Alberta Landlord Required Disclosures: What You Must Tell Your Tenants

Alberta landlords have several mandatory disclosure obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and other provincial legislation. Failing to meet these requirements can affect your ability to enforce lease terms, retain security deposits, or successfully pursue eviction actions.

Mandatory Disclosures Summary

Notice of Landlord

Within seven days of a tenant moving in, the landlord must provide a written "Notice of Landlord" that includes:

• The landlord's legal name
• An address where the landlord can be contacted or served with documents
• The name and contact information of any property manager or agent acting on the landlord's behalf

Delivery Options

• Hand-deliver the notice directly to the tenant, OR
• Post it in a visible location in a common area of the building (for multi-unit properties)

If the landlord's contact information changes during the tenancy, the landlord must provide an updated Notice of Landlord within seven days of the change.

Copy of the Lease Agreement

If a written tenancy agreement exists, the landlord must provide the tenant with a signed copy within 21 days of both parties signing it. This ensures the tenant has a record of all agreed-upon terms, including:

• Rent amount and payment schedule
• Term of the tenancy (fixed or periodic)
• Rules regarding pets, guests, smoking, and other conditions
• Any additional fees or charges

If the landlord fails to provide a copy within 21 days, the tenant may apply to the RTDRS for an order directing the landlord to comply.

Move-In and Move-Out Inspection Reports

Move-In Inspection

An inspection report must be completed within one week before or after the tenant moves in. The report documents the condition of the premises and should include:

• Room-by-room description of the condition of walls, floors, fixtures, and appliances
• Photographs or video (recommended but not legally required)
• Signatures of both the landlord (or agent) and the tenant
• A statement that the tenant has the right to add comments or note disagreements

Move-Out Inspection A move-out inspection must be completed within one week before or after the tenant vacates. The report should:

• Compare the current condition to the move-in report
• Note any damage beyond normal wear and tear
• Be signed by both parties where possible

Why Inspections Matter

Without both a move-in and move-out inspection report, the landlord cannot claim deductions from the security deposit (except for unpaid rent). This is one of the most critical landlord obligations in Alberta.

Privacy and Personal Information

Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) limits what landlords can collect from prospective tenants:

What Landlords CAN Request

• Proof of income or employment
• Previous landlord references
• Credit check authorization (using the applicant's name and date of birth)
• Emergency contact information

What Landlords Generally CANNOT Require

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) — Cannot be required as a condition of renting unless there is a demonstrable, legitimate need (and the reason must be explained)
• Criminal record check — Cannot be required as a general screening tool
• Medical information — Not permitted unless directly relevant to accommodation needs

Security Deposit Acknowledgment

When collecting a security deposit, landlords should:

1. Provide a written receipt confirming the amount received
2. Disclose the trust account where the deposit will be held
3. Inform the tenant of the prescribed interest rate for the current year
4. Clarify whether the deposit is refundable and any conditions for deductions

Condominium-Specific Disclosures

If the rental property is a condominium, the landlord should also disclose:

• The existence and contact information of the condominium corporation
• Any condo bylaws that apply to the tenant (noise, parking, pet restrictions)
• Whether the tenant must comply with additional condo rules beyond the lease

While not always a statutory requirement, failing to inform tenants of condo rules can lead to disputes if the tenant is penalized by the condo corporation for a rule they were unaware of.

Best Practices for Landlords

1. Use a checklist — Create a move-in disclosure package that includes all required notices and documents
2. Get signatures — Have tenants sign acknowledgments for each document received
3. Keep copies — Maintain copies of all disclosures and inspection reports for at least two years after the tenancy ends
4. Update promptly — Provide new notice of landlord information within 7 days of any changes
5. Document everything electronically — Use cloud storage or property management software to organize and retrieve records quickly
6. Consult the RTDRS — If unsure about a disclosure obligation, contact the RTDRS for clarification

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