If you're renting in Alberta, you may wonder when your landlord can legally enter your unit, especially for repairs. Tenant privacy and safety are both protected under Alberta’s legislation, but there are important exceptions—especially for urgent maintenance or emergencies. This guide will help you clearly understand when notice is required, what counts as an emergency, and what you can do if your rights are not respected.

When Can a Landlord Enter a Rental Unit in Alberta?

Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets out when and how a landlord can enter your rental property. Generally, landlords must provide written notice before entering, but there are exceptions for emergencies or urgent repairs.

Standard Notice Requirements

• Written Notice: Landlords must provide tenants with at least 24 hours written notice before entering for non-emergency repairs, inspections, or showings.
• Entry Hours: Landlords may only enter between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., unless the tenant agrees otherwise.
• Showing to Prospective Tenants/Buyers: The same 24-hour notice rule applies.

Standard procedures give you time to prepare and protect your personal privacy. For more on everyday maintenance, read Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Exceptions: Emergency Situations and Sudden Repairs

There are urgent cases when a landlord does not need to give advanced notice. These typically involve risks to health, safety, or active property damage.

• Emergencies: If there is an emergency that threatens life, property, or health (such as a fire, severe leak, or gas smell), your landlord can enter without notice.
• Abandoned Property: If it appears the unit has been abandoned, landlords may enter to investigate.

Tip: If your landlord claims there is an emergency, but you’re not sure, ask what the urgent issue is when they arrive. They must be able to justify the lack of notice under Alberta law.

For a deeper look at emergencies and your obligations, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Examples of Emergencies Requiring Immediate Entry

• Flooding or burst water pipes
• Fire or fire alarms
• Major electrical faults creating a hazard
• Gas leaks
• Other health and safety risks

To understand broader safety concerns in rentals, Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting is a helpful resource.

Forms Landlords Must Use When Providing Notice

Although Alberta does not require an official government form for entry notice, landlords must still provide written notice specifying:

• The reason for entry (repairs, inspection, etc.)
• Date and time within the legal 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. window
• At least 24 hours' advance notice

Tenants do not need to sign the notice, but should keep a record. If possible, photograph or file notices received for your own protection if disputes arise.

What if Your Landlord Enters Without Proper Notice?

If a landlord enters your place for non-emergency repairs without giving you proper notice, they may be violating your rights under the RTA.

How to Address Improper Entry:

• Speak calmly with your landlord to clarify the rules.
• Document the situation with dates and times.
• If needed, file a dispute application with the RTDRS (Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service).

Steps to Take if Your Privacy Is Breached

If you need to report or resolve unauthorized entry, follow these steps:

• Keep a detailed log of all entries, including date, time, and circumstances.
• Send your landlord a written request to follow notice requirements.
• If issues continue, file an application with the RTDRS for remedy.

Which Tenancy Board Handles Disputes?

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) is Alberta’s official body for handling landlord-tenant issues regarding entry, repairs, or maintenance. The RTDRS makes legally binding decisions under Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act.¹

Your Rights, Responsibilities, and Key Resources

Tenants in Alberta have a right to privacy, safe housing, and fair treatment. At the same time, landlords must be able to maintain the property. For a well-rounded perspective on your role and obligations, consider reading Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

To explore more about tenant rights and laws unique to your province: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings with tools to help you find your next home across Canada.

FAQs: Landlord Entry for Repairs in Alberta

1. Can my landlord come in for repairs without any notice?
   Only in emergencies that risk health, safety, or immediate property damage. Otherwise, 24 hours’ written notice is required.
2. Does the notice have to be on a special form?
   No, as long as it is in writing and includes the necessary information (reason, date, and time of entry).
3. What counts as an emergency for landlord entry?
   Fires, flooding, gas leaks, electrical hazards, or any issue where delay could risk safety or major damage.
4. What can I do if my landlord keeps entering without notice?
   Document each incident. Contact the landlord in writing, and if it continues, file a dispute through the RTDRS.
5. Is there a time window when landlords can enter if proper notice has been given?
   Yes, entry is only allowed between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless you agree to a different time.

Key Takeaways

• Your landlord cannot enter for routine repairs without providing at least 24 hours’ written notice, except in emergencies.
• Keep records of all entries and notices, and address concerns promptly and respectfully.
• For unresolved privacy breaches, you can apply to the RTDRS for a remedy.

Staying informed about your rights makes renting in Alberta more secure and respectful for all parties involved.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – dispute and complaint resolution
• Government of Alberta: Residential Tenancies – publications, guides, and landlord-tenant information
• Alberta Residential Tenancies Act full text: Read the legislation
• Tenant support: Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA)

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1. Alberta Residential Tenancies Act. Government of Alberta. Read the RTA
2. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. Government of Alberta. RTDRS Official Site

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