When an elevator stops working in a rented building, tenants can face safety, access and quality-of-life problems—especially in multi-storey apartment buildings or for residents with mobility needs. This guide explains what renters in Alberta can expect: who must arrange repairs, reasonable timelines, temporary accommodations, safety obligations, and steps to document problems and request action. It also describes when to use the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), what evidence helps, and practical options if delays persist. Keep records of communications and photos, and ask for timelines in writing to strengthen any complaint. If you have mobility challenges, mention accessibility needs immediately.
What to do right away
Act promptly to protect safety and access while the elevator is out of service.
- Contact your landlord or property manager immediately and report the elevator outage, including the time you first noticed the issue.
- Document the problem with photos, videos and a short written log of incidents, dates and any health or mobility impacts.
- Ask for a written timeline for repairs and any temporary measures (like alternate access, concierge assistance, or temporary relocation) so you have clear expectations.
Who is responsible for elevator repairs and habitability
In Alberta, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining common areas and building systems so that the rental remains safe and reasonably usable. That typically includes elevators in apartment buildings. If repair delays create hazards, reduced access, or worsen health conditions, tenants can request action and, if needed, pursue dispute resolution through the RTDRS [1] or rely on the Residential Tenancies Act for legal duties of landlords and tenants [2].
If the outage creates an emergency or affects access for people with disabilities, raise the urgency with your landlord and, when appropriate, reference accessibility needs and any municipal building-safety rules. For more on health and building safety responsibilities, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. For guidance on repairs and emergency timelines, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
Official forms and when to use them
When informal requests do not resolve the issue, a formal application to the province's dispute resolution service is often the next step. Below are the official resources tenants commonly use.
- RTDRS application (Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service application) — Use this online application or form to start a dispute about repairs, access or compensation when a landlord will not act or timelines are unreasonable. Practical example: if the elevator has been out for several days and the landlord gives no firm repair date, a tenant can apply to RTDRS to request an order for repairs or rent abatement. See the official RTDRS information and application page [1].
FAQ
- Can my landlord delay elevator repairs for weeks?
- Delays are not automatically acceptable; landlords must act within a reasonable time depending on the problem's severity and risks. If delays cause safety or access problems, document the impact and consider filing with RTDRS [1].
- Can I withhold rent or deduct repair costs for an out-of-service elevator?
- Withholding rent or making repairs yourself can be risky without legal authority. Instead, document damage or loss, notify your landlord in writing, and consider applying to RTDRS for compensation or rent reduction rather than unilaterally withholding rent.
- What if I need temporary accommodation because the elevator outage affects mobility?
- If mobility is affected, request temporary reasonable accommodations or relocation from your landlord in writing and keep any medical or accessibility documentation. If the landlord refuses, this is grounds to raise the issue with RTDRS or seek municipal building enforcement.
How-To
- Contact your landlord or property manager right away, describe the problem, and ask for a written repair timeline.
- Record evidence: take photos or video, keep logs of missed appointments or inaccessible services, and save messages.
- Request interim solutions in writing, such as concierge help, alternate access, or temporary rent adjustments if the outage causes loss of use.
- Apply to the RTDRS if the landlord does not fix the issue in a reasonable time or refuses reasonable accommodation; include your documentation and a clear remedy request.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) - Government of Alberta
- Residential Tenancies Act - Alberta Queen's Printer
- Rental housing information - Government of Alberta
