What is a tenancy agreement in Alberta?

It is the contract that lets you occupy a home in exchange for rent. Alberta.ca — Starting a tenancy describes fixed-term and periodic agreements and says the landlord must give the tenant a copy of the agreement. Get every promise in writing and keep that copy.

How large can a security deposit be?

Alberta.ca — Starting a tenancy states that a security deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent at the start of the tenancy. The landlord must place it in an interest-bearing Alberta trust account within two banking days. The deposit cannot be raised later just because rent goes up.

Are move-in and move-out inspections required?

Yes, if the landlord wants to deduct from the deposit. Alberta.ca requires a written inspection report at the start and end of the tenancy in that case. Attend both inspections when you can and keep dated photos.

What if a clause in my lease conflicts with Alberta law?

A tenancy agreement cannot take away rights the Residential Tenancies Act gives you. If a clause looks stricter than Alberta.ca, verify with Service Alberta. Do not assume another province’s rules apply.

Guide

What should I check in an Alberta residential lease?

A sourced walkthrough of the paperwork Alberta.ca expects — not a national encyclopedia and not legal advice.

By EazyRental editorial · Last updated October 16, 2026

What kind of tenancy am I signing?

Alberta.ca — Starting a tenancy describes two common forms:

Fixed-term — the agreement names a start and end date. Rent generally cannot increase during that term. It usually ends on the date in the agreement unless both sides agree otherwise.
Periodic — often month-to-month. Either side can end it with the written notice Alberta.ca — Ending a tenancy requires (typically one full tenancy month from the tenant; a landlord typically needs three full tenancy months and an allowed reason).

Get a copy of the agreement. If something was promised in a showing — parking, appliances, a paint job — it belongs in writing. EazyRental is not a party to your lease.

What belongs in the paperwork?

Use this as a reading list, not a statutory form. Confirm required contents on Alberta.ca — Starting a tenancy:

Legal names of the landlord and every adult tenant.
The exact address, including unit number.
Whether the tenancy is fixed-term or periodic, and the dates.
Rent amount, due date, and how to pay.
Security deposit amount (cannot be more than one month’s rent at the start).
Which utilities and services are included.
Who may live in the home.
Entry and repair expectations that do not undercut Alberta.ca’s 24-hour / 8 a.m.–8 p.m. notice rule.

A clause that tries to waive RTA rights is not something you should rely on. Ask Service Alberta if you are unsure.

Which inspection and deposit documents should I keep?

If the landlord may deduct from the deposit, Alberta.ca requires a written inspection report at move-in and move-out. Attend both when you can. Take your own dated photos. Keep:

The signed tenancy agreement and any addenda.
Both inspection reports.
Proof of every rent and deposit payment.
Written repair requests (see repairs).

What if I am renting outside Alberta?

Other provinces write their own statutes. This page does not list Ontario, B.C., or Quebec deposit caps, notice periods, or “standard form” lease rules — those change and we will not invent them. Start at tenant rights in Canada and follow the official provincial site.

For the Alberta rulebook on deposits, rent increases, entry, and ending a tenancy, read Alberta tenancy basics and tenant rights in Alberta.

Frequently asked questions

What is a tenancy agreement in Alberta?: It is the contract that lets you occupy a home in exchange for rent. Alberta.ca — Starting a tenancy describes fixed-term and periodic agreements and says the landlord must give the tenant a copy of the agreement. Get every promise in writing and keep that copy.
How large can a security deposit be?: Alberta.ca — Starting a tenancy states that a security deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent at the start of the tenancy. The landlord must place it in an interest-bearing Alberta trust account within two banking days. The deposit cannot be raised later just because rent goes up.
Are move-in and move-out inspections required?: Yes, if the landlord wants to deduct from the deposit. Alberta.ca requires a written inspection report at the start and end of the tenancy in that case. Attend both inspections when you can and keep dated photos.
What if a clause in my lease conflicts with Alberta law?: A tenancy agreement cannot take away rights the Residential Tenancies Act gives you. If a clause looks stricter than Alberta.ca, verify with Service Alberta. Do not assume another province’s rules apply.

Official sources

Rules can change. Verify the current wording with Service Alberta or the linked government page before you rely on a date, dollar amount, or notice period.

Alberta tenancy basics · Tenant rights in Alberta · Repairs & maintenance · Tenant rights in Canada