Alberta Tenant Rights & Responsibilities: The Complete 2026 Guide

Your Rights as an Alberta Tenant

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in Alberta. Understanding your rights is essential — whether you're signing a new lease, dealing with a maintenance issue, or navigating a dispute.

Security Deposits

Alberta landlords can charge a security deposit of up to one month's rent. The deposit must be placed in a trust account and returned — minus any valid deductions — within 10 days of the tenancy ending (if no deductions) or within 30 days if deductions are made. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.

Pet deposits are also capped at one month's rent and are treated the same way.

Notice Periods

The required notice to end a tenancy depends on the lease type:

• Month-to-month: Tenant must give 1 calendar month's notice; landlord must give 3 months' notice (for no-fault terminations)
• Fixed-term lease: Automatically ends on the expiry date — no notice required unless converting to month-to-month
• Eviction for cause: Landlord can issue 14-day notice for non-payment of rent; 24-hour notice for unsafe behaviour

Landlord Entry Rights

Your landlord must provide 24 hours' written notice before entering your unit for non-emergency inspections or repairs. In a genuine emergency (fire, flooding, etc.), they may enter immediately. You cannot unreasonably withhold entry after proper notice is given.

Repairs & Maintenance

Landlords are legally required to maintain the rental property in a "safe condition that complies with all applicable housing standards." If your landlord ignores repeated written repair requests, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for a remedy.

Tip: Always document repair requests in writing (email or text) and keep copies.

Rent Increases

Alberta has no rent control — landlords can increase rent to any amount, but must provide 3 months' written notice before a rent increase takes effect on a month-to-month tenancy. Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease unless the lease explicitly allows it.

Dispute Resolution

If you and your landlord cannot resolve a dispute, Alberta offers the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) — a faster, less formal alternative to court. Applications can be filed online. As of April 2026, filing fees are $75 for claims up to $7,500 and $150 for claims over $7,500. Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants. Common disputes include deposit deductions, illegal entry, and eviction notices.

Resources

• Alberta.ca — Residential Tenancies
• RTDRS — Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service
• Browse Calgary rentals on Rentably