If you recently made a complaint to your landlord in Alberta—about repairs, maintenance, or another rental concern—and now face a sudden rent increase, it's important to know your rights and how to respond. Alberta's tenancy law includes protections against unfair rent hikes done in retaliation for tenant complaints. This guide covers what you can do if your rent is increased after you take action, the forms you may need, and practical next steps tailored to Alberta tenants.

Understanding Retaliatory Rent Increases in Alberta

In Alberta, landlords are not permitted to raise rent to retaliate against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as making a formal complaint or requesting necessary repairs. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) protects tenants from this kind of unfair treatment^[1].

What Is a Retaliatory Rent Increase?

A retaliatory rent increase occurs when a landlord increases your rent shortly after you:

• File a complaint about health, safety, or needed repairs
• Contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• Report the landlord to municipal or provincial authorities for breaches of the law

If the timing or context suggests the rent hike is because of your complaint, it may be considered retaliatory.

When a Rent Increase Is Allowed in Alberta

Legally, landlords in Alberta can raise rent only within certain rules:

• For periodic tenancies (month-to-month or week-to-week): at least 365 days must have passed since the last rent increase or since the tenancy began.
• For fixed-term leases: rent cannot be increased during the lease term, unless specified in the agreement.
• Landlords must provide written notice: 3 months for monthly, or 12 weeks for weekly tenancies.

For more on these rules, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

If You Suspect the Rent Increase Is Retaliatory: What to Do

If you believe your rent increase is directly linked to a complaint or the exercise of your rights:

• Document everything: Save all correspondence with your landlord, including written complaints and the notice of rent increase.
• Check the timing: Compare when you made your complaint with when the rent increase was announced.
• Review your tenancy agreement and Alberta's rent increase notice rules.
• Contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) to discuss your situation and possible remedies.

Before taking formal action, try discussing the issue with your landlord. If this doesn’t resolve the matter, you may need to start a dispute through the RTDRS.

Filing a Complaint with the RTDRS

The RTDRS is Alberta’s official tribunal for resolving most residential tenancy disputes. You can apply to them if you believe a rent increase is retaliatory. Use Form 5: Application for Dispute Resolution.

• Form Name: Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 5)
• Official Source: Download Form 5
• How It's Used: This form lets you apply to the RTDRS for orders such as canceling an improper rent increase or seeking compensation. For example, if your landlord raises your rent shortly after a repair complaint, you can use Form 5 to challenge that increase.

For more about dealing with problems, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

What Happens Next?

After you make an application, the RTDRS will review the documents and may hold a hearing. They can order the landlord to reverse the rent increase if it is found to be retaliatory. It’s important to keep paying your current rent unless the RTDRS instructs otherwise.

For an overview of your rights and responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Action Steps for Tenants

• Keep written records of complaints and notices
• Check the Residential Tenancies Act rent increase rules
• Speak with the landlord for clarification
• If needed, apply to the RTDRS using Form 5

FAQ: Alberta Rent Increases After Tenant Complaints

1. Can a landlord raise my rent in Alberta just because I complained?
   No. Alberta law prohibits landlords from increasing rent to punish or retaliate against tenants who have made a legitimate complaint.
2. How do I know if a rent increase is retaliatory?
   Consider the timing and circumstances. If the increase happens soon after your complaint and outside of regular increases, it may be retaliatory.
3. What tribunal handles rent increase disputes in Alberta?
   The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) resolves most rent and tenancy disputes in Alberta.
4. What paperwork do I need if I want to contest a rent increase?
   Use the Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 5), available through Alberta's RTDRS website.
5. Where can I find rental listings if I need to move?
   Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings with interactive map tools and current rental options.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Landlords cannot raise your rent as a form of punishment after you make a legal complaint.
• If you suspect a retaliatory increase, document everything and contact the RTDRS.
• Use Form 5 to start a dispute and have your case fairly reviewed under Alberta law.

Knowing your rights helps ensure your rental experience remains secure and fair.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – Apply for dispute resolution or get guidance (Toll Free: 1-800-310-0000)
• Government of Alberta: Information for Tenants
• Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta – Free legal info on renting and tenants’ rights

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
2. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Official website
3. Government of Alberta: Tenant Information

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