Can my landlord evict me if they sell the rental property?

No, the sale of the property alone does not allow your landlord or the new owner to evict you in Alberta. You can only be asked to move out if proper legal notice is given and the buyer requires the property for personal use.

How much notice do I get if the new owner wants to move in?

You must receive at least 90 days' written notice after the sale is complete if the new owner wants to move in. This applies to month-to-month tenancies.

What happens to my lease or fixed-term agreement when the property is sold?

Your lease continues under the original terms, but the new owner becomes your landlord. You do not have to leave before your agreement ends unless you agree to do so.

Who returns my security deposit if the landlord sells?

The new owner is responsible for your security deposit and must return it (plus interest) when you move out if you meet all the lease conditions.

Do I have to allow showings while I’m still living there?

Yes, but you must receive at least 24 hours' written notice before each showing, and showings must be at reasonable times.

Landlord Selling a Rental: Tenant Rights in Alberta

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Alberta published: June 12, 2025

If you’re renting a home in Alberta and your landlord decides to sell the property, knowing your rights and what to expect is important for your peace of mind. This article explains what happens when a landlord sells a rental, outlines the steps landlords must follow, and helps you understand your protections under Alberta law.

What Does It Mean When Your Landlord Sells?

When a landlord lists or sells the rental property, your lease is still protected by Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. The law outlines what your landlord can and cannot do during the sale – and what happens for you as a tenant after the sale closes.

Your Rights as a Tenant During the Sale

If your landlord puts the property up for sale:

Your lease remains valid even if the property is sold.
The new owner must respect the terms of your current agreement.
You cannot be forced to move out or evicted just because the property is being sold unless proper legal notice is given and rules are followed.

The new owner steps into the landlord’s place under your fixed-term or month-to-month rental agreement.

Notice Requirements: Viewing the Property and Ending the Tenancy

Alberta law says landlords can show your suite to prospective buyers – but strict rules apply:

Your landlord must give you 24 hours' written notice before each showing.
Showings must be at a reasonable time of day (typically between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm).

If the new owner wants to move in, they can only end your tenancy with proper notice after they officially take possession. For month-to-month tenancies, the buyer or landlord must provide you with at least 90 days’ written notice to end your tenancy for their personal use (such as moving in themselves or for a close family member). This must happen after the sale is complete.^[1]

For fixed-term leases, you can stay until your agreement ends, unless all parties (including you) agree otherwise.

What Happens to Your Security Deposit?

When the property is sold, the landlord must transfer your security or damage deposit – including any accrued interest – to the new owner or return it to you at the end of your tenancy as per Alberta law. Both parties should document this transfer.

For more details, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Forms and Official Steps for Tenants During a Sale

There are no special forms for tenants simply because a property is being sold. However, if the new landlord or the buyer provides you with notice to end the tenancy due to personal use, they must use a valid "Notice to Terminate Tenancy" under Section 4 of Alberta's Residential Tenancies Ministerial Regulation. You can review examples on the Alberta Government's official website.

Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy (Personal Use): This is a written notice the new landlord/buyer must give if they or their family member intends to occupy the property. Example: You get written notice 95 days before the end of a period, stating the new owner will move in after taking ownership.

If You Have Problems: Where to Get Help

If your landlord or the new owner fails to follow rules (for example, you do not receive proper notice, or your deposit isn't returned), you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). The RTDRS is Alberta’s official tribunal handling rental disputes between tenants and landlords.

If you have issues with repairs or the condition of your home during (or after) a sale, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Moving Out After a Sale

Should you decide to move voluntarily after a sale – or if your tenancy is ending – be sure to follow the required process for notice, cleaning, and inspections. For tips, visit Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.

To explore new rental options across the country, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

For more details on renting rules in this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

FAQs About Landlord Selling a Rental Home in Alberta

Can my landlord evict me if they sell the rental property?
No, your landlord or the new owner cannot evict you just because of a sale. Only if the new owner needs to live in the property and gives proper notice can your tenancy be ended. Required notice periods and rules must be followed.
How much notice do I get if the new owner wants to move in?
You must be given at least 90 days' written notice (on a month-to-month tenancy) after the purchase closes, using a proper notice form under Alberta’s rules.
What happens to my lease or fixed-term agreement when the property is sold?
Your lease continues with the new owner; you are not required to move before your agreement ends, unless both you and the new owner agree otherwise.
Who returns my security deposit if the landlord sells?
The new owner inherits responsibility for your security deposit. They must return it (with interest) when you move out, provided you’ve met the conditions under the Act.
Do I have to allow showings while I’m still living there?
Yes, but your landlord must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice before each showing, and showings must happen at reasonable times.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) — File applications, get dispute information, and access forms.
Service Alberta: Renting in Alberta — Government guides, laws, and tenant resources.
Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta — Free legal information for tenants and landlords.