Roommate Violence and Safety Orders in Alberta

Roommates & Shared Housing Alberta 3 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of Alberta
Roommate conflict that turns violent can leave tenants feeling unsafe and unsure how to protect themselves in Alberta. This guide explains practical steps renters can take when facing roommate violence: how to get emergency help, report criminal behaviour, request protection or safety orders, document incidents, and use provincial tenancy dispute services. It covers when to call police, what kinds of orders may be available, how to preserve evidence, and when to apply for formal dispute resolution or a restraining order. The language is plain and supportive so tenants can quickly identify options, required forms, and deadlines, and understand how their housing rights and safety intersect.

Understanding safety orders and police response in Alberta

Violence between roommates may be handled by police, by provincial protection orders, or through tenancy dispute processes depending on the facts. If the situation is criminal, police can investigate and charges may lead to protective measures. Tenancy-specific remedies such as requests to end a tenancy or orders about possession are handled through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or, in some cases, court processes.[1] For information about emergency protection orders and other immediate protections, see provincial guidance.[2] The Residential Tenancies Act sets out landlord and tenant obligations in Alberta and further tenant-focused guidance is available at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.[3]

Immediate steps if you face roommate violence

  • Call 911 if you or anyone is in immediate danger.
  • Contact non-emergency police to file a report and get an occurrence number if the danger has passed.
  • Document incidents with photos, messages, dates, times, and witness names.
  • Preserve evidence on a secure device and keep copies separate from shared spaces.
  • Seek temporary safety: lock doors, stay with a friend or family member, or contact local shelters; for guidance on habitability and safety in rentals, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
Detailed documentation increases your chances of success in disputes.

Legal routes: safety orders and tenancy remedies

Depending on the circumstances, you can pursue criminal or civil protection, and you can also use tenancy channels to address housing safety and occupancy. Police may help secure short-term protection or apply for court-ordered conditions; civil options include protection orders, peace bonds, or restraining orders. Tenancy remedies often start with an RTDRS application for urgent possession or termination if a roommate's behaviour makes the unit unsafe.[1]

  • RTDRS Application to Resolve a Dispute — use this to request orders about ending a tenancy or resolving urgent possession issues; file it with RTDRS for tenancy matters.[1]
  • Information on Emergency Protection Orders and related forms — contact police or legal services to start an emergency protection process if personal safety is at risk.[2]
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How-To

  1. Call 911 or your local police if you are in danger and ask for immediate protection.
  2. Record and back up all evidence: photos, messages, a written log with dates and times.
  3. Apply for emergency protection through police or seek a protection order from the court if needed.
  4. If the issue affects your tenancy, file an RTDRS Application to Resolve a Dispute and request urgent remedies.
  5. Bring evidence to hearings and clearly explain the impact on your safety and housing stability.
  6. If you must move quickly, search for temporary housing options and short-term rentals; Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ

Can I ask a violent roommate to leave?
Yes, you can ask them to leave, but how you do it depends on who is on the lease and whether a formal notice is required; if you feel unsafe, call police first.
How do I get a safety order in Alberta?
Contact police for immediate protection and ask about emergency protection orders, or apply through court processes; if the problem affects your tenancy, file with RTDRS for housing remedies.[1]
Will reporting violence affect my tenancy?
Filing a police report or asking for protection does not automatically end a tenancy, but you can seek orders to end or change a tenancy through RTDRS if the unit is unsafe.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
  2. [2] Emergency protection orders — Government of Alberta
  3. [3] Residential Tenancies — Government of Alberta

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Sarah Mitchell
Sarah Mitchell

Senior Housing Rights Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Sarah has spent over a decade researching tenant legislation across Western Canada, with a particular focus on British Columbia and Alberta. She holds a certificate in Housing Policy from Simon Fraser University and has contributed to several housing advocacy organizations.

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