Top 50 Questions About Roommates & Shared Housing in Alberta

Roommates & Shared Housing Alberta published June 26, 2025 Flag of Alberta
Are roommate agreements legally binding in Alberta?
Generally, roommate agreements are not covered by Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) but may be enforceable as private contracts in civil court.
Does the Residential Tenancies Act apply to roommate situations?
The RTA applies if there's a landlord-tenant relationship. If tenants rent from the landlord together, it applies; if a tenant sublets rooms, it may not.
Am I responsible for my roommate's share of rent in Alberta?
If you're on a joint lease, all tenants are usually responsible for the full rent if a roommate doesn't pay.
What if my roommate moves out before the lease ends?
You may still be responsible for full rent. Speak to your landlord and check your lease for details.
How do I add or remove a roommate from the lease?
Ask your landlord for written approval. Both you and your landlord must agree to change the lease.
Can my landlord evict my roommate without evicting me?
If both are on the lease, eviction usually applies to everyone. If not, it depends on your specific agreement.
How much notice do I have to give my roommate to ask them to leave?
Unless the landlord is involved, there's no set requirement under the RTA. Follow your roommate agreement or discuss together.
What rights does a roommate have if they're not on the lease?
Non-lease roommates often have little protection under the RTA and depend on private agreements.
Who gets the damage deposit back when we move out?
The landlord returns the deposit to whoever paid it, usually all tenants. Decide division among yourselves.
Can a single roommate be held responsible for apartment damage?
On a joint lease, all tenants are jointly responsible for property damage regardless of who caused it.
What happens if my roommate doesn't pay their share of utilities?
You remain responsible if utilities are part of the lease. Otherwise, handle this privately with your roommate.
Can I sublet my room to someone else in Alberta?
Only with landlord's written permission. Use the "Consent to Sublease or Assign" form from Alberta government.
Can I be evicted for my roommate's behaviour?
Yes, if you're on a joint lease. All tenants may be affected by a breach of agreement.
My roommate is threatening me. What can I do?
Call police for immediate safety concerns. For tenancy matters, seek legal support or mediation.
Can I force my roommate to leave if they're not on the lease?
If you're not the landlord, you cannot formally evict them under the RTA. Try mediation or take civil action if needed.
What should be included in a roommate agreement?
Rent, utilities, chores, rules, move-out process, and deposit handling. Agreements aren't covered by the RTA.
Can a roommate change the locks?
Only with landlord's written permission under the RTA. Unauthorized changes can breach lease terms.
Do all roommates need to sign the lease?
Ideally, yes. Only those who sign are officially considered tenants with rights under the RTA.
Can my landlord refuse to add a new roommate?
Yes; landlord approval is required for adding roommates to the lease.
Can I sue my roommate for unpaid rent?
Yes, in civil court if your roommate doesn't pay their agreed share. The RTA doesn't apply to disputes between roommates.
Are guests allowed in shared housing?
Check your lease and roommate agreement. Some leases may limit long-term guests.
Who decides house rules in shared rentals?
All roommates should agree on house rules in writing. Landlords may set rules for the property.
If my roommate abandons belongings, what should I do?
Notify the landlord. The process is set out in Alberta's laws for abandoned goods.
Can I change roommates mid-lease?
Only if your landlord agrees to update the lease and remove or add tenants.
What can I do if my roommate won't leave after being asked?
Consult a lawyer. If the person isn't on the lease, you may need a civil court order for removal.
Can our landlord split the damage deposit between us?
Landlords return deposits to whoever paid. You must divide it yourselves if it's a group.
Do I have to give notice to my landlord or just my roommates when moving out?
If you are on the lease, give written notice to your landlord as required by the lease and law.
How do I file a complaint against a roommate?
No formal complaint is handled by the tenancy board. Disputes are usually resolved personally or through civil court.
What notice does a landlord need to give before entering my shared unit?
Landlords must give at least 24 hours written notice, except in emergencies.
Can the landlord raise rent when a roommate changes?
Not during a fixed-term lease. For periodic leases, proper notice is required under the RTA.
What happens if one roommate wants to renew and one does not?
The landlord decides who stays. Those not on the renewed lease may need to move out.
Are there occupancy limits for shared housing in Alberta?
Yes, local municipal bylaws may set limits. Ask your city or landlord for specifics.
Who pays for repairs if a roommate causes damage?
On a joint lease, the landlord can hold all tenants responsible. You may seek repayment from the roommate privately.
Does my landlord have to approve every new roommate?
Yes, landlord approval is needed to add new roommates to the lease.
Can a landlord restrict the number of roommates?
Yes; number of occupants may be limited in your lease or bylaw.
What if my roommate is violating house rules?
Discuss the issue. If unresolved, consider mediation or consult legal support.
Can I rent out a couch or shared area to another person?
Only with written permission from your landlord. Unauthorized subletting can result in eviction.
How can I protect myself from disputes with roommates?
Make a clear, written roommate agreement covering expenses, chores, and responsibilities.
Do landlord rules apply to all roommates or just lease holders?
Landlord’s lease rules mainly apply to listed tenants, but all occupants must respect property rules.
Can my landlord evict everyone if one roommate breaks the lease?
Yes, on a joint lease, lease violations can lead to eviction for all tenants.
Do I need my roommate’s consent to end the lease early?
All tenants on the lease usually must agree to end it early unless the landlord agrees otherwise.
Can the landlord increase the rent if one roommate moves out?
Not during a fixed-term lease. For month-to-month, proper notice must be given under the RTA.
Can I lock out my roommate if we have a dispute?
No; only landlords can evict under proper legal procedures. Locking someone out is likely illegal.
Who do I contact for tenant disputes in Alberta?
Contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Official website.
What legislation covers roommates and shared housing in Alberta?
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA): Read the RTA.
How do I use the RTDRS?
File a claim for landlord-tenant issues, not roommate disputes. See RTDRS process.
What is the "Consent to Sublease or Assign" form?
It's used to ask the landlord for permission to sublet. See form and instructions.
What is the RTDRS Application Form?
Used for landlord-tenant disputes. Not for roommate issues. Apply at official forms.
Can the RTDRS help with disagreements between roommates?
No; RTDRS only handles landlord-tenant matters, not disputes solely between roommates.
Where can I get legal help for roommate disputes?
Contact local community legal clinics or Alberta Supports; see Alberta legal help.
If my roommate is not paying rent, can I pay the landlord directly?
Yes, but you may still owe the rent if it's unpaid. Speak to your landlord about arrangements.
How do I end my part of a joint lease?
Discuss with the landlord and all tenants. The landlord must approve removal from the lease.

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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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