Landlord & Tenant Rights in Alberta (2026)
This page is the free Alberta guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.
Facts checked October 2026 · See what changed · How we check
Rent increases, eviction notices, security deposits, and dispute resolution: everything landlords and tenants need to know in Alberta.
Alberta landlord-tenant guide
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Where to File a Dispute in Alberta
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionResidential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
https://www.alberta.ca/residential-tenancy-dispute-resolution-serviceFiling fee: $75 for claims or counterclaims of $7,500 or less; $150 for claims over $7,500; $100 for a counterclaim over $7,500 where an application between the same parties is already active
Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act
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Rent Increases in Alberta
Open this section ↓!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
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Eviction and Notice to End Tenancy
Open this section ↓Month-to-month tenancy
3 months' notice by landlord; 1 month's notice by tenant
Fixed-term tenancy
A fixed term tenancy ends without notice on the date stated in the rental agreement
Important forms & details
Week to week: 1 week's notice by either side. Substantial breach, which includes non-payment: at least 14 days' notice. Assault or significant damage: 24 hours' notice.
Landlord entry: 24 hours' written notice; no notice for emergency
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Deposits in Alberta
Open this section ↓✓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.
↑ Close this sectionTenant insurance
Tenant insurance is separate from your landlord's policy. It may pay for loss of or damage to your own possessions, accidental damage you cause to the unit, injury to visitors and extra living costs if you have to move out, within the policy's limits.
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Key Forms and Documents: Alberta
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionGet form →RTDRS Application
Online dispute resolution application
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Common Questions
Can a landlord evict me without reason in Alberta?Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionCan 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 claims or counterclaims of $7,500 or less; $150 for claims over $7,500; $100 for a counterclaim over $7,500 where an application between the same parties is already active. 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.
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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).
Official sources
- Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service: https://www.alberta.ca/residential-tenancy-dispute-resolution-service
- Residential Tenancies Act →
Facts checked October 2026
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Also see: landlord & tenant rules in other provinces
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