Owning a rental property in Alberta is a proven path to building wealth, but it also comes with a dense rulebook.

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is strict, and ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defense if a dispute arises. Unfortunately, many well-meaning, self-managing landlords make procedural errors that cost them thousands of dollars at the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).
Before you sign another lease or issue another notice, make sure you aren’t making these 5 common legal mistakes.

Mistake #1: Entering the Property Without Proper Notice

Your tenant’s right to “peaceful enjoyment” is protected by law. Except in extreme emergencies (like a bursting pipe or a fire), you cannot just show up and unlock the door. In Alberta, you are required to provide a minimum of 24 hours’ written notice before entering the property. The notice must specify the reason for entry and a specific date and time block. A text message saying “I’ll be by tomorrow” is not legally sufficient and can result in severe penalties.

Mistake #2: Withholding Security Deposits Incorrectly

The security deposit is the tenant’s money, held in trust by you. You cannot arbitrarily deduct money for “normal wear and tear” (like slightly faded paint or worn carpets). Furthermore, you have a strict legal deadline: you must return the deposit or provide a statement of deductions indicating exactly what is being withheld and why within 10 days of the tenant vacating.

Mistake #3: Relying on Invalid Eviction Notices

You cannot evict a tenant simply because you don’t like them. The RTA outlines very specific, legally acceptable reasons for ending a tenancy (e.g., non-payment of rent, significant damage, or the landlord moving in). Using the wrong form, providing the wrong amount of notice days, or filling out the paperwork incorrectly means your eviction will be thrown out if the tenant disputes it, forcing you to start the agonizing process all over again.

Mistake #4: Skipping the Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Reports

In Alberta, completing a formal, written move-in and move-out inspection report is mandatory if you collect a security deposit. If you fail to complete these reports properly, and have the tenant sign them, you legally lose the right to make any deductions for damages, period. A quick walk-through is not enough; the report must be thoroughly documented.

Mistake #5: Discriminatory Tenant Screening

It is illegal under the Alberta Human Rights Act to deny housing based on family status (e.g., having children), source of income (e.g., receiving social assistance), race, or religion. Your screening criteria must be strictly objective, focusing solely on credit history, rental references, and income verification.

Protect Your Asset from Legal Risk

One legal mistake can wipe out an entire year’s worth of profit. At BestStep Residential, our standardized processes are designed to ensure 100% compliance with the Alberta Landlord Tenant Act, completely insulating our owners from liability risk.

Don’t leave your investment exposed.
Contact us to see how we protect your real estate.