Changes due to COVID-19

As Alberta reopens, note that some temporary measures in response to COVID-19 are no longer in effect.

  • Scheduled rent increases may take effect provided proper notice has been given to tenants.
    • They were not permitted during the state of public health emergency that was in effect until mid-June, and cannot be collected retroactively for that period.
  • Late fees that are a reasonable estimate of the landlord’s losses can be applied to late rental payments if set out in the rental agreement.
    • Late fees were not permitted from April through June and cannot be collected retroactively for that period.
  • Landlords and tenants are encouraged to continue working together to develop payment plans where the tenant is struggling to pay rent due to the impacts of COVID-19. However, demonstration of a payment plan is no longer required to file an application to terminate a tenancy nor to recover possession due to non-payment of rent.
    • If the landlord and tenant have already agreed to a payment plan, that plan remains in place for the agreed-to time period.

Information regarding entry

Emergency access continues to be permitted.

To support a healthy relaunch, continue acting safely to prevent the spread. Find out how at alberta.ca/COVID19.

Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) Handbook

The RTA Handbook is designed to explain the rights and responsibilities of all tenants, landlords, and agents involved in renting residential premises in Alberta under the Residential Tenancies Act and regulations:

  • Residential Tenancies Exemption Regulation
  • Residential Tenancies Ministerial Regulation
  • Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service Regulation
  • Security Deposit Interest Rate Regulation
  • Subsidized Public Housing Regulation
  • Termination of Tenancy (Domestic Violence) Regulation

Resources

Checklist for tenants (PDF, 169 KB)

Sample cleaning list for tenants (PDF, 99 KB)

Combined checklist and sample cleaning list for tenants:

Inspection Reports (PDF, 127 KB)

RTA Offences

Quick reference guide

If the Quick Reference Guide does not automatically load, choose "view slide show" in the PowerPoint presentation.

The Quick Reference Guide will explain the minimum legislated requirements set out in the RTA. It provides landlords and tenants with options to deal with matters not established as minimum requirements and makes residential tenancy resource material available in a user-friendly format. As a Quick Reference on residential tenancy matters, this does not set out everything in the RTA, nor does it state the law.  Landlords and tenants should refer to the RTA to determine their legislative rights and obligations. In every instance, the law as set out in the RTA governs.

The information provided in the RTA Handbook and Quick Reference Guide is not a substitute for legal advice.

Contact

The Consumer Contact Centre can provide information on many topics related to landlords and tenants:

Phone: 780-427-4088
Toll free: 1-877-427-4088