Not every Alberta tenant has a written lease. If you moved in without signing paperwork, you still have essential rights and responsibilities. In Alberta, tenants and landlords are protected by law—even if there’s no written rental agreement. This guide explains what happens if you never signed a lease, how the law applies, and practical steps you can take to protect yourself.

What Is a Lease—And Is It Required in Alberta?

A lease is a contract between a tenant and a landlord that sets the rules for renting a place. In Alberta, leases can be written, verbal, or even implied by your actions (like paying rent and moving in). The Residential Tenancies Act governs all residential tenancies, whether or not there is a written agreement.¹

Can You Rent Without a Signed Lease?

Yes—you can become a tenant just by moving in, paying rent, and otherwise acting as a renter. If you pay rent (even with only texting, email, or a handshake), you are protected by Alberta law. This is called a verbal or implied tenancy agreement.

• All the main rules for tenants and landlords still apply, even without paper forms.
• Alberta law treats verbal or implied leases almost the same as written leases.

How Are Your Rights Protected Without a Lease?

Your key rights and responsibilities come from the Residential Tenancies Act of Alberta, not the piece of paper. This means you can expect:

• Privacy and quiet enjoyment of your home
• Proper notice if your rent is going to increase or your tenancy will end
• Rights to basic Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting
• The right to receipts for rent and deposits
• Return of your security deposit if you meet move-out terms

An unwritten lease does not take away your legal protections. However, disagreements about terms (like how much notice is needed to end the tenancy) can be harder to resolve without a written reference.

What Are Your Responsibilities?

Your duties as a tenant don’t change if you have no lease. You must:

• Pay your rent on time
• Keep the property reasonably clean
• Not disturb other tenants or neighbors
• Allow the landlord to enter after proper notice (usually 24 hours, except emergencies)

How Are Rent and Deposits Handled?

Even without a lease in Alberta, landlords can require a security deposit (also called a damage deposit). Rules for deposits and rent payments still apply. Learn more about your rights regarding deposits with Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Receipts for payments are your right—ask for them and keep records of every payment.

Ending a Tenancy with No Lease

Without a written lease, your tenancy is usually considered a month-to-month agreement. Alberta law requires that:

• Tenants must give written notice at least one full rental period before moving out
• Landlords must give written notice to raise rent or end the tenancy, according to the Residential Tenancies Act

For more details on obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Which Forms Should You Use?

Even without a signed lease, both tenants and landlords can (and should) use proper forms for notices and terminations. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy (Form RTB-24): Used by tenants or landlords to give notice to end a month-to-month or week-to-week tenancy. Download the form and instructions from the Alberta government: Ending a tenancy. Example: If you plan to move out at the end of May, you must deliver written notice before the last day of April.
• Application for Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): If you have a dispute about money, repairs, or return of your deposit, file with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). This is Alberta’s specialized tribunal for renters and landlords.²

What If You Have a Problem or Dispute?

If you and your landlord disagree (for example, over a deposit or eviction), Alberta has clear procedures. Try to keep records of all communications, payment receipts, and photos of the rental.

If discussion fails, the RTDRS can hear tenant applications for issues such as deposits, entry, notices, and rent disputes.

Quick Summary

A written lease is helpful, but Alberta protects tenants whether or not one was signed. Your main obligations and rights are in the Residential Tenancies Act.

You can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme whether you have a signed lease or not.

For province-wide rental facts, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I be evicted without a written lease in Alberta?
   Yes, but your landlord must follow Alberta’s legal process and give you proper notice based on the type of tenancy you have.
2. Is my security deposit protected if there is no lease?
   Yes, your deposit is still protected by law. Landlords must hold it in trust and return it (minus lawful deductions) when you move out.
3. How much notice do I have to give if I want to move out?
   If you pay month-to-month, you must give at least one full rental period of written notice before leaving.
4. Do verbal agreements count as leases in Alberta?
   Yes! Alberta recognizes verbal and implied rental agreements as legally binding.
5. Where can I go if I have a dispute with my landlord?
   You can file an application with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• You do not need a written lease to be protected as a tenant in Alberta.
• All standard rights and responsibilities apply to both parties.
• Keep records and use official government forms when ending a tenancy or dealing with disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Residential Tenancies Act – government information
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for fast, affordable tenant-landlord dispute resolution
• Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta: Tenant advocacy services
• For a full overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

---

1. See the Alberta Residential Tenancies Act
2. Learn more about the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service

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