Rent increases can cause stress for tenants, especially when they happen unexpectedly or without proper notice. In Alberta, both tenants and landlords must follow specific rules set out in the Residential Tenancies Act. This guide explains what you should do if you receive a rent increase without formal notice, your rights as a tenant, and resources to help you take action.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Alberta

Before a landlord can raise your rent, they must follow rules about timing and notification. In Alberta, your protection is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). The RTA requires that landlords provide written notice in advance of any rent increase, using specific notice periods depending on the type of lease.

• Periodic Lease (month-to-month): Landlords must give tenants at least three full tenancy months of written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
• Fixed-Term Lease: Rent cannot be increased during the term of the lease unless the agreement allows for increases.
• Frequency Restriction: Rent can only be increased once per year.

For more general information about tenant rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

What is Proper Notice for a Rent Increase?

Landlords must deliver written notice to you either in person, by post, or by any method specified in your lease. The notice should include:

• The amount of the new rent
• The date when the new rent will take effect
• Your current address
• The landlord’s name and signature

If your landlord does not provide this written notice with the correct notice period, the rent increase is not valid under Alberta law.

What To Do If You Get a Rent Increase Without Notice

If your landlord has raised your rent without proper written notice, here are the recommended steps you can follow:

• Double-check your lease type (periodic or fixed-term) and review the terms about rent increases.
• Request a written notice from your landlord if you only received a verbal or informal email/text message.
• Politely inform your landlord that Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act requires written notice for rent increases, and that the correct notice period must be observed.
• Continue paying your existing rent amount until you receive proper notice and the legal timeframe has passed.
• If the landlord insists on the increase or threatens eviction, gather all communications and seek advice or file a dispute.

Raising a Dispute or Filing a Complaint

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) handles tenant-landlord disputes in Alberta. If you and your landlord cannot resolve the issue, you can file an application with RTDRS.

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• Form to Use: RTDRS Application Form (RTDRS1)

Example: If your landlord raises your rent immediately by $150 without any written notice, you can use the RTDRS1 Application to request an order stating the increase is invalid and that you are only required to pay the original rent amount for now.

Paying Rent Under Dispute

Do not stop paying rent completely, as this could risk eviction for arrears. Pay the original, legal rent amount unless and until a new legal notice period ends. For more details on payment obligations, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Important Forms and Where to Find Them

• RTDRS1 Application (Alberta): For filing a dispute against an invalid rent increase. Download official form.

File this form online or in person at an RTDRS office. After submission, you’ll be given instructions about the hearing process.

Helpful Related Resources

• Alberta government guide: Information for Tenants: Residential Rent Increases
• More on rent increases: Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know
• Canada's best rental listings platform: Canada's best rental listings platform

If you are dealing with other rental challenges, you may also wish to read Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice does my landlord have to give before raising rent in Alberta?
   At least three full tenancy months for periodic leases. Notice must be written, not verbal.
2. Can my landlord raise rent more than once a year?
   No. Rent can only be increased once within any 12-month period in Alberta.
3. What if my landlord tries to evict me after I challenge a rent increase?
   Your landlord cannot evict you simply for exercising your rights. If you feel threatened, contact RTDRS or a tenant advocacy group for help.
4. Is a rent increase valid if I receive notice by text message?
   No. Notice must be written, signed, and delivered formally as described by law or your rental agreement.
5. Where can I get help filing a dispute?
   Contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or Alberta's Service Alberta Consumer Contact Centre.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Landlords can't raise rent without proper written notice and legal timeframes
• Continue paying only your original rent until a valid increase takes effect
• File a dispute through RTDRS if you are pressured or treated unfairly

Make sure to keep good records of communications. Staying informed and assertive protects your rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• RTDRS (Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service) — file applications, get mediation, or advice
• Government of Alberta: Rent Increase Information
• Call Service Alberta Consumer Contact Centre: 1-877-427-4088
• Access more detailed information at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta): Read the full Act
2. RTDRS: How to apply and find forms
3. Notice and frequency rules: Official Alberta government guide

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