Which official rules apply?
Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act sets minimum rights and duties for most people who rent the home they live in. Service Alberta publishes the practical rules on Information for landlords and tenants. Some arrangements — certain student residences, hotels, or care homes — may fall outside the RTA. If you are unsure, ask Service Alberta.
EazyRental is a listing marketplace. We are not a party to your lease and we do not decide disputes. This guide only restates what official Alberta pages say.
Money: deposits and rent increases
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.
Alberta.ca — During a tenancy states that rent generally cannot increase until 365 days have passed since the tenancy started or the last increase. There is no provincial 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.
Privacy: when a landlord may enter
Official guidance on Alberta.ca — During a tenancy is that a landlord must usually give at least 24 hours’ written notice that states why they are coming and a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Emergencies and entry with the tenant’s consent are treated differently. Tenants also have a right to quiet enjoyment of the premises — the landlord cannot treat the home as if they still live there.
Repairs and a habitable home
Landlords must maintain the premises so they are habitable and meet health and housing standards. Put repair requests in writing, date them, and keep copies. If the landlord does not act, Alberta.ca points tenants to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. Withholding rent on your own can put you in breach — wait for an official order.
Ending a tenancy and eviction
Alberta.ca — Ending a tenancy sets out notice periods and the reasons a landlord may end a periodic tenancy. A tenant on a month-to-month agreement typically gives one full tenancy month of written notice. A landlord typically gives three full tenancy months, and only for reasons allowed in the regulations. Fixed-term agreements usually end on the date in the lease unless both sides agree otherwise.
- Use written notice and keep a copy.
- Move-in and move-out inspection reports are required if the landlord wants to deduct from the deposit.
- If you disagree with a notice, apply to the RTDRS before the deadline on the notice or on Alberta.ca.
Discrimination in housing
The Alberta Human Rights Commission enforces the Alberta Human Rights Act. Housing is a protected area. A landlord cannot refuse to rent, or treat you differently, because of a protected ground listed by the Commission (for example race, religion, disability, family status, or source of income). That is a separate process from the RTDRS. Start at albertahumanrights.ab.ca.