Landlord and tenant rights

In Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act sets out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. This law applies to tenants who rent apartments, houses and other self-contained places. It does not apply to boarders or roommates who share living quarters with the landlord.

Rooms in the living quarters of the landlord are not included in coverage of the Residential Tenancies Act so you should have an agreement in writing that outlines your rights and obligations and those of the landlord.

Landlords renting facilities under the Residential Tenancies Act must:

• Tell the tenant in writing who the landlord is so the tenant can send notices or other documents to that person.
   
• Pay interest to tenants on security deposits (the rate of interest is set each year by the Government of Alberta).
   
• Provide a reasonably safe and comfortable place for tenants to live. Landlords must ensure the structure of the building is safe, the heating and plumbing systems work, and wind, rain and snow cannot enter the building.
   
• Give tenants at least three months notice in writing before they increase the rent.
   
• Give an acceptable reason for asking tenants who are paying monthly rent to move out (for example, the landlord or a relative is moving in, or the premises have been sold or are going to be torn down). If tenants do not fulfill their responsibilities (for example, they disturb other tenants, damage the building or do not pay the rent on time), landlords can give the tenant 14 days notice to move out.

Except in an emergency, the landlord cannot enter a tenant's home without advance notice or without the tenant's permission. With 24 hours written notice, the landlord can enter the tenant's place to inspect for damage, make repairs, show the place to buyers or show the place to renters if the tenant has given notice to move.

Tenants must:

• Pay the rent on time.
   
• Look after the rental unit, keep it clean and not damage it.
   
• Not interfere with the landlord's rights or the rights of tenants in other units.
   
• Not break criminal laws in or around the rental unit (for example, cause damage or carry on illegal trade).
   
• Follow the rules in their tenancy agreement. (For example, follow rules about pets, waterbeds and the number of people who can stay with the tenant).
   
• Give the required notice in writing if they are going to move out.

Where they exist, local Landlord and Tenant Advisory Boards provide information and help settle problems between landlords and tenants. They may charge a fee for information materials.

Date Updated: Nov 01, 2007
RDP-574