant issues.

For a broader understanding of your rights in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Quick Summary: What Can My Landlord Charge Me in Alberta?

• Security deposit can’t exceed one month’s rent.
• Only first month’s rent upfront is allowed — no other prepayments.
• No administrative, application, or other extra fees before you move in.
• Always use official forms and demand receipts for all payments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord ask for more than one month’s rent as a deposit in Alberta?
   No, the maximum legal security deposit is one month’s rent.
2. Are application fees legal for rentals in Alberta?
   No, landlords may not charge application, processing, or administrative fees.
3. Do I have to pay a pet or cleaning deposit before moving in?
   No, only the main security deposit is legal. Pet, cleaning, or other fees must be included within that deposit amount.
4. What should I do if I am asked for more than is allowed?
   Politely inform your landlord of the law. If problems continue, contact the RTDRS for help.
5. Is a move-in inspection required in Alberta?
   Yes – it is required by law to complete a walkthrough inspection and written report at move-in.

Key Takeaways

• Alberta landlords can only charge up to one month’s rent as a security deposit.
• No other upfront fees or extra deposits are permitted beyond first month’s rent and the main deposit.
• Always use official forms and keep records of all payments and inspections.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – fast help with rental disputes and deposit questions.
• Alberta Government: Renting in Alberta – official guides, forms, and information about deposits and move-in rules.
• Service Alberta: Tenant & Landlord Tips – help lines and consumer support.
• For more, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know and Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

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1. See Alberta Residential Tenancies Act for all legal details on deposits and move-in charges.

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