Living in Alberta rental housing means you may eventually face renovations by your landlord. Understanding how renovations impact your rent and your rights will help protect your home and budget. This guide covers the essentials for Alberta tenants, including what landlords can and cannot do, how rent may change, and the steps you should take if renovations are planned.

How Renovations Can Affect Your Rent in Alberta

Renovations, sometimes called "renos," range from minor upgrades to major overhauls. As a tenant, you might wonder if your rent will increase because your landlord is improving your unit or the building. In Alberta, the law sets out how these situations are handled to balance tenant security and landlord property maintenance.

Can Your Landlord Raise the Rent Due to Renovations?

In Alberta, landlords cannot increase your rent during a fixed-term lease. They can only raise rent:

• Once every 12 months
• By providing at least three full months’ written notice for monthly leases (or 12 weeks for weekly leases)
• Not during the initial 12 months of a tenancy

If your lease is month-to-month, the landlord must issue proper notification before any rent increase—even if renovations are extensive. All rent increases must comply with Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act.¹

Major Renovations and "Renovictions"

If a landlord needs to perform renovations that require you to move out, this is sometimes known as a "renoviction." In Alberta, a landlord can terminate your tenancy for major renovations if:

• The work is so extensive that it is impossible for you to remain in the unit
• They provide a minimum of 365 days’ notice (for periodic tenancies) under specific conditions, or follow their fixed-term procedure

Remember: Landlords cannot evict tenants under false pretenses simply to increase rent.

Types of Renovations

• Minor renovations: Painting, replacing carpets, or minor repairs generally do not allow for an "extra" rent increase outside the regular process.
• Major renovations: Requires extensive construction that makes the home unlivable. Proper termination notice is required.

For more about regular repairs and maintenance duties, visit Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant During Renovations

Renovations can be disruptive. Both you and your landlord have clear legal rights and obligations throughout the process:

• You must allow access for reasonable repairs and renovations, with proper notice (minimum 24 hours written notice)
• Your landlord is responsible for making sure your home remains safe and complies with health standards during work
• You are not responsible for paying for renovations

Concerned about hazards or cleanliness? Learn what standards your landlord must follow in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What Happens If Your Unit Is Uninhabitable?

If renovations make it impossible to live in your unit, your tenancy may be ended. If that happens, ensure your landlord provides written notice with the proper amount of time and details as required under the Residential Tenancies Act. You may be able to negotiate compensation if you are forced to leave for renovations.

Key Forms and Where to Find Them

• Notice of Rent Increase (Form: None required, but must be written and specify amount/new rent): Used by landlords to notify tenants of a rent increase at least 3 full months ahead for monthly leases. Sample notice available from Alberta government.²
• Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Form: None mandated, but must be written, with reason for ending the tenancy): Used if your landlord needs to end your rental for major renovations. Instructions from Service Alberta.³
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) Application (Form CC RTDRS-1): Use this if you want to dispute a rent increase, eviction, or improper renovations. Apply online at RTDRS.⁴ You’ll need proof of communications and notices.

The official tribunal for tenancy issues in Alberta is the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).

Summary: Navigating Renovations and Rent

In summary, your landlord can only raise your rent in line with strict rules, and cannot force you out for minor improvements. Be sure to receive all notices in writing. If you feel your rights are at risk, gather all relevant documentation.

For more on rent increases, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know. To understand overall rights in Alberta, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Looking for a new home after renovations affect your tenancy? Browse apartments for rent in Canada.

FAQs: Renovations and Rent for Alberta Tenants

1. Can my landlord raise my rent right after completing renovations?
   Only if the required 12 months have passed since your last increase, and with at least three full months’ written notice.
2. What if renovations make my place unlivable?
   Your landlord must provide proper written notice if you need to move out. You may negotiate for compensation or seek help from the RTDRS.
3. Do I have to allow the landlord in to renovate?
   Yes, as long as they give at least 24 hours’ written notice and the work takes place between 8am–8pm.
4. Can I refuse to pay a rent increase after renovations?
   If the increase does not follow Alberta’s rules, you may challenge it through the RTDRS. Check the details carefully.
5. Where can I find official information and forms?
   Visit Alberta.ca for forms, guides, and applications regarding tenant rights and rent procedures.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords must follow strict rules on rent increases, regardless of renovations.
• Your tenancy cannot be ended for minor renovations.
• Help is available from the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service if you believe your rights are being violated.

Understanding your rights helps you confidently address renovation-related rent concerns with your landlord.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): For applications and guidance on rental disputes
• Service Alberta - Renting in Alberta
• Alberta Tenant Rights Centre

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
2. Sample Notice of Rent Increase (Alberta.ca)
3. Ending a Rental Agreement (Alberta.ca)
4. Apply to RTDRS Online

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