TOLL-FREE: 1-833-849-3493

Whether Landlord or Tenant, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities with respect to renting in Alberta. Familiarizing yourself with the Residential Tenancies Act, tenancy agreements (verbal or written), inspection reports, security deposits, rental increases, non-tenant occupants, abandoned goods, and termination notices (eviction) will help ensure a harmonious landlord-tenant relationship.

Some examples of a Landlord’s obligations include:

• ensuring that the rental premises are available when the Tenant is to move in;
• ensuring that the rental premises meet at least the minimum housing standards outlined within the Public Health Act; and
• not unreasonably disturbing the Tenant from enjoying the property.

Some examples of a Tenant’s obligations include:

• paying rent in full and on time;
• not doing anything illegal or endangering people or property on the rental premises;
• maintaining the property in a reasonably clean condition; and
• leaving the property at the end of the tenancy.

When there is a dispute relating to a tenancy, the parties have three formal hearing options: the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), Alberta Provincial Court Civil, and the Court of King’s Bench.

Although there are differences in filing fees and forms, a hearing will be scheduled irrespective of where you decide to file. All parties provide evidence and arguments, and a decision is made based on the evidence presented. Any Orders granted can be enforced if they are not complied with.

The Residential Tenancies Act does not apply in all situations. For example, if you rent a bedroom and live in the same house as your landlord, you cannot make an Application for relief under the Residential Tenancies Act. However, that does not mean that you do not have a landlord-tenant relationship, just that you will be limited to the Court of King’s Bench to resolve your dispute.

If you plan to self-represent, you may download some of the required forms by clicking here. For assistance with your landlord-tenant dispute, please contact us!