posted August 18, 2025

What to Know About Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act in 2025

Simplified Legal Guide for Calgary Landlords and Tenants
By Drummer Realty and Property Management: Serving Calgary for Over 40 Years

If you're a landlord or tenant in Calgary, understanding Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is essential to protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes. This past year brought a few key changes, and now is a perfect time to review them. 

At Drummer Realty and Property Management, we’ve been helping Calgary landlords and tenants navigate Alberta’s rental laws for over 40 years. Backed by decades of local expertise, Sean, Kevin, and Marney are committed to providing you with reliable, professional service every step of the way.

In this post, we break down what landlords and tenants need to know about the Residential Tenancies Act in 2025, including legal updates, practical tips, and expert guidance from your trusted team at Drummer.

What Is the Residential Tenancies Act?

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs all rental housing in Alberta, covering:

  • Tenant and landlord responsibilities
  • Lease agreements
  • Rent increases
  • Security deposits
  • Evictions and notices

Whether you're renting a downtown Calgary condo or managing a multi-unit property in the suburbs, the RTA applies to you.

What Was New in 2025: Key RTA Updates for Alberta Landlords and Tenants

Let’s take a look at the most important 2025 changes to Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act, including some updates introduced in early 2024 that are still catching landlords off guard.

1. Electronic Lease Agreements Are Now Fully Legal

Lease agreements in Alberta can now be 100% digital. As long as both parties agree, electronic signatures and document storage are fully valid under the law.

  • No paper required
  • Fully enforceable in court
  • Easier recordkeeping for landlords and tenants

🔒 Drummer Realty Advantage: We handle all lease documents digitally and securely.

2. Security Deposits Now Must Include Interest (Since Jan 1, 2024)

Starting January 1, 2024, landlords in Alberta are required to pay interest on security deposits, even if they’ve held the deposit for years.

Key points:

  • The interest rate is set by Alberta government annually.
  • It applies to all residents leases, including month-to-month tenancies.
  • Interest must be paid when the deposit is returned at the end of the tenancy.

💼 Drummer Realty Tip: We calculate and apply the correct interest automatically, so our landlords stay compliant, and our tenants are treated fairly.

3. Stricter Rent Increase Rules in Alberta (2025)

Rent increases are legal in Alberta, but there are firm rules:

  • Only one rent increase every 12 months (for periodic leases)
  • A minimum of 90 days' written notice is required
  • No rent increases allowed during fixed-term leases

📊 Drummer Realty Protection: We track every lease and send automated rent increase notices in compliance with the RTA, no guesswork needed.

4. Higher Penalties for Illegal Entry by Landlords

Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering a tenant's home, except in emergencies.

As of 2025:

  • Fines for unauthorized entry have increased
  • Tenants may file complaints with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

🛠️ With Drummer Realty: All unit access is scheduled, documented, and communicated professionally, protecting both landlord and tenant rights.

Landlord Responsibilities Under Alberta’s RTA

Owning rental property in Alberta means you have legal duties. Here are the basics:

  • Keep the unit safe, clean, and in good repair
  • Provide all required written notices
  • Return security deposits with interest within 10 days
  • Follow legal steps for ending tenancies or evicting tenants

Non-compliance can lead to financial penalties, lost rent, and reputation damage.

🎯 With over 40 years of experience, Drummer Realty handles it all:  leasing, maintenance, inspections, and legal compliance…so you don’t have to.

Tenant Responsibilities Under Alberta’s RTA

Tenants also have responsibilities, such as:

  • Paying rent on time
  • Keeping the rental clean and undamaged
  • Not disturbing neighbors
  • Giving proper notice to end the lease

Understanding your rights can help avoid disputes and ensure you get your full deposit back (with interest).

What If There’s a Dispute? Use Alberta’s RTDRS

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) is Alberta’s go-to solution for resolving rental disputes without going to court.

You can file an application for:

  • Deposit disagreements
  • Lease termination disputes
  • Rent arrears
  • Eviction issues
  • Unauthorized entry complaints

✅ Drummer Realty minimizes legal risk by handling documentation, tenant communication, and property condition reports on your behalf.

Stay Informed, and We’ll Keep You Updated

Rental laws in Alberta can change, and staying compliant means staying informed. While 2025 has brought a few important updates, 2026 could bring more as the province continues to respond to housing market trends and regulatory needs.

📢 Don’t worry!  Drummer Realty will be all over it.

Our team keeps a close eye on every change to the Residential Tenancies Act and all relevant regulations, so you don’t have to. Whether it's new rent control policies, changes to lease agreement laws, or updates to tenant rights, Sean, Kevin, and Marney will make sure our landlords and tenants are always one step ahead.

Why Choose Drummer Realty and Property Management?

For over 40 years, Drummer Realty has proudly served Calgary landlords and tenants with professionalism, honesty, and personalized service.

✔️ Full-service Calgary property management
✔️ Transparent, legally compliant leases
✔️ Security deposit & interest tracking
✔️ Friendly, knowledgeable team: Sean, Kevin, Marney and the team will take great care of you

Whether you own one rental property or a full portfolio, our experienced team is here to protect your investment and support your success