What Tenants Should Do if Repairs Aren’t Made in Alberta

If you’re renting a home in Alberta and your landlord is not making repairs, you have the right to a safe and livable space under Alberta’s laws. Knowing what you can do—step by step—empowers you to take practical action while maintaining your rights and avoiding unnecessary conflict. This guide covers your options, the relevant forms, and how to get official help if needed.

Your Rights to Repairs in Alberta Rentals

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta), landlords must keep rental properties in good repair and comply with health, safety, and housing standards. This includes ensuring plumbing, heating, and key appliances are working, and that the property is safe and reasonably clean.^[1]

When Is a Landlord Required to Make Repairs?

• When something breaks due to normal wear and tear (not caused by the tenant).
• If the problem affects health or safety—for example, mold, broken heating in winter, faulty doors/windows.
• If municipal or provincial standards are not met.

If repairs are needed as you move in or during your lease, document the issue right away. For broader information about your responsibilities and your landlord’s, check Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Request Repairs: Steps for Tenants

First, inform your landlord about the repair in writing. Include details such as the issue’s location, how it affects you, and when you first noticed it. Keep copies of all communications.

• Email, text, or a hand-delivered letter all count as written notice.
• Photos, video, or dated inspection reports can provide useful documentation.

Need help preparing your apartment before moving in? Read Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

What If Repairs Are Urgent?

Urgent repairs are those affecting health, safety, or essential services (heat, water, electricity). You must still notify your landlord first and allow a reasonable time for response, except in true emergencies.

If you’re unsure whether an issue is urgent or routine, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Next Steps When Your Landlord Won’t Act

If your landlord does not respond within a reasonable time frame, Alberta law provides you with further options. Here’s what you can do:

• Contact Alberta Health Services or your local municipal bylaw office for major health or safety issues.
• Apply to have your issue resolved by the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or Provincial Court.

The RTDRS is Alberta’s official board for resolving landlord and tenant disputes. Learn more and file an application at the RTDRS official site.

Official Forms to Use in Alberta

If communication fails, you may need to use formal provincial forms:

• Application for Remedy (RTDRS Form): Use this form to request an order that your landlord complete repairs, reimburse you for urgent repairs, or allow you to terminate your lease if conditions are very bad.
• RTDRS Application Form – Complete and file this form if you wish to have the RTDRS address your repair dispute.

Example: If the landlord refuses to repair a broken furnace in the winter after being notified in writing, you can file this application with attached evidence (photos, copies of communication), requesting that the RTDRS order timely repairs.

If You Have to Arrange Urgent Repairs Yourself

If the repair is urgent (and you’ve tried all other steps), Alberta law allows you to pay for the repair yourself and then deduct reasonable costs from your rent, but strict rules apply:

• You must try to contact your landlord first.
• The repair must be truly urgent and necessary.
• Keep all receipts and detailed records for your claim.

Houseme - your rental solution in Canada lets you compare rental home options if you need to consider moving when issues aren’t resolved.

Protecting Your Rights: Documentation Is Key

Always document every step: photos, emails, dates, and receipts. This helps support your case if you need help from Alberta’s dispute resolution board.

For more information about the rental process, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

FAQ: Alberta Tenant Repairs

1. Can I withhold my rent until repairs are made?
   No, you should never withhold rent without a legal order. Non-payment can lead to eviction. Use the RTDRS or Provincial Court to resolve disputes instead.
2. What qualifies as an urgent repair in Alberta?
   Urgent repairs include any problem posing a risk to health or safety (like no heat in winter, major plumbing failure, water leaks, or electrical issues that create danger).
3. How long does my landlord have to make repairs?
   Landlords must address urgent repairs as soon as possible, and routine repairs within a reasonable time—often a few days to a week, depending on the issue.
4. What if my landlord threatens eviction because I requested repairs?
   Retaliation for requesting repairs is illegal. Contact RTDRS if you face threats or improper eviction because you exercised your rights.
5. Where do I file an official complaint about repairs?
   Most disputes about repairs go to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). You can file online or in person (see resources below).

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Your landlord must keep your unit safe and in good repair by law.
• Give notice in writing and document everything.
• If repairs aren’t done, you can apply to the RTDRS for help or arrange urgent repairs in emergencies (following all rules).

Don’t hesitate to use available provincial resources if you need further support.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Get official forms, apply online, and access guides.
• Service Alberta Landlord and Tenant Info: Government guides and frequently asked questions.
• Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA): Free legal information for Alberta tenants.
• Alberta Health Services: Contact for health hazards or unsafe living conditions (check your local health unit).

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta), available at Alberta Queen’s Printer
2. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), official Alberta government website
3. Service Alberta Tenant and Landlord Tipsheets, official government tipsheets

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