What rights does a tenant have in the province of Alberta?

Residential tenancy is a common form of accommodation in the province of Alberta, Canada. To protect the interests of tenants and ensure fair living conditions, the province has special legislation - the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)**. This law defines the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords, regulates the procedure for concluding contracts, payment, eviction and other important aspects. In this article, we will take a closer look at the main tenant rights in Alberta to help tenants better understand their options and protect themselves in the event of a conflict.

1. The right to a safe and habitable dwelling

The tenant has the right to live in housing that meets minimum standards of safety, hygiene and comfort. The landlord is obliged to maintain the housing in proper condition, provide repairs and eliminate defects that may endanger the health or safety of the tenants.

2. The right to conclude a written lease agreement

The tenant has the right to receive a clearly executed lease agreement that sets out

  • The amount of rent and the procedure for its payment;
  • The duration of the lease;
  • Living conditions (e.g., rules regarding pets, smoking);
  • Rights and obligations of the parties;
  • Procedure for amending the agreement. The agreement must be clear and comply with the requirements of the law.

3. The right to protection from unreasonable rent increases

In Alberta, there are no strict limits on the amount of rent increases, but the landlord is only allowed to increase the rent once every 12 months and must give the tenant at least 3 months' notice. This gives the tenant time to prepare or challenge the increase if it is unjustified.

4. The right to privacy and peaceful living

A tenant has the right to privacy in his or her home. The landlord may not enter the apartment or house without the tenant's notice or consent, except in emergency situations. Usually, the owner must notify the tenant of the intention to visit the property in advance (e.g., 24 hours in advance).

5. The right to receive receipts and reports in a timely manner

The tenant has the right to receive receipts for rent and other payments. If the landlord withholds a security deposit, he is obliged to keep it in a separate account and return it to the tenant at the end of the lease, unless it is necessary to cover damages or unpaid rent.

6. Right to protection against unjustified eviction

The tenant cannot be evicted without legal grounds. The main reasons for eviction:

  • Late or incomplete payment of rent;
  • Violation of the house rules (noise, damage to property);
  • Illegal activities in the apartment;
  • The landlord's need for housing for his or her own use or for relatives. Eviction is possible only by a decision of the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or a court, after observing all procedures and notice periods.

7. Right to early termination of the lease in certain circumstances

The tenant has the right to terminate the lease agreement early in the following cases:

  • Domestic violence or threat to life;
  • Serious violations by the landlord (for example, improper maintenance of the property);
  • By agreement of the parties. In such cases, the tenant must notify the landlord in writing and, if necessary, provide supporting documents.

8. The right to transfer the agreement or sublease

The tenant may transfer his/her rights and obligations under the agreement to another person (assignment) or sublease the property, if it is permitted by the agreement and does not contradict the law. The landlord may refuse the assignment only for valid reasons.

9. The right to receive information and advice

The tenant has the right to seek advice from the relevant authorities, in particular the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), to protect their rights or resolve disputes with the landlord.

10. Tenant's obligations

At the same time, the tenant is obliged to:

  • Pay the rent on time;
  • Comply with the rules of residence;
  • Take care of the housing and not cause damage;
  • Report the need for repairs.

Conclusion

Tenant rights in Alberta are well protected by law. They include the right to safe housing, privacy, protection from unjustified eviction, the right to terminate the lease early in certain circumstances, and other important guarantees. At the same time, the tenant must fulfill his or her obligations to maintain good relations with the landlord and avoid conflicts. Knowing your rights and responsibilities will help tenants in Calgary to confidently defend their interests and live comfortably in their rental housing.