How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alberta?

No more than one month’s rent at the start of the tenancy. The deposit cannot be increased later, even if rent goes up. The landlord must put it in an interest-bearing trust account in Alberta within two banking days.

How often can rent go up in Alberta?

Not until 365 days have passed since the tenancy started or the last increase, whichever is later. There is no cap on the amount. A landlord cannot increase rent during a fixed-term agreement. For a month-to-month tenancy, written notice must give three full tenancy months.

Are move-in inspections required in Alberta?

Yes. Landlord and tenant must complete a written move-in inspection and a move-out inspection. Alberta.ca says these happen within one week before or after possession changes. Without a compliant report, a landlord cannot deduct damage or cleaning costs from the deposit.

How much notice do I need to end a month-to-month tenancy?

A tenant gives one full tenancy month of written notice. A landlord gives three full tenancy months, and only for reasons allowed in the regulations. Late tenant notice usually takes effect at the end of the next complete tenancy month. Verify the current table on Alberta.ca — Ending a tenancy.

Alberta tenancy basics — deposits, notice and inspections

Who does the Residential Tenancies Act cover?

Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets minimum rights and duties for most people who rent the place they live, and for the landlords of those homes. It covers written and verbal residential tenancy agreements. Some living arrangements — for example certain student residences, hotels, or care facilities — may fall under different rules. If you are unsure whether the RTA applies, check Information for landlords and tenants or verify with Service Alberta.

EazyRental is a listing marketplace. We are not a party to your lease and we do not hold deposits. Use official government pages for legal questions.

How much can a security deposit be?

Alberta.ca — Starting a tenancy states that a security deposit (sometimes called a damage deposit) cannot be more than one month’s rent at the time the tenancy starts. “Rent” here is the amount paid to the landlord, not amounts paid to a utility company.

The deposit cannot be increased later, even if rent goes up.
The landlord must place it in an interest-bearing trust account in Alberta within two banking days of collecting it.
You can ask for a receipt that shows the amount, date, and parties.
The minimum interest rate is set by regulation and can change. Look up the current annual rate on Alberta.ca rather than relying on a number from this page.

Are move-in and move-out inspections required?

Yes. Alberta.ca — During a tenancy says landlords and tenants must complete both a move-in and a move-out inspection report. The report describes the condition of the home when you take possession and again when you leave.

Inspections are done within one week before or after possession changes.
The landlord must give the tenant a copy of the report.
If the inspection requirements are not met, the landlord cannot deduct damage or cleaning costs from the security deposit.

Photograph every room, take the report seriously, and keep your copy. That record is what later deposit disputes usually turn on.

How often can rent increase, and is there a cap?

Alberta.ca — During a tenancy says a landlord cannot increase rent until at least 365 days have passed since the tenancy started or since the last increase, whichever is later. There is no limit on the amount of an increase. A landlord cannot increase rent during a fixed-term agreement.

For a periodic tenancy, the written notice must include:

the date the notice is given
the date the increase takes effect
the landlord’s signature

How much notice is required depends on the tenancy type: 12 full tenancy weeks for week-to-week, three full tenancy months for month-to-month, and 90 days for other periodic tenancies. If your agreement promises a longer notice period, that longer period applies. Verify with Service Alberta if the dates in front of you do not match this summary.

How do I end a periodic tenancy in Alberta?

Ending a tenancy depends on whether the agreement is fixed-term or periodic, and on who gives notice. Alberta.ca — Ending a tenancy publishes the current table. For a month-to-month periodic tenancy it currently states:

The tenant gives one full tenancy month of written notice.
The landlord gives three full tenancy months of written notice.
A landlord can only end a periodic tenancy for reasons set out in the Residential Tenancies Ministerial Regulation.
Late tenant notice is usually effective on the last day of the next complete tenancy month.

Fixed-term agreements typically end on the date written in the lease. After that date, staying on can turn the tenancy periodic — which then uses the notice rules above. Confirm the current wording on Alberta.ca before you serve notice.

When can a landlord enter the rental?

Landlords generally need to give written notice before entering, except in emergencies or other situations listed in the Act. The current notice period and exceptions are on Alberta.ca — During a tenancy. Do not rely on a verbal “I’ll pop by.” Ask for the notice in writing and verify the timeline with Service Alberta if you disagree.

Where do I take a dispute?

Many residential disputes in Alberta can go to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) instead of court. Start with the official RTDRS page on Alberta.ca. Keep the tenancy agreement, inspection reports, notices, and payment records. This guide is general information, not advice about your case.

Read the matching Alberta.ca page (starting, during, or ending a tenancy).
Call or write Service Alberta if the page and your agreement seem to conflict.
Browse live homes on Alberta rentals and never send a deposit before you have seen the unit — see how to avoid rental scams.

What does Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act require?