If you’re renting a home in Alberta and facing ongoing health or safety issues—such as mould, pests, lack of heat, or unsanitary conditions—and your landlord isn’t making repairs, you may need to report the problem to your local public health authority. This step-by-step guide explains how Alberta tenants can report a landlord to public health, which laws apply, and what to expect.

Understanding Health and Safety Standards in Alberta Rentals

Alberta landlords are legally required to provide rental housing that meets provincial health and safety standards. Living conditions in your unit must be safe and free from hazards like mould, pests, sewage leaks, broken windows, and insufficient heating.

The main law covering these requirements is the Residential Tenancies Act and the Minimum Housing and Health Standards.^[1][2]

Common Health and Safety Complaints Tenants Report

• Persistent mould or mildew
• Uncontrolled pest infestations (bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents)
• Lack of winter heat or running water
• Sewage backups or unsanitary plumbing
• Unsafe structures (loose stair rails, broken locks, electrical hazards)

For a full overview of what counts as a health or safety issue, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

When to Report to Public Health

Before escalating to public health, tenants are expected to notify their landlord of any issues in writing and allow reasonable time for repairs, except in emergencies. If your landlord does not respond or refuses to fix the problem, you can contact your local public health inspector.

Tip: Keep copies of all communications with your landlord and any photos that show the problem.

How to Report Your Landlord to Public Health in Alberta

Reports are handled by Alberta Health Services (AHS) Environmental Public Health (EPH), which investigates minimum housing complaints across the province.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Housing Complaint

• Gather Evidence: Take dated photos and record issues.
• Communicate in Writing: Notify the landlord clearly, keeping a written record. If the issue isn't fixed within a reasonable time, you may escalate.
• Submit Your Complaint: Contact AHS Environmental Public Health by:
  • Online: Submit a complaint through the AHS Online Environmental Public Health Complaint Form
  • Telephone: Call your local EPH office (contacts listed here)
• Provide Details: Include your address, landlord’s info, issue details, and any evidence.
• Inspection: A public health inspector may visit your unit, assess the situation, and order the landlord to make repairs if needed.

Key Official Form: AHS Environmental Public Health Complaint Form

• When to use: When you have a persistent health or safety issue and prior notice to your landlord has not resolved it.
• How it works: Complete the online form, describing the housing issue. AHS staff will follow up, which may include an inspection and formal written orders to your landlord for corrections.
• View and Complete the AHS Online Environmental Public Health Complaint Form

Your Rights and Landlord’s Obligations

The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta page explains more about both parties' duties, including what to do if your landlord retaliates or fails to comply. Under Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act, tenants cannot be penalized solely for filing a valid public health complaint.^[1]

Some issues like pest infestations may also be covered in more detail in guides such as Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

What Happens After You Report

AHS inspectors investigate most complaints within several business days. If violations are found, they may issue written orders requiring repairs or corrective action, with deadlines. Most landlords comply once an official order is made, but non-compliance can result in fines or further action. In some cases, affected tenants may be relocated if conditions are deemed unfit for living.

For legal help or if repairs are not completed, you may also apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)—Alberta’s main board for landlord-tenant disputes.

It’s important to act quickly with health and safety complaints to protect your well-being. For help finding your next safe and healthy home, Browse apartments for rent in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I be evicted for reporting my landlord to public health?
   No. Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act prohibits your landlord from retaliating or evicting you for making a genuine health or safety complaint.
2. How long does a public health investigation usually take?
   Most inspections are done within a few days to a week, but timelines may depend on urgency and local office workload.
3. What if my landlord refuses to make the repairs required by public health?
   If a landlord ignores health orders, they can face fines and legal action by public health authorities. You may also be eligible for dispute resolution through RTDRS.
4. Do I need to let the landlord know before reporting to public health?
   In most cases, yes. Tenants should first attempt to notify landlords and give them a reasonable chance to fix issues unless it’s an emergency.
5. What kinds of evidence should I keep?
   Take photos, keep communication records, and save reports from inspectors or contractors for your records.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Alberta law protects your right to a safe and healthy rental home.
• Always notify your landlord first; if not resolved, report your issue to Public Health using the AHS complaint form.
• You cannot legally be evicted for filing a good-faith health or safety complaint.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• AHS Environmental Public Health – Find Your Local Office
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): File tenancy disputes online or by phone
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta: Learn your Alberta-specific rights
• Service Alberta – Tenant Support Contacts

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta), available at Alberta Queen's Printer
2. Minimum Housing and Health Standards (Alberta), available at Alberta Queen's Printer

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