What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses Rent Payment in Alberta

It can be confusing and stressful when a landlord in Alberta refuses to accept a rent payment. Whether the refusal is verbal, in writing, or by returning your cheque or e-transfer, you may worry about your home and your rights. Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act protects both tenants and landlords. Understanding what to do if your landlord refuses rent payment helps you prevent misunderstandings, protect yourself from eviction risks, and resolve payment disputes with confidence.

Your Rights and Responsibilities Around Rent Payments

As a tenant in Alberta, you are legally required to pay rent on time as set out in your rental agreement. Landlords, on their part, must accept rent unless there is a lawful reason not to. Unacknowledged or refused payments can have serious consequences if not handled correctly.

  • Keep detailed records of all payment attempts (including receipts, bank statements, emails, or texts).
  • Continue offering rent on the agreed-upon dates, using the method(s) specified in your lease.
  • If your landlord refuses rent, do not stop trying to pay—it could look like non-payment, which could lead to eviction proceedings.

For a general overview of landlord and tenant duties in Alberta, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Common Reasons a Landlord May Refuse Rent

Sometimes landlords refuse a rent payment due to misunderstandings or lease violations. Common scenarios include:

  • The payment was made in the wrong form (e.g., cash vs. cheque, against what the lease states)
  • Rent was late, and the landlord wants to impose a late fee or serve an eviction notice
  • The landlord claims damages or unpaid utilities and tries to offset rent
  • The payment was incomplete (missing amount, or partial payment)
  • There is a communication or relationship breakdown

Even in these cases, Alberta law generally requires landlords to accept rent. Seek written clarification if the reason is not clear or justified.

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What Steps Should You Take as a Tenant?

If your landlord refuses a rent payment, remain calm. Your aim is to document your attempts and show good faith:

  • Document Everything: Note date, time, and method (e.g., email, in-person offer) every time you attempt to pay
  • Keep Proof: Save screenshots, receipts, or returned cheques
  • Communicate in Writing: Politely remind your landlord of your efforts and ask for their reason in writing
  • Continue Offering Payment: Do not delay future rent payments; try again next due date
If possible, use payment methods that leave an electronic or paper trail, such as e-transfer or email correspondence.

Relevant Official Forms and Where to Get Help

  • Notice to Landlord of Payment Attempt: While there is no official form for this, you can create a brief letter stating your rent payment was refused and that you are willing and ready to pay.
  • Application for a Remedy (Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service) – Form 9: If your landlord continues to refuse rent or threatens eviction, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) using Application Form 9 to request an order that the landlord must accept your rent, or to dispute an improper eviction.
    Example: If your landlord tries to evict you for non-payment after refusing your rent, you can submit Form 9 to have your case heard by the RTDRS.

Dealing with Notices and Potential Eviction

Landlords may try to serve a 14-day eviction notice for non-payment of rent, even if you made an honest attempt to pay. Do not ignore such a notice. Respond in writing, include evidence of your payment attempt, and consider applying to the RTDRS immediately to prevent wrongful eviction.

For more on your rights and responsibilities about paying rent, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips. You may also find helpful general strategies in Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Where to Get Help in Alberta

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) hears disputes when communication with your landlord breaks down. Their online portals, forms, and resources can guide you through applications, urgent issues, and mediation.

For a broader selection of rentals if you're thinking of moving, Browse apartments for rent in Canada using Houseme for listings across Alberta and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Can my landlord refuse to accept my rent in Alberta?
    In most cases, landlords must accept full rent payment on the due date, unless there is a lawful reason (for example, if the lease has ended by proper notice).
  2. What should I do if my landlord returns my cheque or e-transfer?
    Keep proof that you tried to pay, notify your landlord in writing, and try again. If issues persist, contact the RTDRS.
  3. Can I be evicted if my landlord says they didn't get my rent?
    If you have documentation showing repeated payment attempts, you can defend yourself in a dispute. Never just stop paying.
  4. Which form do I use to challenge a wrongful rent refusal or eviction?
    Use RTDRS Application for a Remedy (Form 9) for rent disputes or if served with an improper eviction notice.
  5. Where can I learn more about my rights as a tenant in Alberta?
    Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for an overview of laws and resources.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

  • Document and persist in offering rent, even if refused
  • Seek all responses in writing; keep copies of every communication
  • Apply to the RTDRS promptly if the dispute is not resolved

Staying proactive and organized will help you resolve these situations fairly and efficiently.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
  2. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
  3. Application for a Remedy (RTDRS) – Form 9

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