Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

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As Alberta reopens, note that some temporary measures in response to COVID-19 are no longer in effect.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

Emergency access continues to be permitted as per the legislation. Access to units for non-emergency reasons is permissible, once the required notice has been provided and in accordance with applicable health orders, see the COVID-19 orders and legislation.

Continue acting safely to prevent the spread. Find out how at COVID-19 info for Albertans.