Alberta (AB) eviction guide
Quick answer
Alberta requires a written 14-day notice for substantial breach including non-payment of rent. If the tenant does not vacate, the landlord files with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) (fee $75 to $150) or provincial court for a possession order. Only a court enforcement officer can physically remove the tenant.
| Legal grounds | Non-payment of rent (substantial breach), damage, illegal activity, disturbance of other occupants, unauthorized occupants |
|---|---|
| Minimum notice | 14 days (substantial breach including non-payment); 24 hours (serious damage or physical assault); 48 hours (unauthorized occupants after tenant vacates) |
| Where to file | Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or Provincial Court |
| Filing fee | $75 (claims up to $7,500); $150 (claims over $7,500) |
| Typical timeframe | 6 to 12 weeks from notice to possession order |
The day of notice and the day of termination do not count; for non-payment the notice must state the exact amount owing and any rent accruing during the notice period.
Used only for significant property damage or a physical assault or credible threat against another person in the building.
Given at the end of a fixed term or to terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause, aligning with the last day of a rental period.
| Step | Timeframe | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Serve the written 14-day notice to the tenant | Day 1 | The notice must be in writing, signed, state the reason for termination, the amount of rent owing, and the exact termination date. |
| 2. Wait 14 clear days | 14 clear days | The tenant may respond in writing within 14 days disputing the reasons; if the tenant pays in full during this period the landlord should assess whether the breach is cured. |
| 3. File an application with RTDRS or Provincial Court if tenant remains | After notice period expires | Pay the RTDRS filing fee ($75 or $150 depending on claim amount) and submit the completed application package. |
| 4. Attend the RTDRS or court hearing | Typically 4 to 8 weeks after filing | A tenancy dispute officer hears both sides and issues a written decision including a possession order if the landlord's case is proven. |
| 5. Register the possession order and enforce | After order is issued | If the tenant does not comply, the landlord registers the order with the court and a court enforcement officer carries out the physical eviction. |
RTDRS filing fees are $75 for claims or counterclaims up to $7,500 and $150 for claims over $7,500 (rates effective April 1, 2026). Additional court registration and enforcement officer fees apply if the tenant does not vacate voluntarily after the order.
Once the RTDRS or court issues a possession order, a court enforcement officer carries out the physical eviction if the tenant does not leave voluntarily. Self-help eviction including changing locks, cutting utilities, or removing the tenant's belongings is illegal under the Residential Tenancies Act and can expose the landlord to significant damages.
General information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Residential Tenancies Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. R-17.1. Self-help eviction is illegal everywhere; always follow the court process.
Alberta eviction FAQ
Alberta requires at least 14 clear days written notice for a substantial breach including non-payment; the notice must state the exact rent amount owing.
The fee is $75 for claims up to $7,500 and $150 for claims exceeding $7,500, with rates effective April 1, 2026.
Landlords can choose between RTDRS (faster, lower cost) and Provincial Court; RTDRS handles most residential tenancy disputes including non-payment evictions.
The full process from notice to possession order typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how quickly the RTDRS or court schedules a hearing.
No, the 24-hour notice applies only to serious property damage or physical assault; non-payment requires a 14-day notice.
Revun screens tenants, automates rent reminders, and logs every notice, so fewer tenancies ever reach court.
