Stairwell and Hallway Safety: Alberta Tenant Rights

Living in a multi-unit building means shared stairwells and hallways that must be safe, clean, and well-lit. As a tenant in Alberta, you have the right to unobstructed egress, working lights, functioning handrails, and timely repairs for hazards such as loose steps, water leaks, or ice on exterior stairs. This guide explains your responsibilities and your landlord’s duties under provincial rules, how to document problems, when to file official forms, and how to get help from the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service^[1] or municipal building inspectors.

Safety basics for stairwells and hallways

Common hazards to look for in shared spaces include physical and environmental risks that can cause slips, trips, falls, or block safe exit paths. Knowing what to watch for helps you report issues clearly and quickly.

• Maintenance: poor lighting or burned-out bulbs that make steps hard to see.
• Repairs: loose steps, cracked treads, or broken handrails that need immediate fixing.
• Safety: blocked exits, storage in stairwells, or items that obstruct egress.
• Risk: ice, snow, or water on exterior stairs creating slip hazards.

Who is responsible?

In Alberta the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining common areas such as stairwells and hallways, ensuring they are safe and free from hazards. Tenants also have responsibilities: do not create obstructions and report problems promptly. For a concise summary of rights and duties see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta. The province’s Residential Tenancies Act sets many of the obligations landlords must follow^[2].

If repairs are ignored, tenants can seek remedies. One common official route is an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). Application for Dispute Resolution (RTDRS) — form name: "Application for Dispute Resolution" (no form number). When to use it: for unresolved repair problems that affect safety or habitability. Practical example: if a landlord receives written notice of a broken handrail and does not fix it within a reasonable time, a tenant can file an RTDRS application asking for an order requiring repairs and possible compensation. The RTDRS site and application guidance explain required information and typical timelines^[1].

How to report hazards and get repairs

Follow clear steps to create a record and escalate when necessary. Keep communications professional, dated, and documented.

1. Document the hazard: take photos, note date/time, and collect witness names if possible.
2. Serve written notice to the landlord: send a dated message describing the hazard and the repair requested, keeping a copy for your records.
3. Report immediate dangers: if there is an imminent safety risk, call emergency services and notify municipal building inspectors.
4. Apply for dispute resolution: if the landlord does not respond reasonably, file the RTDRS Application for Dispute Resolution to seek an order.

FAQ

Who must maintain stairwells and hallways in Alberta?

The landlord is generally responsible for keeping common areas safe and in good repair, while tenants must not create hazards and should report problems promptly.

What should I do if a stairwell hazard isn\u2019t fixed?

Document the issue, serve written notice to the landlord, and if it remains unresolved you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service or contact municipal building inspectors.

When is a problem considered an emergency?

Problems that pose immediate risk to health or safety — for example major structural collapse, live electrical hazards, or severe ice making stairs impassable — should be reported to emergency services and the landlord immediately.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: take photos or video, note times and dates, and save messages about the issue.
2. Send a written notice: tell the landlord what needs fixing and request a timeline for repairs.
3. Escalate urgent risks: call 911 for immediate danger and report code concerns to municipal inspectors.
4. File RTDRS if needed: complete the Application for Dispute Resolution with supporting evidence and submit to the RTDRS.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must keep shared stairwells and hallways safe and in good repair.
• Document hazards, serve written notice, and keep dated records of all communications.
• If repairs are ignored, the RTDRS is the main provincial route to request orders and remedies.

Help and Support / Resources

• Service Alberta - Residential tenancies
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• Alberta Municipal Affairs - Building and safety codes

If the unit becomes unsafe and you must find another place quickly, consider broader rental search tools such as Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to compare options.

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1. [1] Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (Queen's Printer)
3. [3] Alberta Municipal Affairs - Building and safety codes