Rent increase rules in Alberta

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

Alberta does not set a maximum amount for rent increases. Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), landlords may raise rent by any amount, provided they follow the rules on timing and notice. This applies to both Calgary and Edmonton, neither of which has its own rent control provisions.

How Often Can Rent Be Increased?

Rent can only be increased once every 365 days. This applies whether the tenancy is fixed-term or periodic, and regardless of how much or how little the previous increase was. A landlord cannot apply two increases within a single year, according to the Alberta government.

Fixed-Term Tenancies

In a fixed-term tenancy, rent cannot be increased during the term of the lease unless the agreement contains a specific clause permitting it. An increase can only take effect when a new lease is signed, and the 365-day rule still applies.

Periodic Tenancies

For month-to-month tenancies, a landlord must give at least three full tenancy months' written notice before a rent increase takes effect. For week-to-week tenancies, the required notice is 12 full tenancy weeks.

The written notice must state the new rent amount and the date the increase takes effect. A notice that does not meet these requirements is not legally valid, and the previous rent remains in effect until proper notice is served.

What "Reasonable" Means in Alberta

While there is no legislated cap, Alberta courts and the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) have considered whether large rent increases constitute an attempt to force a tenant out without following proper eviction procedures, a practice referred to as economic eviction. Where a tribunal finds that an increase was not aligned with market rates and was used to pressure a tenant to leave, it may void the increase. This is a developing area of case law in Alberta, and tenants who believe an increase is excessive can raise it as a dispute through the RTDRS.

What Tenants Can Do if They Disagree With an Increase

A tenant who believes a rent increase notice is invalid (for example, because insufficient notice was given, or because the increase was imposed during a fixed-term lease without a permitting clause) can raise the issue in writing with the landlord. If the issue is not resolved, either party can file a dispute with the RTDRS. An unlawful increase is unenforceable, and the previous rent remains in effect until a valid notice is properly served.

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