Top 50 Eviction Questions for Alberta Tenants: Answers You Need

Evictions Alberta published June 26, 2025 Flag of Alberta
Who handles residential tenancy issues in Alberta?
The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) handles most eviction and tenancy disputes in Alberta.
What law covers evictions in Alberta?
The Residential Tenancies Act is the main law for evictions in Alberta.
Can my landlord evict me without a reason?
No, a landlord must have a valid reason and serve legal notice as required by Alberta law.
What are legal reasons for eviction?
Common reasons include unpaid rent, lease violations, and the property being converted or demolished.
How much notice must I get for eviction?
Most cases require at least 14 days' written notice, but notice periods vary by reason.
What if I don’t pay my rent on time?
Your landlord can give a 14-day eviction notice if rent is late.
What is a 24-hour eviction notice in Alberta?
It's for cases involving significant damage or safety threats; eviction can be after 24 hours’ notice.
What form does a landlord use to evict me?
A Notice to Terminate Tenancy must be served; there is no set government form but it must be in writing following Alberta law.
What information must be in an eviction notice?
The notice must include reason, termination date, signature, and address. For details, see Alberta's notice requirements.
Can a landlord end a fixed-term lease early?
Only for reasons allowed by the law, such as unpaid rent or damaging property, with proper notice.
Can I be evicted for complaining about repairs?
No, landlords cannot evict you for asserting your legal rights.
What if I disagree with the eviction notice?
You can file a dispute with RTDRS or the court before the notice period ends.
How do I dispute an eviction?
File an Application through RTDRS or Court of King's Bench as soon as possible.
What is an RTDRS Application for Possession?
It's a form landlords use to request an order to remove a tenant—you can respond if you dispute the eviction.
Where can I find the RTDRS Application form?
The form is available from RTDRS: Application – Residential Tenancies Act (Form).
How much does it cost to file with RTDRS?
As of 2024, the fee is $75. Fee waivers may be available if you qualify.
What happens if I refuse to leave after eviction notice?
Your landlord can apply to RTDRS or court for a Possession Order to have you legally removed.
Can my landlord change the locks to evict me?
No. Only a bailiff or civil enforcement agency can remove you after a court or RTDRS order.
Can I get help if I face eviction?
Yes, you can get free advice from CPLEA and local legal clinics, or contact RTDRS for information.
Can I end my tenancy before my eviction date?
Yes, you can move out any time before the termination date to avoid further rent liability.
What if the eviction notice is not in writing?
Verbal eviction notices are not valid in Alberta.
Can my landlord evict me in winter?
Yes, evictions can happen any time of year in Alberta if legal requirements are met.
Do I have to pay rent during the notice period?
Yes, rent is still owed during the notice period.
Can I be evicted for having a pet?
Only if your lease prohibits pets or you violate related rules; proper notice must be given.
Do I get my security deposit back if evicted?
You are entitled to your deposit minus damages or unpaid rent, within 10 days of moving out.
What is a 'Notice to Terminate Tenancy by Landlord'?
It's a formal written notification that your tenancy is ending; requirements are in the Residential Tenancies Act.
How must eviction notices be delivered?
Notices can be hand-delivered or left at your residence, mailed, or posted to your door.
Can my landlord evict me for subletting?
Yes, if you sublet without permission and it violates your lease agreement.
Can I request more time to move out?
You can ask your landlord, or apply to RTDRS or court for more time, but approval is not guaranteed.
What happens to my belongings if I’m evicted?
Landlords must follow the law when handling abandoned property. For details, see Alberta property rules.
Will an eviction affect my credit?
Eviction itself does not, but unpaid rent or damages sent to a collection agency may impact your credit.
Can I be evicted for noise complaints?
Yes, repeated noise disturbances can be valid grounds if you receive proper notice.
Can my landlord evict me for having guests?
Only if you break occupancy rules in your lease or the guests cause problems.
What if my landlord wants to sell the property?
Your lease must still be legally terminated; buyers must honour fixed-term leases until expiry.
Can my landlord evict me for renovating?
Landlords can ask tenants to move with 365 days' notice only for demolishing or major conversion.
Is a fixed-term lease automatically renewed?
No, it ends on the agreement date unless both landlord and tenant agree to renew.
I received a court order to vacate—what do I do?
Leave by the order’s date or seek immediate legal help; non-compliance could mean forced removal.
Can I appeal an RTDRS decision?
Yes, within 30 days to the Court of King's Bench, but only on a question of law or jurisdiction.
What if my landlord is harassing me to move out?
You can report harassment to RTDRS or the police and apply for a remedy if needed.
What should I do if I can’t attend my RTDRS hearing?
Notify RTDRS immediately and ask to reschedule; if absent, a decision could be made without you.
Can I request an interpreter at my hearing?
Yes, request language assistance with RTDRS when you file your application or response.
Who serves the eviction notice to tenants?
The landlord or their agent delivers the notice, following the rules for service in Alberta.
How soon do I need to respond to an eviction notice?
Respond or apply to dispute as soon as possible, and before the deadline in the notice.
How do I give notice to end my lease?
Use the correct written notice and serve it to your landlord. See forms at Alberta End a Tenancy.
Can a landlord refuse payment to proceed with eviction?
No, rent must be accepted if offered before the 14-day notice period ends, except for repeat late payments.
What if my roommate is evicted?
If you are on the same lease, all tenants may be affected; check your lease and get advice.
Can I get an eviction removed from my record?
Alberta does not keep a public eviction record, but court rulings may appear in legal databases.
Can I be evicted for marijuana use?
Only if use is prohibited in your lease or you violate smoking rules or cause damage.
What is a conditional order of possession?
It is a court or RTDRS order that gives you time to fix a problem before being evicted.
Can a landlord evict without a written tenancy agreement?
Yes, oral agreements are also covered by the law; written notice is still required.
Can I get legal help for an eviction hearing?
Yes, contact community legal clinics, Legal Aid Alberta, or CPLEA for support.
Can I request written reasons for an RTDRS decision?
Yes, request written reasons when the decision is made or contact RTDRS directly.

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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