Alberta rent increase rules
No cap on the amount, strict limits on the timing. Two separate constraints apply, and missing either one makes the increase invalid.
There is no limit on the amount. Alberta has no rent control. The limits are on timing. Rent cannot increase until 365 days have passed since the last increase or the start of the tenancy, whichever is later, and it cannot be increased at all during a fixed-term lease. For a month-to-month tenancy the landlord must give 3 full tenancy months' written notice; 12 full tenancy weeks for week-to-week; 90 days for other periodic tenancies.
Two constraints, not one
Most invalid rent increases in Alberta come from satisfying one rule and forgetting the other. Both have to be met, and the increase can only take effect on the later of the two dates.
1. The 365-day rule
Rent may not be increased until at least 365 days have passed since the last increase, or since the start of the tenancy, whichever is later.
2. The notice period
Measured in full tenancy periods, not in days, notice given part-way through a month does not make that month count.
| Tenancy | Notice required |
|---|---|
| Month-to-month | 3 full tenancy months' written notice. |
| Week-to-week | 12 full tenancy weeks' written notice. |
| Other periodic | 90 days' written notice for any other periodic tenancy. |
| Fixed term | No increase permitted during the term |
No rent control. Alberta has no rent control. There is no limit on how much rent may be increased. The limits are on how often, and on notice.
Notice must be in writing, must state the date it was given and the date the increase takes effect, and must be signed by the landlord or their agent. (RTA s. 14)
When can the increase take effect?
Not sure your increase would survive a challenge?
Send me the tenancy type, the date of the last increase and the notice you plan to serve. I will tell you whether the timing works and what the notice has to say.
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 can rent be increased in Alberta?
There is no limit. Alberta has no rent control, so a landlord may increase rent by any amount. The restrictions are on frequency and notice: rent cannot rise until 365 days after the last increase or the start of the tenancy, and rent cannot be increased at all during a fixed-term lease.
How much notice is required for a rent increase in Alberta?
For a month-to-month tenancy, 3 full tenancy months' written notice. For week-to-week, 12 full tenancy weeks. For any other periodic tenancy, 90 days. No notice applies during a fixed term, because rent cannot be increased during one.
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