If you're a landlord in Calgary or anywhere in Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs virtually every aspect of your relationship with tenants. Ignorance of the RTA is no excuse — violations can result in fines, compensation orders, and losing disputes at the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). This guide covers the key provisions every Alberta landlord must know.
Security Deposits
Under Alberta's RTA, a security deposit cannot exceed one month's rent. You must deposit the funds in a trust account within two business days of receiving them and pay interest on the deposit at the prescribed rate. When the tenancy ends, you have 10 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions with receipts.
Rent Increases
Alberta does not have rent control — landlords can increase rent by any amount. However, you must provide at least three full months' written notice before a rent increase takes effect, and you can only increase rent once per 12-month period. In 2026's softer rental market, many landlords are holding rents steady to retain good tenants.
Entry Rights
Landlords must provide 24 hours written notice before entering a rental unit, except in genuine emergencies. The notice must include the reason for entry and a reasonable time window (between 8am and 8pm). Repeated or unannounced entry is a violation and grounds for the tenant to terminate the lease.
Lease Termination
Fixed-term leases (e.g., one year) automatically become month-to-month at the end of the term unless both parties sign a new fixed-term. Notice requirements for ending a tenancy depend on the lease type: 60 days for month-to-month, one rental period for periodic leases (week-to-week). Landlords can only terminate a tenancy for specific grounds defined in the RTA.
Evictions in Alberta
Evictions in Alberta follow a formal process. For non-payment of rent, you issue a 14-day notice. If rent is not paid within that 14 days, you can apply to the RTDRS or Court of King's Bench for a possession order. Never change locks, remove belongings, or shut off utilities — self-help evictions are illegal and expose you to significant liability.
Maintenance Obligations
Landlords must maintain the property in a condition fit for habitation and in compliance with all health, safety, and housing standards. This includes heating, plumbing, electrical, and structural integrity. Failure to maintain can allow tenants to apply for rent abatement or termination.
Why Compliance Matters
The RTDRS handles thousands of disputes annually. Most landlord losses come from documentation failures — not keeping signed receipts, not providing proper notice, not conducting documented move-in inspections. Proper documentation wins cases. UrbanLease handles all RTA compliance, documentation, and procedures as part of full-service management.