Residential Tenancies in Alberta

Alberta’s residential landlord-tenant legislation is widely considered to be deficient in process generally and in the substantive rights and obligations relevant to residential tenants who are exceptionally vulnerable to the power exercised by landlords. The Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta) and its regulations, including the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service Regulation are overdue for law reform. One of the Clinic’s first projects was to organize a roundtable discussion in 2016 with representatives from community organizations to discuss concerns with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service and make suggestions for reforms.

The Alberta Law Reform Institute is currently undertaking a review of the Residential Tenancies Act. Over the past several years, JD students registered in the Clinic have provided research support to ALRI in identifying issues for law reform attention. In 2024, clinic students examined the need for legislative amendments on the use of electronic communication between landlords and tenants. In 2025, clinic students examined the law governing the payment of late fees for overdue rent.

This matter is ongoing.

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