Landlord & Tenant Rights in Alberta (2026)
Rent increases, eviction notices, security deposits, and dispute resolution — everything landlords and tenants need to know in Alberta.
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Where to File a Dispute in Alberta
Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
https://www.alberta.ca/residential-tenancy-dispute-resolution-serviceFiling fee: $75 for RTDRS; Provincial Court fees apply if filed in court
Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act
Rent Increases in Alberta
No rent control — any increase is permitted with notice
Alberta has NO rent control. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with 3 months' written notice, once per year.
Notice required for a rent increase: 3 months' written notice; maximum one increase per year
Eviction & Notice to End Tenancy
Month-to-month tenancy
3 months' notice by landlord; 1 month's notice by tenant
Fixed-term tenancy
Fixed-term ends on agreed date; landlord gives 3 months' notice if not renewing
Important forms & details
Non-payment: 14 days' notice. Substantial breach: 14 days' notice. Periodic week-to-week: 1 week's notice.
Landlord entry: 24 hours' written notice; no notice for emergency
Deposits in Alberta
Security Deposit
Max: One month's rent
Security deposit up to one month's rent. Must be returned within 10 days if no deductions, or 30 days with itemized statement.
Last Month's Rent
No separate last month's rent deposit in Alberta. One-month security deposit is the maximum.
Pet Deposit
Additional pet deposits above the one-month security deposit maximum are NOT permitted.
Key Forms & Documents — Alberta
RTDRS Application
Online dispute resolution application
Alberta-specific things to know
- •Alberta has no rent control — any increase amount is permitted with 3 months' written notice.
- •Security deposits must be held in trust and earn interest at the prescribed rate.
- •RTDRS provides faster resolution than Provincial Court (typically weeks vs. months).
Common Questions
Can a landlord evict me without reason in Alberta?
Generally no — Alberta requires a valid reason (non-payment, substantial breach, landlord's own use, etc.) and proper written notice. "No fault" evictions are limited.
What can a landlord deduct from my security deposit?
Landlords can deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. They cannot deduct for: minor scuffs or nail holes, carpet wear from normal use, or general cleaning that was already needed. An itemized statement must be provided.
How do I file a complaint against my landlord (or tenant) in Alberta?
File an application with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service at https://www.alberta.ca/residential-tenancy-dispute-resolution-service. Filing fee: $75 for RTDRS; Provincial Court fees apply if filed in court. Gather your evidence (lease, notices, photos, messages) before filing.
My landlord wants to enter without notice. Is that legal?
In most cases, no. Alberta requires 24 hours' written notice; no notice for emergency. Entry without notice (except for emergencies) is generally a breach of the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and can be raised as a complaint at the RTDRS.
Official sources
- Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service — https://www.alberta.ca/residential-tenancy-dispute-resolution-service
- Residential Tenancies Act →
Last updated: June 2026
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