Renting out property in Alberta
Alberta has no limit on how much rent can rise, but it does control how often and with how much notice. Security deposits must go into a trust account within two banking days, move-in and move-out inspection reports are mandatory, and deposits must be returned or accounted for within 10 days of the tenant leaving. Disputes go to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or the courts.
Rent increases
- Rent control
- No rent control: there is no legal limit on the amount of an increase
- How often
- Once every 365 days, counted from the start of the tenancy or the last increase. This applies to fixed-term leases too; if the 365th day falls inside a fixed term, the increase waits until the term ends.
- Written notice
- Periodic tenancies: written, dated and signed notice of at least three full tenancy months (monthly), 12 full weeks (weekly) or 90 days (other periods). A notice that misses these requirements is void.
Security deposits
- Maximum
- One month's rent, set at the start of the tenancy. It cannot be increased when the rent goes up.
- Who holds it
- The landlord, in a trust account at a financial institution. It must be deposited within two banking days of receipt.
- Interest
- Paid to the tenant at the end of each tenancy year at the provincial rate, unless both sides agree in writing to compound it and pay at the end. The rate is 0% for 2026 (0.5% in 2025).
- Returning it
- Within 10 days after the tenant gives up possession: return the full deposit with interest, or return the balance with a statement of account. If repair costs are not yet known, give an estimate within 10 days and a final statement within 30 days. No deductions for damage or cleaning unless the move-in and move-out inspection reports were done properly.
- Pet deposits
- The Act has no separate pet deposit category. Treat any refundable pet deposit as part of the security deposit, so the combined total cannot exceed one month's rent.
Other essentials in Alberta
- Entry: at least 24 hours' written, signed notice stating the reason, date and time. Entry only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and not on a holiday or the tenant's day of worship (Sunday unless the tenant names another day). No notice is needed in an emergency or with the tenant's consent.
- Inspection reports: move-in and move-out reports are mandatory, done within one week of move-in or move-out, signed by both parties, with a copy to the tenant. Keep them for three years.
- Ending a periodic tenancy (landlord): only for reasons the Act allows, such as the landlord or a relative moving in, or a sale to a buyer who will live there. Notice is three months for monthly tenancies and one year for major renovations or condo conversion.
- Fixed-term leases end on their end date without notice.
- Economic evictions: courts and the RTDRS can void a rent increase used to force a tenant out.
How Propvara helps AB landlords
- Record each deposit with its trust account and reference in tenancies and deposits, and get an alert when a deposit has no holder recorded.
- Keep timestamped photos and the full history of each repair case as evidence alongside your inspection reports.
- A rent change history with effective dates shows when the last increase took effect. Province-aware rent increase checks and notices will flag a notice served before 365 days have passed.Coming soon
- Produce an operating statement mapped to CRA T776 lines and a lender-ready rent roll.
Alberta landlord questions
Is there a cap on rent increases in Alberta?
No. Alberta sets no maximum amount. The rules are about timing: once every 365 days, with three full months' written notice for a monthly tenancy.
Do I have to pay interest on the security deposit?
Yes, at the rate the province sets each year. For 2026 the rate is 0%, so no interest accrues this year, but interest earned in 2024 and 2025 is still owed.
Can I keep part of the deposit for damage?
Only if you completed proper move-in and move-out inspection reports. Within 10 days of move-out, return the balance with a statement of account, or send an estimate and settle within 30 days.
How much notice do I need to enter a unit?
At least 24 hours in writing, for a permitted reason, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and not on a holiday or the tenant's day of worship.
Official sources
- Alberta: Annual security deposit interest rate
- Alberta: Ending a tenancy
- Service Alberta: Information for tenants (PDF)
- Alberta: Residential Tenancies Act offences (PDF)
- CPLEA: Rent increases (PDF)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or a lawyer before acting.
Related reading
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