Ending a tenancy in Alberta
Notice periods differ by tenancy type, and landlords need more notice than tenants for monthly and yearly tenancies.
For a month-to-month tenancy a tenant gives 1 full tenancy month's written notice and a landlord gives 3 full tenancy months. Weekly tenancies require 1 full tenancy week from either side. Yearly tenancies require 60 days from a tenant and 90 days from a landlord before the end of the tenancy year. A fixed-term tenancy ends on its stated date with no notice from either party. A landlord ending a periodic tenancy without tenant fault may only do so on grounds set out in the regulations.
Notice periods for periodic tenancies
| Tenancy | Tenant gives | Landlord gives |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 1 full tenancy week | 1 full tenancy week |
| Monthly | 1 full tenancy month | 3 full tenancy months |
| Yearly | 60 days before the end of the tenancy year | 90 days before the end of the tenancy year |
Notice to end a periodic tenancy must be in writing, signed, and must state the date the tenancy ends. Tenant notice periods are shorter than landlord notice periods for monthly and yearly tenancies. (RTA s. 7-9; s. 10 sets the form)
Fixed-term tenancies
A fixed-term tenancy ends on the date set out in the agreement. Neither party needs to give notice, and it does not automatically become periodic unless the agreement says so or the parties agree. (RTA s. 15)
It can become month-to-month without anyone agreeing to it. Under RTA s.13, where a periodic tenancy is implied by operation of law after a fixed term expires, a prior term of one month or more becomes a monthly tenancy absent facts showing a contrary intention. A landlord who simply keeps accepting rent from an overholding tenant has a monthly periodic tenancy — and is then bound by the three-tenancy-month landlord notice period and the prescribed grounds for ending it.
When a landlord may end a periodic tenancy
A landlord ending a periodic tenancy without tenant fault may only do so on grounds set out in the Residential Tenancies Ministerial Regulation.
- The landlord or a relative of the landlord intends to move in.
- The premises are being sold, the conditions are satisfied, and the buyer or a relative of the buyer intends to move in.
- A detached or semi-detached house, or a condominium unit, is being sold and the buyer requires vacant possession. The buyer does not have to intend to occupy it.
- The landlord intends to demolish the premises.
- The landlord intends to use or rent the premises for a non-residential purpose.
- The tenancy existed because of the tenant's employment, and that employment has ended.
- The tenant was a student in an educational institution's accommodation at the start of the tenancy and is no longer enrolled.
- The landlord intends to convert the premises to a condominium unit and it must be vacant, or to carry out major renovations requiring it to be unoccupied. These two require 365 days' notice, not the standard period.
(Residential Tenancies Ministerial Regulation)
Ending a tenancy for cause
Where a tenant substantially breaches the agreement, a landlord may serve a 14-day notice. Where the behaviour is serious enough that it would be unreasonable to wait, such as significant damage or endangering others, a 24-hour notice may apply. (RTA s. 26-30)
If it goes wrong
A faster, lower-cost alternative to court for most residential tenancy disputes in Alberta. Cannot be used where the amount claimed exceeds the RTDRS monetary limit, or where the matter is outside the RTA. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service.
Either party may instead apply to the Court of Justice. Claims above the small claims limit go to the Court of King's Bench.
Ending a tenancy is where this goes wrong most often
Tell me the reason and the dates. I will tell you which notice applies, how much warning it needs, and what would make it void — before you serve it, not after.
Rather hand it to someone?
I offer two landlord services in Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane and Okotoks, through KO Realty.
- Full management: screening, rent collection, inspections and the tenancy paperwork, for 8–10% of rent collected.
- Tenant placement only: I find, screen and sign the tenant for 50–75% of one month's rent, once, and you manage from there.
Questions
How much notice to end a month-to-month tenancy in Alberta?
A tenant must give 1 full tenancy month's written notice. A landlord must give 3 full tenancy months, and may only end a periodic tenancy without tenant fault on specific grounds set out in the regulations — such as the landlord or a relative moving in, a sale where the buyer will move in, demolition, or conversion.
Does a fixed-term lease need notice to end in Alberta?
No. A fixed-term tenancy ends on the date written in the agreement, with no notice required from either side. It does not roll into a month-to-month tenancy unless the agreement says so or both parties agree.
Sources
- Government of Alberta: Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta), full text
- Government of Alberta: RTA Handbook for Landlords and Tenants
- Government of Alberta: Alberta.ca: Annual security deposit interest rate
- Government of Alberta: Alberta.ca: During a tenancy
- Government of Alberta: Alberta.ca: Ending a tenancy
Rules, fees and programs change. Confirm current details with the issuing authority before acting.
Last updated 2026-09-28 · Written by Mohammad Emon, REALTOR® (SRES®) & Licensed Property Manager, KO Realty · RECA licence CON-00133897