Lease agreement rules in Alberta

This guide covers Alberta tenancy law only. For other provinces, see our [rental laws guides].

Does Alberta Have a Standard Lease Form?

No. Unlike B.C. and Ontario, Alberta does not require a standardized tenancy agreement form. Landlords draft their own agreements or use a third-party template. There is no government-issued form that must be used.

While a written agreement is not legally required, it is strongly recommended. A written lease provides a clear record of what both parties agreed to, which is valuable if a dispute arises later.

Types of Tenancy Agreements

There are two main types of tenancy agreements in Alberta.

A fixed-term agreement runs from a specific start date to a specific end date, typically six months or one year. Unless both parties agree otherwise, the tenancy ends automatically on the agreed date without either party needing to give notice.

A periodic agreement has a defined start date but no fixed end date. This is most commonly a month-to-month arrangement, though week-to-week and year-to-year terms are also possible. A periodic tenancy continues until one party gives proper written notice to end it.

What a Written Agreement Should Include

The Alberta government recommends that a written tenancy agreement contain the following:

• The full names of the landlord and tenant
• The address of the rental property
• The start date and type of tenancy (fixed-term or periodic)
• The rent amount, due date, and accepted payment methods
• Which utilities, appliances, parking, or furnishings are included and at whose expense
• The names of all people permitted to live in the unit
• The security deposit amount
• Any rules about pets, smoking, or subletting
• The signatures of both parties

Once both parties have signed, the terms cannot be changed unless both agree in writing, or where the RTA permits a change.

Electronic Agreements

Written agreements in Alberta can be fully digital. Electronic signatures and document storage are valid as long as both parties agree to this format.

What the RTA Overrides

No matter what a tenancy agreement says, the RTA sets the floor for landlord and tenant rights and obligations. Common examples of clauses that would be void even if included in a signed agreement:

• Waiving the landlord's obligation to return a security deposit within the required timeframe
• Agreeing to a rent increase more than once in a 365-day period
• Removing the tenant's right to dispute an eviction

Find a Rental on liv.rent

liv.rent lists verified rentals across Alberta. Digital lease signing is built into the platform, keeping agreements and communications in one place.