Landlord duties in Alberta

At the start of the tenancy

• Use a written lease. The RTA allows verbal agreements, but they're hard to prove.
• Give the tenant a signed copy of the written lease within 21 days of the tenant signing and returning it. Until you do, the tenant may withhold rent.
• Within 7 days of the tenancy starting, give the tenant written notice of your name and an address in Alberta where documents can be served (and your agent's details, if you use one).
• Make sure the premises are available and fit to live in on the start date, and meet the Minimum Housing and Health Standards.
• If you take a security deposit, complete a written move-in inspection report with the tenant and give them a copy.

During the tenancy

• Don't significantly interfere with the tenant's peaceful possession of the home.
• To enter for reasons such as repairs, inspections or showings, give at least 24 hours' written notice, stating the reason and the time. Entry must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and not on a Sunday or holiday unless the tenant agrees (or on the tenant's day of religious worship, if they've told you in writing). Emergencies are an exception.
• Keep the premises in line with the Minimum Housing and Health Standards and the Public Health Act.
• Pay deposit interest each tenancy year at the provincial rate, unless you and the tenant agree in writing to pay it at the end.
• If you change the locks, give the tenant a key right away.
• Raise rent no more than once every 365 days, with 3 full tenancy months' written notice for a monthly tenancy. In a fixed-term tenancy, if the 365th day falls during the term, wait until the term ends.

Ending the tenancy

• A monthly periodic tenancy can be ended only for reasons the RTA allows, with the required notice (for most reasons, 3 tenancy months; for major renovations or a condo conversion, 365 days).
• If you end a tenancy for one of those reasons and then don't use the home for that reason, you may have committed an offence under the RTA.
• For a substantial breach (for example unpaid rent) you can give a 14-day notice. Follow the rules on Alberta.ca carefully.
• Do the move-out inspection and return the deposit, or give a statement of account, within 10 days after the tenant gives up possession.
• Never change the locks, remove belongings or cut off utilities to force a tenant out. Use the RTDRS or the court.

General information only, not legal advice. The Residential Tenancies Act and its regulations are the final word; check the official sources above or get legal advice for your situation.

Related guides

• Deposits and inspections
• Setting rent