Living with roommates can complicate tenancy when one person is evicted. If you rent in Alberta and share a lease or live in a unit where a roommate's actions trigger eviction, you still have clear tenant rights and responsibilities. This article explains common outcomes, how an eviction may affect your lease and security deposit, and practical steps to protect your tenancy — from documenting payments and communications to notifying the landlord and using Alberta's dispute resolution services. We describe official forms, realistic examples, and timelines so you can act promptly and confidently. Use the checklists, FAQs, and step-by-step actions below to reduce risk and keep your housing secure.
What happens when a roommate is evicted?
When a roommate is evicted in Alberta, the outcome depends on whether everyone is named on the lease and the ground for eviction. If the landlord seeks possession for cause related to one person, that action may target only the problematic tenant; however, landlords must follow rules under Alberta tenancy law and cannot bypass required notices or dispute processes. If you and the roommate signed one fixed-term agreement together, the landlord may treat the tenancy as a single contract, so discuss the situation with your landlord and document communications.
Your rights as a remaining tenant
As a remaining tenant in Alberta you generally have these protections and obligations:
- Continue paying the full rent on time to avoid arrears or a new eviction notice.
- Keep records: dated receipts, text or email communications, and photos of the unit condition.
- Ask the landlord in writing whether the lease will be changed or if a new tenant can be added.
- Protect your privacy and security by discussing key and lock arrangements if a former roommate had sole access.
Official forms and the tribunal — what to know
If a dispute follows an eviction, Alberta uses the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) to resolve many tenant-landlord disputes. To start a claim you may use the RTDRS Application for Dispute Resolution (application form) and supporting forms available from the provincial forms page.[1] For statutory rights and landlord obligations consult the Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta) and related regulations.[2]
Key official forms (what, when, example)
- RTDRS Application for Dispute Resolution (no form number): used when you need a formal hearing about eviction, deposit disputes, or unpaid rent. Example: you file this after your landlord refuses to return a deposit split after one roommate left and you cannot reach agreement.
- Support documents and evidence checklist (available with RTDRS forms): include rent receipts, photos, a signed lease, and any written notices. Example: upload dated bank transfers to prove you paid your share of rent while a roommate withheld funds.
- Ending tenancy guidance and landlord notice templates: used when either party wishes to end a tenancy fairly; follow timelines on the official ending-a-tenancy page to avoid procedural problems.[3]
Practical steps to protect your tenancy
- Confirm who is listed on the lease and ask the landlord for written confirmation of any change.
- Keep paying your full rental amount on time and get receipts showing who paid what.
- Save evidence: date-stamped photos, messages, and payment records that show unit condition and contributions.
- Notify the landlord in writing about safety, access, or deposit concerns and request next steps in writing.
- If the landlord threatens to end your tenancy or refuses to return deposit funds, consider filing an RTDRS application with supporting evidence.
- If safety or security is at risk, ask to change locks or arrange secure access immediately and get confirmation from the landlord.
When to consider legal or community help
If you feel pressured to leave without proper notice, or the landlord skips required dispute steps, seek free legal advice from clinics or tenant-help groups before signing anything. Community legal clinics can explain your options and sometimes assist with RTDRS paperwork. If you proceed to RTDRS, bring all records and copies of every notice or payment.
FAQ
- Can my landlord evict only my roommate and not me?
- If only your roommate is named on the eviction notice, whether you must leave depends on who is on the lease and the reason for eviction. If you are a named tenant, the landlord generally cannot evict you without following correct procedures. Seek clarification in writing and consider dispute resolution if needed.
- What happens to the security deposit when a roommate leaves?
- The handling of a security deposit depends on how it was paid and who the landlord recognizes as tenants. Keep records of your payments and, if there is disagreement, use the RTDRS process to request a fair settlement of the deposit.
- Should I keep paying rent if my roommate is evicted?
- Yes. Continue paying the full rent to the landlord to avoid being in arrears. If you believe the landlord should adjust rent responsibility, get any agreement in writing and keep copies of payments.
How-To
- Confirm who is on the lease and collect a copy of the rental agreement.
- Document payments and gather receipts for the period before and after the eviction.
- Notify the landlord in writing about any change in roommates and request written confirmation of next steps.
- Prepare evidence and file an RTDRS application if you need a formal decision about arrears, deposit, or tenancy status.
- Take immediate safety steps such as changing locks if your personal security was compromised and inform the landlord in writing.
Key Takeaways
- Document everything: payments, messages, and unit condition photos are essential evidence.
- Keep paying rent on time to protect your tenancy while you sort roommate issues.
- Use Alberta's RTDRS and official forms to resolve disputes fairly and quickly.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) - Official site
- Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta) - Legislation (Queen's Printer)
- Ending a tenancy (Alberta government guidance)
