How to set up a rental property in Alberta
This page is the free Alberta guide. No sign-in. Read on.
Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check
A step-by-step guide for first-time landlords in Alberta, mandatory lease form requirements, deposit rules, inspection obligations, licensing, and rent-increase rules. Free downloadable checklist included.
1
Alberta at a glance
Open this section ↓Official RTDRS website →↑ Close this sectionMandatory lease form
No (written lease recommended)
Move-in inspection
Mandatory
Deposit
Max 1 month's rent
Rent control
No
Tribunal
Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
Legislation
Residential Tenancies Act
2
Step 1: Written lease
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo mandatory form required
No prescribed mandatory lease form in Alberta. Residential Tenancies Act terms apply to any written agreement (or verbal tenancy).
3
Step 2: Landlord insurance
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionGet a rental-dwelling policy before the tenancy starts
A standard homeowner policy typically excludes rental income and damage caused by tenants. Rental properties are covered by a rental-dwelling (landlord) policy instead.
Partner · Guidepost earns a commissionSquare One quotes landlord insurance online in Alberta.
Consider requiring your tenant to carry liability insurance as a condition of the lease. This is not required by law in Alberta but is common practice.
4
Step 3: Municipal licensing
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo provincial licence required in Alberta
There is no provincial landlord registration or licence anywhere in Canada. However, some cities and municipalities require a rental or business licence before you can rent a property. Check with your city or municipality before putting a tenant in.
5
Step 4: Move-in condition report
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionMandatoryBoth a move-IN and a move-OUT inspection report are mandatory in Alberta. Must be completed within a week of possession change. Keep reports for 3 years. If not done, you cannot deduct from the security deposit for damage.
Inspection form / guide →6
Step 5: Security deposit
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionMaximum
Max 1 month's rent
Interest
2026 interest rate = 0% (confirmed). Verify the current rate at alberta.ca before each tenancy.
Verify current rate →Return deadline
Within 10 days if no deductions; within 30 days with an itemized statement.
Security deposit max 1 month's rent. Must earn interest at the prescribed rate (2026 = 0%). Return within 10 days (no deductions) or 30 days (itemized).
7
Step 6: Rent increases and notice rules
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNotice required for a rent increase
3 months' written notice; maximum one increase per year
Full notice & rent rules for Alberta →Rent control
Alberta has NO rent control. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with 3 months' written notice, once per year.
8
Step 7: Records and receipts
Move-in AND move-out inspection reports are both mandatory: skip either one and you lose the right to claim damage against the deposit.Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionMove-in AND move-out inspection reports are both mandatory: skip either one and you lose the right to claim damage against the deposit.
Keep copies of: the signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, notice letters, and all correspondence with your tenant.
Tribunal: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. https://www.alberta.ca/residential-tenancy-dispute-resolution-service
9
Your Alberta landlord setup checklist
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionAlberta: New Landlord Setup Checklist 8 steps to set up your first rental property correctly
Step 1: Written lease
No mandatory lease form in Alberta, but a written lease is strongly recommended.Alberta legislation terms apply to any written or verbal tenancy regardless.Both parties sign and keep a copy.Step 2: Landlord insurance
Get a rental-dwelling policy (NOT a homeowner policy) before the tenancy starts.Homeowner policies typically exclude rental income and tenant-caused damage.Consider requiring tenant liability insurance as a lease term.Step 3: Municipal licensing
No provincial landlord licence required in Alberta.Check with your city or municipality: some require a rental or business licence.Step 4: Tenant screening
Run a credit check and reference check with written consent from the tenant.Handle personal information per privacy law (PIPEDA or provincial equivalent).Human rights law applies: you may not discriminate on protected grounds.Step 5: Move-in condition report
MANDATORY in Alberta: Both a move-IN and a move-OUT inspection report are mandatory in Alberta. Must be completed within a week of possession change. Keep reports for 3 years. If not done, you cannot deduct from the security deposit for damage.Step 6: Security deposit
Maximum: Max 1 month's rentInterest: 2026 interest rate = 0% (confirmed). Verify the current rate at alberta.ca before each tenancy.Return deadline: Within 10 days if no deductions; within 30 days with an itemized statement.Security deposit max 1 month's rent. Must earn interest at the prescribed rate (2026 = 0%). Return within 10 days (no deductions) or 30 days (itemized).Step 7: Rent increases & notice rules
Notice required: 3 months' written notice; maximum one increase per yearAlberta has NO rent control. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with 3 months' written notice, once per year.Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service: https://www.alberta.ca/residential-tenancy-dispute-resolution-serviceStep 8: Records & receipts
Move-in AND move-out inspection reports are both mandatory: skip either one and you lose the right to claim damage against the deposit.Keep: signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, all correspondence.Dispute body: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service, https://www.alberta.ca/residential-tenancy-dispute-resolution-serviceGeneral information only, not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your province's Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service.
10
Frequently asked questions
Open this section ↓Do I need to use a specific lease form in Alberta?
No mandatory form is required in Alberta. No prescribed mandatory lease form in Alberta. Residential Tenancies Act terms apply to any written agreement (or verbal tenancy).
What deposit can I collect in Alberta?
Security deposit max 1 month's rent. Must earn interest at the prescribed rate (2026 = 0%). Return within 10 days (no deductions) or 30 days (itemized). Maximum: Max 1 month's rent.
Is a move-in inspection report required in Alberta?
Both a move-IN and a move-OUT inspection report are mandatory in Alberta. Must be completed within a week of possession change. Keep reports for 3 years. If not done, you cannot deduct from the security deposit for damage.
Do I need a landlord licence in Alberta?
There is no provincial landlord licence required in Alberta. However, some municipalities require a rental or business licence. Check with your city or municipality.
What are the rent-increase rules in Alberta?
Notice required: 3 months' written notice; maximum one increase per year. Alberta has NO rent control. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with 3 months' written notice, once per year.
11
Related guides
Open this section ↓
Facts checked September 2026
More than one unit? The Landlord Pass
Prepare the rent increase notices on this page for every property you hold, with the dates checked against the province rule that governs each one, and an alert when one of them moves.
$16 a month or $149 a year. Single documents stay available without an account.
What the Pass doesGuidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.