Landlord harassment is a serious issue that affects many tenants across Alberta. Whether you are experiencing repeated unannounced visits, threats, or unfair pressure to vacate, understanding how Alberta’s courts and tribunals have addressed these situations can empower you to defend your rights. This guide highlights major legal precedents, outlines your options, and explains what evidence and procedures are needed to respond effectively.

What Counts as Landlord Harassment in Alberta?

Harassment by a landlord can take many forms. Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act protects tenants from actions that interfere with reasonable enjoyment or safety. Examples of harassment include:

• Unlawful entry or repeated visits without proper notice
• Threats, intimidation, or verbal abuse
• Changing locks or shutting off utilities without cause
• Unjustified demands for rent or eviction threats

If a landlord’s conduct disrupts your ability to peacefully use your home, it may constitute harassment under Alberta law.

Key Court Rulings and Tribunal Decisions

Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) and provincial courts have enforced strong remedies where tenant harassment is proven. Here are some illustrative cases:

• Repeated Unauthorized Entries: The RTDRS awarded compensation to tenants where landlords frequently entered their unit without 24 hours’ notice, violating section 23(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act.¹
• Threats and Intimidation: In a case before the Court of Queen’s Bench, a landlord’s persistent threats led to a judgement for both damages and an order restricting further contact.²
• Retaliatory Actions: Alberta tribunals have protected tenants against rent increases or eviction attempts used as retaliation for complaints about repairs or maintenance.³

These decisions reinforce your right to safe, non-threatening housing. For a detailed look at Alberta’s tenancy system, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

How to Respond If Your Landlord Is Harassing You

Don’t ignore harassment—responding promptly is essential. There are clear steps you can take:

• Document the harassment: Write down dates, times, and what happened. Keep texts, emails, or voicemails.
• Communicate in writing: Politely inform your landlord that their behaviour is unwelcome and reminds them of their legal obligations.
• Seek support: If the behaviour continues, involve a trusted friend, neighbour, or tenant support group as a witness.
• File a complaint or application: Alberta tenants may apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for orders, including compensation or a restraining order against the landlord.

For common challenges with landlords, you may also want to read Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• RTDRS Application (Form 1): Used to start a tenancy dispute about harassment, damages, or compensation. Download from the official Alberta RTDRS website.
  Example: If your landlord repeatedly yells at you or enters your home without notice, fill out Form 1 to request a hearing and possible order against the landlord.
• Notice of Hearing: Issued by RTDRS after your application is accepted. You must serve this notice to your landlord to inform them of the hearing date.
• Affidavit of Service: Confirms that you delivered the notice of hearing. Required for the RTDRS process. See RTDRS Service Affidavit.

What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement

Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial—even after you’ve signed your lease. For a comprehensive overview of life after signing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Summary of Alberta’s Tenant Protection Laws

Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act offers a high level of protection for tenant safety and privacy. The RTDRS is Alberta’s specialized tribunal designed to handle cases quickly and with less complexity than the court system.⁴

For more on Alberta rental law and legislation, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Looking for a new home? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and browse current listings in Alberta and beyond!

Frequently Asked Questions About Landlord Harassment in Alberta

1. Can my landlord evict me for reporting them for harassment?
   Retaliation for a complaint is unlawful. Alberta law protects you from eviction if you’ve made a legitimate complaint about landlord conduct.
2. What evidence do I need to prove harassment?
   Keep a record of communications (texts, emails), notes of verbal incidents, and any witness statements to show a pattern of harassment.
3. Do I need a lawyer to apply to RTDRS?
   No. The RTDRS process is designed to be accessible. While legal advice can help, you can file and represent yourself.
4. What can the RTDRS order if my landlord is found guilty of harassment?
   The RTDRS can order compensation, restraining orders, or even allow you to break your lease early without penalty.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Apply for dispute resolution online or in person
• Service Alberta: Landlords and Tenants: Guides and contacts for help
• Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA): Free legal information and tenant guides
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for a summary of all key rights and processes in the province

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta) – see full legislation here
2. See Alberta Court of Queen's Bench case precedents; RTDRS decisions are public at RTDRS site
3. Residential Tenancies Act, Section 23; Tenant Protection Against Retaliation
4. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS); full details here

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