Alberta Tenant Rights When Moving: Security Deposits, Notice Periods & More

Moving out of a rental in Alberta? Before you give notice, pack a single box, or hire Edmonton movers, you need to understand your rights under the Alberta Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). The rules around notice periods, security deposits, and move-out inspections are specific and non-negotiable — and most landlords won't volunteer this information.

This guide distills the key sections of the RTA that matter when you're moving. All section references are to the Residential Tenancies Act as of 2026.

How Much Notice Do You Need to Give?

The notice period depends on what type of tenancy you have. This is where most people get confused.

Monthly Tenancy (Month-to-Month)

You must give one full rental month of written notice. This is the most commonly misunderstood rule in Alberta tenancy law.

"One full rental month" means you must give notice before the start of the month you want to leave. For example:

• To move out March 31, you must give notice by February 28 (before March 1)

• If you give notice on March 5, the earliest you can move out is April 30 — not March 31. You owe rent for all of April.

• There is no such thing as "30 days notice" in Alberta monthly tenancy. It's one full calendar month, aligned to your rental period.

Weekly Tenancy

One full tenancy week of written notice. If your week runs Monday to Sunday, give notice before Monday.

Fixed-Term Lease

If you signed a 1-year lease, it ends automatically on the last day of the lease. You do not need to give notice for a fixed-term lease to end — it expires on its own.

However, if you want to stay past the end date, you need to negotiate a new lease. If neither party does anything, the tenancy automatically converts to a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy under Section 6 of the RTA.

Security Deposit Rules

Alberta has strict rules about security deposits. These are not suggestions — they're law.

• Maximum amount: One month's rent. Your landlord cannot charge more, period. If your rent is $1,400/month, the maximum deposit is $1,400. (Section 18)

• Return deadline: Your landlord has 10 business days after the tenancy ends (or after the move-out inspection, whichever is later) to return your deposit or provide a written statement of deductions. (Section 19)

• What can be deducted: Only damage beyond normal wear and tear. Scuffed paint, minor nail holes, worn carpet, and faded walls are all considered normal wear and tear and cannot be deducted.

• Itemized statement: If your landlord makes any deductions, they must provide an itemized list with receipts or estimates for each item. Vague deductions like "cleaning fee" or "general damage" without documentation are not enforceable.

• Interest: Your landlord must pay you interest on the security deposit for the duration of your tenancy. The rate is set annually by the Government of Alberta.

The Move-Out Inspection

This is your most important protection against unfair deposit deductions.

• Your landlord must offer you a joint move-in inspection at the start of your tenancy and a joint move-out inspection at the end. Both are required under the RTA.

• If your landlord did not do a move-in inspection, they have a much harder time justifying deductions — they can't prove the damage wasn't pre-existing.

• Take photos and video of everything. Document the condition of every room, appliance, wall, and floor — both at move-in and move-out. This is your evidence if there's a dispute.

• You have the right to be present for the move-out inspection. If your landlord tries to do it without you, insist on being there.

Early Lease Termination

Need to break your lease early? Alberta law provides several options:

Assignment or Subletting (Section 21)

You can ask your landlord for permission to assign your lease to a new tenant or sublet the unit. Your landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent. If they refuse without a good reason, you can apply to the RTDRS (see below) for an order allowing the assignment.

Domestic Violence

Alberta law allows tenants to terminate a lease early with a protection order, a qualifying certificate from a designated agency, or a written statement from a police officer confirming domestic violence. The tenant must give 28 days written notice.

Military Posting

Under federal law, Canadian Armed Forces members who receive a posting order can terminate their lease early with appropriate documentation.

Mutual Agreement

You and your landlord can always agree in writing to end the lease early. Get it in writing — verbal agreements are difficult to enforce.

Condo-Specific Complications

If you're renting in an Edmonton condo, there's an extra layer of rules that your landlord may not even know about:

• Condo boards can set their own moving rules under the Alberta Condominium Property Act. These rules may restrict moving hours, require a damage deposit (separate from your rental deposit), and mandate elevator booking.

• Your landlord may pass the condo's moving deposit on to you, but this is separate from your security deposit and must be returned after the move.

• If your landlord doesn't know the building's moving rules, contact the condo management company directly. Don't assume your landlord has accurate information.

For building-specific moving rules (elevator bookings, insurance certificates, moving hours), see our Edmonton condo moving checklist.

Edmonton Building Management Companies

Different property management companies in Edmonton have different moving policies. Here's what we've seen from the two largest:

• Boardwalk: Moves restricted to after 6 PM on weekdays or anytime on weekends. Elevator booking required. Certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company is mandatory.

• Mainstreet: Tenant insurance is mandatory. Mainstreet also offers inter-city transfers between their properties in different cities, which can simplify your move if you're staying within their portfolio.

What to Do If Your Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit

If your landlord doesn't return your security deposit within 10 business days (or makes deductions you disagree with), you have recourse:

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Handles disputes up to $50,000. Faster and cheaper than Provincial Court. Available in Edmonton and Calgary.

• Filing fee is $75 (may be waived in some cases).

• More information: alberta.ca — RTDRS

Keep all your documentation: the lease, the move-in inspection report, your photos, any correspondence with the landlord, and proof of rent payments.

Quick Reference: Alberta Tenant Moving Rights

• Notice period (monthly): 1 full rental month, given before the first of the month

• Security deposit max: 1 month's rent

• Deposit return: 10 business days after move-out/inspection

• Deductions: Only for damage beyond normal wear and tear, with itemized receipts

• Move-out inspection: Landlord must offer one; be present and take photos

• Early termination: Assignment/sublet (Section 21), domestic violence, military posting, or mutual agreement

• Disputes: RTDRS (up to $50,000, $75 filing fee)

Planning your move out of an Edmonton rental? Check our Edmonton moving rules and bylaws guide for condo elevator bookings, noise bylaw hours, and parking rules. When you're ready, get a free moving quote from Two Small Men.