Living in employer-provided housing in Alberta—common in farming, remote industries, and hospitality—should never mean accepting unsafe or unhealthy conditions. This guide explains what counts as unsafe, your rights under Alberta law, and clear steps for tenants to address these problems. Whether you’re facing inadequate heat, pests, mould, or other dangers, Alberta law protects your right to safe accommodations.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant in Employer Housing

In Alberta, even if your landlord is also your employer, you have the same fundamental rights as any other tenant. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) gives you the right to a rental unit that meets basic health and safety standards. Landlords—employers included—must ensure the property is safe, clean, and complies with health codes.

• Access to heating, electricity, and water
• Freedom from dangerous conditions (such as broken smoke detectors or exposed wiring)
• Proper pest control and no untreated mould issues
• Functional doors and windows for security

Explore a summary of your rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Common Health and Safety Issues

Unsafe employer housing can include:

• Mould, leaks, pests, or insect infestations
• No heat or hot water in winter
• Electrical hazards or missing safety equipment
• Structural problems, including broken locks or windows

For a deeper look at these concerns, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Address Unsafe Conditions: Your Options

Poor conditions should never be ignored. Alberta tenants can take several steps to protect themselves. Acting early gives the landlord (your employer) a chance to fix things and creates a paper trail if issues escalate.

Step 1: Notify Your Landlord (Employer) in Writing

Start by formally notifying your employer-landlord about the unsafe issues. Always document your complaint in writing by email, letter, or text. Clearly describe the problem, request repairs, and keep copies for your records.

Step 2: Allow a Reasonable Fix Period

Landlords typically have a reasonable amount of time to address unsafe conditions. For urgent safety or health concerns, like sewage leaks or no heat in winter, this period is short (often a few days or less).

Step 3: Filing a Formal Complaint or Application

If your employer-landlord does not address the issue promptly, take these next steps:

• Contact Alberta Health Services (AHS): For serious health or building safety violations, you can file a complaint online or by phone. If AHS finds a violation, they may issue a written health order requiring corrections.
  AHS Environmental Public Health Complaint Form
• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): If your landlord does not make necessary repairs, submit an Application for Remedy (RTDRS Form 5).
  RTDRS Tenancy Dispute Page. This service offers a quicker and less formal way to resolve disputes than court.

If the Rental is Uninhabitable

When unsafe conditions make the housing unfit to live in and the employer-landlord refuses to act, tenants may be legally allowed to end the tenancy early. Always seek legal guidance before moving out to ensure you follow proper notice requirements.

Your Ongoing Responsibilities

Even in employer-provided housing, tenants must:

• Continue paying rent unless a tribunal/authority directs otherwise
• Take reasonable care of your rental
• Report major repairs or hazards promptly

See more about the joint duties of both parties at Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Remember: You can search for affordable homes for rent in Canada and review safer options if relocation becomes necessary.

Official Forms and Sample Actions

• RTDRS Form 5: Application for Remedy
  Official Form. Use this if your employer-landlord refuses to repair unsafe conditions. Example: After giving written notice and waiting a reasonable time, you submit Form 5 to request an order for repairs or a rent reduction.
• AHS Environmental Public Health Complaint Form
  Submit Online. Use for ongoing health or safety risks that aren't resolved—like severe mould, sewage backup, or dangerous wiring.

The official authority for tenancy disputes is the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). For complicated cases, you may also contact Alberta Courts: Landlord and Tenant Disputes in Alberta Courts.

FAQ: Unsafe Employer-Provided Housing in Alberta

1. What if my employer says unsafe conditions are "part of the job"?
   Employers and landlords can't ignore basic safety and health standards, even in staff housing. Always document the situation and escalate if they fail to act.
2. Can I withhold rent if my housing is unsafe?
   No, you must keep paying rent unless a tribunal or court says otherwise. Instead, follow proper complaint and application procedures.
3. What happens if I am evicted after complaining?
   Retaliatory eviction is not allowed in Alberta. If you suspect you're being evicted for making a complaint, contact the RTDRS or seek legal help immediately.
4. Can I move out early because of unsafe conditions?
   Potentially, but only after following the correct process (notice, documentation, and ideally after orders from a tribunal or health authority).
5. Where can I find legal help for tenancy disputes in Alberta?
   Tenants can contact the RTDRS, Alberta Residential Tenancies Advisory Service, or legal clinics for free guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Fast, low-cost dispute resolution.
• Service Alberta: Landlord and Tenant Tipsheets
• Alberta Health Services – Environmental Health: File safety and health complaints.
• Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA): Free legal resources for tenants.

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1. Alberta Residential Tenancies Act (current version)
2. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
3. Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health Complaints
4. Alberta Courts: Landlord and Tenant Disputes

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