Tenant rights in Alberta: what renters need to know
In Alberta, tenant rights are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act and include strong protections around habitability, privacy, deposit handling, and structured dispute resolution through the RTDRS.This guide covers Alberta tenancy law only. For other provinces, see our [rental laws guides].
In Alberta, tenants are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act. These rights apply to most rental arrangements, whether your lease is fixed-term, month-to-month, or verbal.
Your Right to a Habitable Home
Your landlord must maintain your rental unit in a condition that meets the standards set out under the Public Health Act. This includes safe wiring, working plumbing, adequate heating, and structural safety. If your landlord fails to meet these standards, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or pursue the matter in court.
Your Right to Privacy
Your landlord must give you 24 hours' written notice before entering your unit, and entry is only permitted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., except in emergencies.
Your Right to Receive a Signed Lease
You have the right to receive a signed copy of your lease within 21 days of signing.
Your Right to a Security Deposit With Interest
Your landlord can collect a security deposit of no more than one month's rent. They must pay you annual interest on this deposit. The interest rate for 2026 is 0%, down from 0.5% in 2025, according to the Alberta government. At the end of your tenancy, the deposit must be returned to you unless your landlord makes a valid claim for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Your landlord must complete move-in and move-out inspection reports. If they fail to do so, they cannot make deductions from your deposit.
Your Right to Notice Before a Rent Increase
Alberta has no cap on how much a landlord can raise rent. However, rent can only be increased once every 365 days. For a month-to-month tenancy, your landlord must give you at least three full months' written notice before a rent increase takes effect. Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease.
How to Resolve a Dispute
The RTDRS is Alberta's out-of-court dispute resolution service for landlord and tenant matters. Decisions are legally binding and enforceable, and filing through the RTDRS is generally faster than going to court.
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