Kaza · tenancy rules
Alberta
The deposit maximum, who holds it, the rent-increase cap, the notice period and the late-fee rule in Alberta, each quoted from the regulator's own published material.
Last changed 2026-01-01. Kaza re-verifies every rule by 2027-08-30, and the build fails if it is overdue.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alberta?
In Alberta the security deposit on a monthly tenancy is capped at one month's rent. Other tenancy types differ: weekly: one month's rent. The cap is set by statute and a tenancy agreement cannot raise it.
“The amount of a security deposit cannot be more than one month's rent at the time the tenancy starts. Landlords must deposit all security deposits into an interest-bearing trust account in a bank, treasury branch, credit union or trust company in Alberta within 2 banking days of the time they collect them from the tenant. [RTA Handbook:] The security deposit refund and statement of account, if there are any deductions, must be delivered or postmarked within 10 days of the day the tenant gave up possession of the residential premises. If an estimated statement of account is initially provided within the 10 days, the final statement of account and any remaining balance must be provided to the tenant within 30 days of the end of the tenancy.”
Who holds the security deposit in Alberta?
It is held by the landlord, in a trust account separate from their own money. It must be deposited into an interest-bearing trust account at a bank, treasury branch, credit union or trust company in Alberta within two BANKING days of receipt: a deadline that depends on weekends and holidays, so Kaza states it rather than computing it The annual minimum interest rate is set by regulation (0.0% for 2026). If deductions are estimated in the 10-day statement, the final statement and any remaining balance are due within 30 days of the end of the tenancy. Interest is payable to the tenant.
“The amount of a security deposit cannot be more than one month's rent at the time the tenancy starts. Landlords must deposit all security deposits into an interest-bearing trust account in a bank, treasury branch, credit union or trust company in Alberta within 2 banking days of the time they collect them from the tenant. [RTA Handbook:] The security deposit refund and statement of account, if there are any deductions, must be delivered or postmarked within 10 days of the day the tenant gave up possession of the residential premises. If an estimated statement of account is initially provided within the 10 days, the final statement of account and any remaining balance must be provided to the tenant within 30 days of the end of the tenancy.”
When must a deposit be returned in Alberta?
Within 10 days of the tenancy ending, with the interest owed on it.
“The amount of a security deposit cannot be more than one month's rent at the time the tenancy starts. Landlords must deposit all security deposits into an interest-bearing trust account in a bank, treasury branch, credit union or trust company in Alberta within 2 banking days of the time they collect them from the tenant. [RTA Handbook:] The security deposit refund and statement of account, if there are any deductions, must be delivered or postmarked within 10 days of the day the tenant gave up possession of the residential premises. If an estimated statement of account is initially provided within the 10 days, the final statement of account and any remaining balance must be provided to the tenant within 30 days of the end of the tenancy.”
How much can a landlord raise the rent in Alberta?
Alberta sets no limit on the amount of a rent increase, but rent may rise no more than once every 12 months. No increase at all is allowed in the first 12 months of a tenancy.
“Landlords cannot increase the rent payable by a tenant under a fixed term or periodic tenancy agreement until a minimum of one year (365 days) has passed since the last rent increase or since the start of the tenancy, whichever is later. Landlords cannot increase rent during a fixed term. Notwithstanding the above, there is no limit on the amount by which the landlord may raise the rent. [Notice for periodic tenancies:] 3 full tenancy months for a month-to-month periodic tenancy.”
How much notice does a rent increase need in Alberta?
At least 3 months' written notice before the new rent starts. A notice served late does not take effect early: the date moves, not the rule.
“Landlords cannot increase the rent payable by a tenant under a fixed term or periodic tenancy agreement until a minimum of one year (365 days) has passed since the last rent increase or since the start of the tenancy, whichever is later. Landlords cannot increase rent during a fixed term. Notwithstanding the above, there is no limit on the amount by which the landlord may raise the rent. [Notice for periodic tenancies:] 3 full tenancy months for a month-to-month periodic tenancy.”
Can a landlord charge a late fee in Alberta?
Alberta sets no statutory late fee. One can exist only as a written term of the agreement, and only as a genuine estimate of the landlord's actual loss: more than that can be struck as a penalty. It is only chargeable if the tenancy agreement provides for it in writing. Alberta names no figure anywhere: the fee must reflect what the late payment actually cost the landlord, such as the bank interest on a missed mortgage payment.
“Some residential tenancy agreements allow for a late payment of rent fees. Based on precedent set by Alberta case law, this fee must reflect the actual loss suffered by the landlord otherwise the RTDRS or the courts may deem it to be a penalty and refuse to award it. [And:] the landlord may charge a late payment fee (if such a fee has been agreed to in the residential tenancy agreement).”
This is not legal advice
Kaza applies published provincial tenancy rules and shows the source it used, and it refuses to answer when a rule is unverified or overdue for review rather than guessing. It does not know the facts of your tenancy, any order made about it, or any agreement between the parties. For advice on a specific situation, speak to the tenancy regulator for the province or to a lawyer.
These same rules are enforced inside the product: Kaza refuses to raise an unlawful charge or serve an unlawful notice, rather than warning about one. How the compliance engine works.