Feeling unsafe because your rental's windows or doors won’t lock properly? In Alberta, tenants have the right to a secure living space. This article explains your legal protections, landlord responsibilities, how to request repairs, and what to do if issues aren’t fixed.

Why Safe Door and Window Locks Matter

Adequate locks on windows and doors are essential for your safety and peace of mind. The Alberta Residential Tenancies Act and the Minimum Housing and Health Standards require landlords to provide basic security features, including working locks on all exterior doors and windows.^[1]

Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities in Alberta

Landlords must ensure the rental property meets safety standards at all times. This includes maintaining locks so you can properly secure your unit. Tenants are responsible for reporting problems promptly and not intentionally damaging locks.

• Landlords must repair or replace defective locks as soon as possible.
• Tenants must inform landlords in writing when a lock is not working.

Want to see a broader overview of mutual duties? Read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Alberta's Minimum Housing and Health Standards Require

All rental units must have doors with deadbolts and windows with working latches. These standards apply to houses, apartments, and basement suites. If your locks are faulty, you have the right to request immediate repairs.

What To Do If Your Windows or Doors Don’t Lock Properly

It’s important to act quickly if you notice a lock isn’t secure. Here are the basic steps to address this issue:

• Document the problem: Take photos and note which locks are faulty.
• Notify your landlord in writing: Include details and request a prompt repair.
• Keep a record: Save all emails, letters, and photos for your records.

When is a Broken Lock an Emergency?

If an exterior door or ground-floor window cannot lock, it may be considered an urgent repair or even an emergency under Alberta law. Immediate attention is required to protect your safety and prevent unauthorized entry.

For more on urgent situations, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

How to Request Repairs: Forms and Reporting Process

Start by submitting a written repair request to your landlord. While Alberta does not have a mandatory government form for everyday repair requests, you should provide these details in your message:

• Your full name and address
• Location and type of faulty lock
• Date when the issue started
• Request for prompt repair, referencing safety standards

If the landlord fails to respond in a reasonable period (usually 3-7 days for basic issues, or immediately if it's an emergency), you can:

• Contact Alberta Health Services—Environmental Public Health (report an unsafe condition here).
• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

How to Apply to the RTDRS

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) handles tenancy issues quickly and informally. You can apply online or in person using the "Application for Dispute Resolution" form (Official Form). Use this form if your landlord refuses to repair locks or respond to your request.

Example: If your landlord hasn’t fixed a broken door lock after you asked in writing, attach your emails and photos when submitting the application to the RTDRS.

Staying Safe: What You Can Do While Waiting

If repairs are delayed, consider temporary measures like securing a window with a dowel or using an additional lock (with landlord approval). However, the primary duty to repair remains with your landlord.

Understanding Your Broader Tenant Rights

Security, repairs, and the right to live in a healthy environment are protected by Alberta’s laws. Learn more about Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for comprehensive tips on keeping your rental safe and habitable.

For a complete snapshot of Alberta-specific tenancy rules, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

For tenants looking to move, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme easily and securely.

FAQs: Tenant Questions about Lock Issues

1. What should I do first if my rental locks aren’t working?
   Notify your landlord in writing, describe the issue clearly, and request urgent repairs. Keep a record of all correspondence.
2. Is a broken door or window lock considered an emergency?
   Yes—if it impacts your safety or unit security, it qualifies as urgent and should be addressed right away.
3. Can I change the locks myself if repairs are delayed?
   You need written permission from your landlord before changing locks. If permitted, you must provide the landlord with a key.
4. Where can I escalate the issue if repairs are ignored?
   You can apply to the RTDRS or report to Alberta Health Services for health and safety enforcement.
5. Does my landlord have to repair interior (bedroom or bathroom) locks?
   Alberta law focuses on exterior security, but landlords should repair interior locks as part of general maintenance if requested.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Your landlord must maintain secure locks on doors and windows by law.
• Put all repair requests in writing and keep detailed records.
• Use the RTDRS if your landlord won’t address security risks promptly.

Addressing lock issues quickly helps ensure everyone’s safety and keeps your rental compliant with Alberta’s housing standards.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• Service Alberta—Tenant & Landlord Information (guides and dispute information)
• Alberta Health Services—Environmental Public Health (unsafe property reporting)
• Local tenant support: Edmonton Community Legal Centre, Calgary Legal Guidance—they offer free or low-cost advice for tenants
• If you are in danger, phone local police or 911.

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1. Alberta Residential Tenancies Act: read the official legislation
2. Minimum Housing and Health Standards: official summary

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