Are you renting in Alberta and wondering whether a landlord can legally require prepaid rent? Understanding your rights when it comes to paying rents and deposits is essential to keeping your tenancy fair and secure. Alberta’s rental laws set specific rules about what landlords can ask for before or during your tenancy, and the consequences if those rules aren’t followed.

What Is Prepaid Rent? Understanding the Difference from Deposits

Prepaid rent refers to rent paid in advance for one or more future months (for example, paying several months' rent before you even move in). This is separate from a security deposit, which is a different kind of payment. In Alberta, the rules for these types of payments differ, and it’s important to understand your protections.

Is Prepaid Rent Allowed in Alberta?

No—under Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), landlords cannot require tenants to prepay rent for more than one rental period at a time or ask for multiple months' rent upfront.^[1] Instead, the RTA allows landlords to collect only:

• Rent for the first regular rental period (for example, the first month)
• A security deposit (maximum equal to one month’s rent)

It is illegal for a landlord to demand six months’ rent, a year’s rent, or any other advance rent payment (beyond the next regular rental period). Any requests for this should be challenged.

Security Deposits vs. Prepaid Rent

Security deposits are not the same as prepaid rent and are strictly regulated. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Your Rights If a Landlord Demands Prepaid Rent

Tenants in Alberta are protected from unlawful requests for advance rent. If a landlord insists you pay extra months upfront, you can:

• Politely refuse and explain that the Residential Tenancies Act prohibits prepaid rent beyond the next rental period
• Report concerns to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• Consult with a tenant resource or advocacy center

Relevant Forms for Disputing Illegal Prepayment Requests

• Application for Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution (RTDRS Form): Use this form to file a complaint if your landlord illegally requests prepaid rent. Access the official forms here.
  Example: If your landlord refuses to rent to you unless you pay six months' rent upfront, you can use this application to seek a quick decision from the RTDRS.

Step-by-step guidance is included below for starting a complaint about unlawful rent demands.

What Can Landlords Legally Request in Alberta?

Landlords are allowed to request:

• The first period’s rent (e.g., first month)
• A security deposit—no greater than one month’s rent

No more. Those are the legal maximums.

Other Key Tenant Obligations & Protections

• Only pay rent as scheduled in your written agreement or as required by law
• Do not agree to illegal terms, even if pressured
• Keep all receipts and agreements in writing

For a broader overview of your rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

What to Do If You Already Paid Prepaid Rent

If you’ve already paid more than what’s legally allowed, ask your landlord to return the extra amount. If they refuse, you can apply to the RTDRS for help.

Understanding Your Responsibilities When Paying Rent

Tenants must pay their rent on time (usually monthly) and only for the period due. See the detailed advice in Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

If you feel uncomfortable about any demand for prepaid rent, always verify your rights before making payments. You can also explore rental homes in your area safely online.

FAQs About Prepaid Rent for Alberta Tenants

1. Can my landlord ask for last month’s rent in advance?
   No, Alberta landlords may only require rent for the first period and a security deposit (maximum one month’s rent). They cannot demand last month’s rent up front.
2. What if a landlord insists on six months’ rent before move-in?
   This is not legal in Alberta. Refer the landlord to the Residential Tenancies Act and contact RTDRS if needed.
3. Can a landlord keep my prepaid money if I change my mind?
   If a landlord collects illegal prepaid rent, you are entitled to a refund of any amount above the first period’s rent and the deposit. If they refuse, you can dispute this at RTDRS.
4. Is the security deposit the same as prepaid rent?
   No, security deposits and prepaid rent are legally different. Security deposits are regulated and cannot exceed one month’s rent.
5. Where can I get help if a landlord breaks these rules?
   Contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for support and to file a claim.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Prepaid rent beyond the next regular period is not allowed in Alberta; only the first month’s rent and a deposit up to one month’s rent can be collected.
• If your landlord demands or keeps extra rent, you are protected and can seek a refund.
• The RTDRS resolves rental payment disputes and helps enforce tenant protections.

Review your rights before signing any agreement and stay informed about current rental laws.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – file a complaint, get forms, or seek mediation support
• Alberta Residential Tenancies Act – see section 13 and deposit rules
• Service Alberta: For tenancy info and government guidance – Tenant Information
• Legal clinics and advocacy: Ask local legal aid or tenant rights organizations for help
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

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1. [1] See Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta), Section 13, "Advance payment of rent".
2. RTDRS: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service
3. Official deposit details: Security deposits and rental agreements – Government of Alberta

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