How Tenants Can Address Unsafe Living Conditions in Alberta

If you're a tenant in Alberta and your rental unit has unsafe or unhealthy conditions, you're not alone. Every tenant deserves a home that's safe, secure, and meets basic health standards. In Alberta, there are specific rules protecting your right to a safe living environment, and clear steps to take if those standards aren't met.

What Are Unsafe Living Conditions?

Unsafe living conditions can threaten your health, safety, or security. Some common issues include:

• Pest infestations such as bedbugs, cockroaches, or mice
• Lack of heat or running water, especially during winter
• Exposed wiring or broken locks
• Mold growth or water leaks
• Structural hazards like collapsing ceilings, stairs, or flooring
• Serious cleanliness or sanitation problems

Both tenants and landlords have responsibilities when these issues arise. For more details on these responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Alberta Laws Protecting Tenant Safety

In Alberta, your rights and responsibilities are set out under the Residential Tenancies Act. Landlords must ensure rental units meet health, safety, and housing standards at all times^[1]. The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) handles disputes about repairs and unsafe living conditions.

What Should Tenants Expect?

Your landlord must:

• Maintain the premises in a good state of repair
• Meet all health, safety, and housing regulations
• Respond promptly to serious or emergency repairs

You, as the tenant, must keep the unit reasonably clean and report issues to your landlord in writing.

Steps to Take If Your Home Is Unsafe

Here's how Alberta tenants can respond to unsafe conditions:

• Document the problem: Take photos and keep notes about when issues started.
• Notify your landlord: Send a detailed written request (email or letter), explaining the safety concerns and requesting timely repairs.
• Allow a reasonable time for response: The landlord usually has a few days to address urgent safety hazards, or within a reasonable timeframe for less urgent issues.
• If there's no prompt action, contact your local Environmental Public Health office or Alberta Health Services for inspection and an official report.
• For ongoing issues, seek formal dispute resolution through the RTDRS.

Reporting Unsafe Conditions: Forms and Official Action

If your landlord doesn't fix the problem after reasonable notice, you have several official options:

• Contact Alberta Health Services (AHS): Request a health inspection by submitting a complaint online. Visit the official AHS Environmental Public Health complaint form. Use this when your landlord has failed to correct unsafe or unhealthy conditions. For example, if there is mold affecting air quality and your landlord ignores written requests, file a complaint for a public health inspection.
• Apply to the RTDRS: For disputes with your landlord over repairs or habitability, you can complete an RTDRS Application for Tenancy Dispute Resolution. This form allows you to request an order for repairs, rent reductions, or permission to terminate your lease early if the situation is serious.

Be sure to attach relevant documentation such as photos, communication logs, and inspection reports to your application.

What Counts as an Emergency?

Some situations require immediate action, such as:

• No heat during cold months
• No water or sewer service
• Major plumbing leaks or flooding
• Exposure to live electrical wires

For urgent cases where immediate response is needed and the landlord isn't reachable, you can hire a professional to complete repairs and deduct the cost from your rent (with proper documentation). Always review the rules in Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act and consult Alberta Health Services or local authorities before acting.

Related Health and Safety Topics

To learn more about common environmental health and safety dangers, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. For pest-related situations, please visit Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

For tenants seeking other homes with safety in mind, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings with up-to-date postings across Canada.

FAQ: Unsafe Living Conditions in Alberta Rentals

1. What do I do if my landlord ignores my repair request?
   Put your request in writing, document the problem, and allow a reasonable period for action. If there's still no response, file a complaint with Alberta Health Services or apply to the RTDRS for resolution.
2. Can I withhold rent for unsafe conditions?
   No, Alberta law does not allow tenants to withhold rent. Instead, follow official complaint and dispute processes to resolve issues and protect your rights.
3. What if my unit has a serious pest infestation?
   Report the issue to your landlord immediately and keep written records. If it's not dealt with promptly, you can involve public health or apply for dispute resolution. See Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions for more guidance.
4. Who enforces Alberta rental safety laws?
   Alberta Health Services handles health and safety inspections, and the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) resolves disputes between tenants and landlords.
5. Where can I find more details on tenant and landlord rights in Alberta?
   Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for a complete overview.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Alberta law protects your right to a healthy and safe home
• Document issues and notify your landlord in writing as soon as you spot unsafe conditions
• Use government complaint forms and dispute resolution if needed—don't withhold rent

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) – official legislation
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – tenancy dispute applications
• Alberta Health Services – Environmental Public Health complaint form
• Tenant advisory services: Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, Edmonton Residential Tenancies Advisory
• For a full summary of legal rights and responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

---

1. Alberta Residential Tenancies Act – read the Act here
2. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – official RTDRS page
3. Alberta Health Services – Environmental Public Health complaints

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy