Renter Rights in Alberta 2026

Alberta has no rent control, but tenants still have meaningful legal protections under the Residential Tenancies Act. Know your rights.

Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs rental housing in the province. Alberta is notable for having no rent control — landlords can raise rents to any amount with proper notice. However, Alberta tenants still have significant legal protections covering security deposits, maintenance, eviction procedures, and dispute resolution. Understanding these protections is essential for any renter in Calgary, Edmonton, or elsewhere in Alberta.

Rent Increases in Alberta (2026)

No Rent Control in Alberta

Alberta has no rent control legislation. Landlords can increase rent to any amount, provided they give proper notice. There is no government-set guideline cap as exists in Ontario or BC.

Notice Required: 3 Months for Yearly Tenancy

For a yearly (fixed-term) tenancy, landlords must give at least 3 months written notice before a rent increase. For a monthly tenancy, 3 months notice is also required. For a weekly tenancy, 1 week notice is required.

Only One Increase Per Tenancy Year

Landlords can only increase rent once per year (once every 365 days from the start of the tenancy or the last increase). They cannot raise rent multiple times within a 12-month period.

Negotiating Rent: Because Alberta has no rent control, when your lease renews is the moment landlords can reset to market. If you receive a large increase, it's worth negotiating — vacancy rates in Calgary and Edmonton give tenants more leverage than in Ontario or BC. Counter-offers are often accepted.

Security Deposits in Alberta

Maximum Security Deposit: 1 Month's Rent

Alberta landlords can charge a security deposit of up to one month's rent. This is higher than BC (half month) but must be returned with interest if no damages are claimed.

Interest on Security Deposits

Landlords in Alberta must pay interest on security deposits. The interest rate is set annually by the government. In 2026 it is 3.3%. This interest accrues over the tenancy and must be returned with the deposit.

Return Timeline: 10 Days

Landlords must return the security deposit (plus interest) within 10 days of the tenancy ending, or provide a written statement of deductions within 30 days. If they miss the 10-day deadline, they must return the full deposit.

What Alberta Landlords Can and Cannot Charge

Item	Legal in Alberta?
Security deposit (up to 1 month's rent)	Yes
Pet deposit (included in security deposit total)	Yes — within the 1 month cap
Application fees	No — illegal
Last month's rent deposit beyond security deposit	No
Damage deposit beyond 1 month's rent	No

Eviction Rules in Alberta

Alberta requires landlords to have valid grounds for eviction and provide appropriate notice. Key eviction scenarios:

Non-payment of rent: 14-day notice to pay or vacate. If tenant pays within 14 days, eviction is cancelled.
Substantial breach (damage, illegal activity): 14-day notice with no opportunity to remedy.
Repeated breaches: 14-day notice after three breaches in a 3-month period.
Landlord or family moving in: 3 months notice for yearly tenancy, 3 months for month-to-month.
End of fixed term: Landlord must give proper notice before end of term if not renewing — cannot simply let it expire without notice.

Illegal Evictions: Landlords cannot change locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out. If this happens, contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or the courts immediately.

The RTDRS — Alberta's Dispute Resolution Service

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) is Alberta's tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes. It is faster and cheaper than going to court. The RTDRS can order:

Return of security deposits
Compensation for damages
Termination of tenancy
Rent reductions for maintenance failures
Remedies for illegal eviction

RTDRS hearings are held in person or by phone. Filing fees are approximately $75 for tenants. Applications can be submitted online or in person at RTDRS offices in Calgary and Edmonton.

🏦 Best No-Fee Bank for Renters

KOHO gives you a free prepaid Visa with cash back on groceries and bills. No monthly fees, no minimum balance. Perfect for managing rent payments.

Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYA

Maintenance and Habitability in Alberta

Alberta landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a condition that complies with health and housing standards. They must keep the unit structurally sound, weatherproof, and in good repair. Tenants must report maintenance issues in writing and allow reasonable time for repairs. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs, tenants can apply to the RTDRS for a rent reduction or order for repairs.

Landlord Entry Rules in Alberta

24 hours written notice required for most entry purposes
Entry only between 8am and 8pm
Emergency entry permitted without notice for urgent repairs
Landlord cannot enter to harass or intimidate tenants
Tenant can refuse entry if proper notice was not given

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alberta have rent control in 2026?

No — Alberta has no rent control. Landlords can increase rent to any amount with 3 months' written notice. This is the key difference from Ontario and BC.

How much notice does my Alberta landlord need to give before raising rent?

For yearly and month-to-month tenancies, 3 months written notice is required. For weekly tenancies, 1 week notice.

How long does my Alberta landlord have to return my security deposit?

10 days from the end of tenancy. If they miss this deadline, they must return the full amount plus interest.