Episode 166: Location-Specific Tenancy Guidance for Province of Alberta
Summary
Today’s location-specific episode features Province of Alberta. We explore the overview of the housing guiding document called Alberta Residential Tenancies Act. Each of my location-specific podcasts is set up the same way answering the same four questions:
1) What are the basics of the Alberta Residential Tenancies Act,
2) What are the nuances of this location – what is different that stands out?,
3) Some guidance about abandoned items left behind by a tenant in a rental inProvince of Alberta,
4) Where to get help in your local area in Province of Alberta.
Then I’ll go through what I call my “Bingo Card” of standard items I see most often in tenancy laws in different locations.
This episode is NOT all inclusive – you must research further in your specific area including your County, Regional District, Parish, City or any other Governing Body that involves your rental location, but today’s episode will get you started!
This episode includes resources for Province of Alberta including:
Landlords and tenants – Rights and responsibilities | Alberta.ca
Abandoned Goods: What Alberta Landlords Can Do With Property Left Behind - Recourse
Listen to the full episode :
This Week’s Blog Post:
Starting with Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act
Hi friends! I’m Dr. Jen, and in this episode of My Life as a Landlord, we’re diving into the tenancy laws of Alberta. Like all my location-specific episodes, I answer four main questions: What are the basics of the Residential Tenancies Act? What unique nuances apply in Alberta? What guidance exists for abandoned items? And where can landlords get help? I also walk through my “bingo card” of common tenancy rules to see what Alberta includes, what’s missing, and what’s unique.
Basics, Responsibilities, and Nuances
Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act lays out landlord and tenant responsibilities. Landlords must provide the premises on time, post contact information, maintain habitability, and respect peaceful enjoyment. Tenants must pay on time, behave, and keep things clean. Interesting nuances include condo rentals under the Condominium Property Act and mobile home pad rentals, which operate differently because tenants can move the home. Unauthorized occupants are a recurring issue, and subletting requires consent. Noise, repairs, and overholding rules are also clearly outlined.
Deposits, Inspections, and Rent Increases
Security deposits in Alberta are capped at one month’s rent and must be held in a separate trust account, deposited within two banking days. Landlords must pay annual interest on deposits—0.5% in 2025, after a jump to 1.6% in 2024. Deposits must be returned within 10 days if no rent is owing and no damages are found. Condition inspection reports are required at both move-in and move-out, and without them, landlords cannot claim damages. Rent can only be increased once every 365 days, but Alberta law does not specify the amount of notice required or limit how much rent can be increased.
Abandoned Items and Terminations
Abandoned property rules require landlords to store goods for 30 days, all while trying to contact the tenant. Items valued over $2,000 require additional steps, and landlords must inventory what’s left behind. Alberta also outlines abandonment indicators like unpaid rent, disconnected utilities, or accumulating mail. Tenancies can be terminated with one year’s notice for major renovations, and tenants fleeing domestic violence may break leases with documentation. Substantial breaches by tenants require at least 14 clear days’ notice for termination.
Resources and Final Thoughts
Alberta offers excellent resources, from the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service to Legal Aid and local landlord associations in Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer. The Act includes detailed penalties—up to $10,000 for some violations—and additional guides like the bedbug manual. As always, I recommend connecting with local landlord groups, Facebook communities, or Legal Aid when questions arise.
I recorded this episode at anchor in Desolation Sound, British Columbia. Why? Because real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you? Join me in Episode 167, where we explore the Canadian territory of Nunavut. I’ll see you there!