Alberta Landlord Rules Every Calgary Investor Should Know (2026)

Quick answer: In Alberta, a security deposit can't be more than one month's rent, rent can go up only once every 365 days, and a month-to-month tenant must get at least three full months' written notice of an increase. There's no set cap on how much rent can rise, but an increase meant to push a tenant out can be overturned.

Security deposits

• The deposit can't be more than one month's rent at the start of the tenancy.
• You can't raise the deposit later, even when the rent goes up.
• Deposits earn interest at a minimum rate set by the province. For 2026, that rate is 0.0%.

Rent increases

• Rent can go up once every 365 days, counted from the move-in date or the last increase.
• Fixed-term lease: if the 365th day falls during the lease, you wait until the lease ends.
• Month-to-month tenants: written notice at least three full tenancy months before the increase.
• Week-to-week tenants: at least 12 full tenancy weeks.
• Notice that's late doesn't count. You'd have to serve a new notice.

Is there rent control in Alberta?

No. Alberta has no legislated cap on the amount of a rent increase. However, Alberta case law recognizes "economic eviction": a rent increase used to force a tenant out can be voided by the courts or the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).

What this means for your numbers

If you're buying a rental in Calgary, plan your cash flow around the rent you can charge on day one. You can't count on raising it quickly, and you can't make up for a low rent with a bigger deposit. Today's market matters too: CMHC reported 5.0% apartment vacancy in Calgary in 2025, so budget for some empty months.

See our Calgary Investor Guide for live inventory, rental market data and a cash-flow calculator.

Buying your first rental?

I can help you compare properties, check whether a suite is registered with the City and pull rents for similar units. Call or text (403) 616-6309.

Sources: Government of Alberta, "Starting a tenancy"; Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA), "Rent Increases" (reviewed November 2024); CMHC. This is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, see the Residential Tenancies Act or speak with a lawyer.