Can my landlord enter my home without notice in Alberta?

No, Alberta landlords must give 24-hour written notice before entering unless it is an emergency.

How often can a landlord increase rent in Alberta?

Rent can only be increased once every 12 months for periodic tenancies in Alberta, and must follow legal notice requirements.

What if my landlord is not making repairs?

Put your repair request in writing. If the issue isn’t resolved, file a claim with Alberta's RTDRS for a hearing and possible order.

Can a landlord keep my security deposit?

Landlords may keep a deposit only for legal reasons like damages beyond wear and tear or unpaid rent, with proper move-out inspections.

Where can I get help with rental disputes in Alberta?

The RTDRS, Service Alberta, and local tenant organizations provide dispute resolution and information support in Alberta.

Landlord Rules in Alberta: What Landlords Can and Cannot Do

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Alberta published: June 12, 2025

Knowing exactly what landlords are allowed—and not allowed—to do can make renting in Alberta much less stressful. With clear rights and responsibilities for both parties, tenants are better equipped to handle common issues like repairs, rent increases, and privacy. This guide, focused on Alberta law, answers frequent questions and highlights protections under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).

Overview of Tenant and Landlord Rights in Alberta

Alberta's Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta set the framework for everything from signing leases to ending a tenancy. The legislation aims to keep both sides accountable and informed at every stage of the rental relationship.

What Landlords Are Allowed to Do

Landlords in Alberta have specific rights—many of which are designed to keep rental units safe, collect rent, and maintain properties. Here are some things landlords can legally do:

Collect security deposits (up to one month's rent, and kept in a trust account).
Increase rent (once every 12 months for periodic tenancies, but with proper written notice).
Enter the rental unit for specific reasons (like repairs or showings) with 24 hours' written notice, except in emergencies.
Make reasonable rules for the property (such as noise or smoking policies, as long as they comply with the law).
Issue eviction notices for valid legal reasons, using proper forms and procedures.

For a full discussion of both parties’ duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Key Landlord Forms: What to Expect

Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy (Form 1)
Used when a landlord ends a monthly/weekly rental. Must state specific reasons and give at least 3 months’ notice (monthly) or 1 week (weekly). Official info and download: Ending a rental agreement (Government of Alberta).
24-Hour Notice to Enter
Landlords must provide this written notice before entering the unit, except for emergencies. Must state date, time, and purpose. No specific government form is required, but it must follow the RTA rules.
Notice to Terminate for Non-Payment of Rent (Form 2)
Used if the tenant fails to pay rent on time. Requires a minimum 14-day written notice. Find details: Ending a rental agreement - Non-payment.

What Landlords Cannot Do

There are strict limits to what landlords may do, ensuring your basic tenant rights are protected:

Lock out tenants or change locks without following formal eviction process.
Enter without proper notice—except during emergencies (like fire or flood).
Raise rent before 12 months have passed in a periodic tenancy, or during a fixed-term lease.
Shut off vital services (like heat or water) to force a tenant out.
Keep a damage deposit without a proper move-out inspection and itemized deductions.
Retaliate after a tenant complains about repairs or exercise their rights under the RTA.

If your landlord is not meeting their obligations—such as not completing essential repairs—document your communication and escalate to the correct tribunal if needed.

Repairs, Maintenance, and Health Standards

Landlords must keep rental units in a safe, livable condition. Tenants can request urgent repairs (like heat, water, or security concerns) directly to the landlord, and escalate if there’s no response. For more insight on this, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Dispute Resolution and Tenant Remedies

If a landlord breaches Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act, tenants can apply for resolutions through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or Alberta courts. Common disputes involve illegal entry, withheld deposits, or failure to repair.

How to Escalate a Dispute as a Tenant

Try written communication to resolve with your landlord first.
If unresolved, file an application with the RTDRS (online or in-person).
Prepare all supporting documents, including communication records and notices.
Attend your hearing (virtually or in person) to present your case.

Understanding this process can make asserting your rights less intimidating and help you resolve conflicts quickly.

Deposits and Move-Out Inspections

Landlords may only deduct from security deposits ("damage deposits") for cleaning, repairs beyond normal wear, or unpaid rent—and only with proper documentation. Move-in and move-out inspections must be documented. Learn more from Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Where to Search for Rentals

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FAQs: Alberta Rental Rules and Landlord Conduct

Can my landlord enter my home without notice?
No. Landlords must provide 24-hour written notice before entering, unless there’s an emergency.
How much can my landlord increase rent in Alberta?
There’s no cap on the amount, but rent can only be increased once every 12 months for periodic tenancies, and only with proper written notice.
What should I do if my landlord won’t complete repairs?
Send a written request and keep records. If there’s no response, you can apply to the RTDRS for an order requiring repairs.
Can my landlord keep my security deposit?
Only for legal reasons such as unpaid rent or damages (excluding normal wear). Move-in and move-out inspections are required, and deductions must be itemized with receipts.
Where can I get help with a dispute?
The RTDRS, Service Alberta, or provincial tenant advocacy organizations can guide you through your options.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

Landlords have clear rules for rent increases, entry, and evictions—use official forms and procedures for any action.
Landlords cannot lock you out or enter without proper notice (except emergencies).
Disputes can be resolved through the RTDRS with supporting evidence.

Always reference Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act for up-to-date details and use written records to protect your rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – affordable tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes
Alberta Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) Overview
Alberta Consumer Services: Landlords & Tenants
Contact Service Alberta at 1-877-427-4088 for rental law questions
For more facts, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta