Sharing a rental arrangement with roommates in Alberta offers financial savings and convenience, but it also introduces unique legal responsibilities and rights. Whether you’re moving in with friends or joining an existing household, knowing your obligations as a roommate is essential to maintain a harmonious living environment and protect yourself under Alberta’s rental laws.

Understanding Roommate Arrangements in Alberta

Roommate relationships can range from formal (everyone signed on a lease) to informal (one tenant sublets space to others). However, the law treats each arrangement differently. In Alberta, not all roommates hold the same legal status as tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act^[1].

• Joint Tenants: All roommates have signed the lease with the landlord. Each person shares full legal responsibility for the rental agreement.
• Occupants/Subtenants: Only one person is the official tenant, and others pay rent to that tenant but are not on the main lease. Subtenancy may require landlord approval.

It’s crucial to clarify your status, as it directly affects your rights if issues like eviction or disputes arise.

Key Rights of Roommates in Alberta

When living with roommates, your legal rights depend on your arrangement:

• Access to safe, habitable premises (Residential Tenancies Act)
• Right to know terms of the tenancy (if on the lease or a subtenancy agreement)
• Protection of your privacy within reasonable limitations
• The right to a written notice for eviction or end of subtenancy, as appropriate

If you and your roommates are officially tenants, you each benefit from protections surrounding security of tenure, notice for eviction, and quiet enjoyment.

Security Deposits and Financial Agreements

Roommates often split the security (damage) deposit. However, the landlord deals only with those on the lease. All tenants on the lease are jointly responsible for damages and may only claim a deposit refund jointly after moving out. Learn more about how deposits are handled in Alberta in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Paying Rent as Roommates

If you’re on the lease, you are fully responsible for paying the total rent, even if a roommate does not pay their share. If only one roommate signs the lease and sublets, that main tenant is responsible to the landlord for all rent and damages. For practical tips and legal details, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Roommate Agreements: Why You Need One

Although not required by law, a written roommate agreement helps avoid disputes about bills, chores, overnight guests, and other shared responsibilities. This agreement is separate from the lease and does not bind the landlord, but it’s valuable evidence if a disagreement arises among roommates.

Ending a Roommate Relationship or Moving Out

When a roommate wants to leave, their rights and responsibilities depend on the lease terms and any roommate agreement. Typically, the landlord is only responsible for returning deposits or notices to those named on the lease.

• If all roommates are on the lease, everyone may need to provide written notice to end the tenancy.
• If you’re a subtenant, only the main tenant may be able to legally end your subtenancy—check the lease and subletting agreement.

For official steps, use the Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy or Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) Application Form (details below).

Alberta’s Official Tribunal for Tenancy Issues

Disputes between roommates often fall outside the scope of Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), unless both are tenants on the lease. However, for rental disputes involving the landlord, such as eviction or deposit issues, the RTDRS is the official provincial tribunal. Visit the RTDRS.

Relevant Official Forms for Roommates

• Notice to Terminate a Periodic Tenancy: Used by tenants or landlords to give proper notice to end a periodic (monthly or weekly) tenancy.
  See details and download the form at Ending a Residential Tenancy – Alberta.ca. For example, if all tenants (roommates) want to move out at the same time, they should sign and deliver this form to the landlord with proper notice.
• RTDRS Application Form (L1): Used by tenants to resolve disputes with landlords, such as deposit returns or repair issues. While roommate-only disputes are not covered, you may use this form if an issue involves your legal rights as a tenant. Access the official RTDRS Application.

What to Do if Disputes Arise with Your Roommate

If you have a conflict with a roommate about money, cleaning, or moving out, try to resolve it through open discussion. Document conversations and agreements in writing. If the dispute involves property damage or unpaid rent affecting your landlord, be proactive—your own tenancy may be at risk.

• Discuss and attempt resolution directly
• Refer to your written roommate agreement or the lease
• Seek mediation through a community legal clinic if necessary

More tips can be found in Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

For those searching for a new place to share, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada using interactive features designed for roommates and shared arrangements.

For detailed provincial laws and additional information, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Frequently Asked Questions: Roommates in Alberta Rentals

1. What happens if my roommate doesn’t pay their share of the rent?
   If you’re on the lease, you are jointly responsible to your landlord for the full rent, regardless of your roommate’s share. You may need to pay the full amount to avoid eviction and pursue the unpaid share from your roommate separately.
2. Can I force my roommate to move out if we have a disagreement?
   If both are named tenants, you cannot force a roommate to leave without landlord involvement. For subtenants, only the primary tenant can end your subtenancy, usually with written notice. Legal processes and notice periods must be followed.
3. How do I remove myself from a lease with roommates in Alberta?
   You must provide proper written notice according to your lease and the Residential Tenancies Act. Often, all tenants must agree and sign off if one wants to leave.
4. Are roommate agreements legally binding?
   A written roommate agreement is enforceable in small claims court for matters like unpaid bills but does not affect the landlord–tenant relationship or rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.
5. Who is entitled to the security deposit when roommates move out?
   Alberta landlords return the deposit to all tenants on the lease, not individual roommates. It’s up to the roommates to split the deposit according to their own agreement.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Alberta Roommates

• Clarify your legal status: Are you a tenant, subtenant, or occupant?
• Know your financial and legal responsibilities if you’re on the lease
• Use written roommate agreements to help prevent disputes
• Provincial tribunals can only help if your dispute involves the landlord

Being proactive and informed protects your interests and encourages a successful roommate experience. If circumstances change or issues arise, act quickly and use available resources to resolve matters fairly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Residential Tenancies Act — Complete legislation
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) — File disputes, get official forms, and info
• Service Alberta: Landlords & Tenants — Guides and rights for tenants and roommates
• Alberta Legal Services — Free and low-cost legal support
• Calgary Legal Guidance — Tenants
• Edmonton Community Legal Centre

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1. Alberta Residential Tenancies Act – Download the current legislation (PDF)

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