How to Rent Your House in Edmonton in 5 Simple Steps
Written By Power Properties
Thinking of making your Edmonton home a source of steady income? With a dynamic and growing market, knowing how to rent out your house in Edmonton effectively is your first step toward success.
Whether you own a charming bungalow in Oliver, a modern condo near Downtown, or a family home in Strathcona, transforming your residence into a legal, profitable rental doesn't have to be complicated.
As your trusted local resource for property management in Alberta, we’ve broken down the entire journey into five easy, actionable steps. Follow this Edmonton rental property guide to attract quality tenants, stay legally compliant, and maximize your investment with minimal hassle.
Step 1: Prepare Your Property for Rent
Before you list, the property must be safe, functional, and appealing. Your goal in this step is to maximize your home's appeal to justify a competitive rent price.
Essential Repairs and Maintenance
The first key step in the rent house Edmonton steps process is a thorough inspection. A well-maintained home attracts better tenants and reduces emergency repair calls later.
System Checks: Inspect all major systems: furnace, hot water tank, electrical, and plumbing. Ensure they are in excellent working order.
Safety First: Install working smoke detectors on every level and carbon monoxide detectors as required by law.
Minor Fixes: Address small issues like leaky faucets, sticky doors, and chipped paint. These signal to tenants that you are a proactive landlord.
Optimize for Edmonton's Climate
In Edmonton, year-round maintenance is a major consideration.
Winter Readiness: Have the furnace serviced and filters replaced. Clearly define tenant responsibility for snow clearing and walkway salting in the lease (this is a critical landlord rights and responsibilities Edmonton detail).
Curb Appeal: In summer, ensure the lawn is mowed and landscaping is tidy. A clean exterior creates a strong first impression. In winter, clear all ice and snow for showings.
Cleaning and Staging: Deep-clean the entire house. Professional cleaning is highly recommended. For showings, ensure the space is clutter-free, well-lit, and ready for a potential tenant to envision themselves living there.
Step 2: Know the Legal & Financial Requirements in Alberta
To rent your house legally in Edmonton, you must understand the rules set by the provincial government and local municipality. This is the most crucial step for first-time landlords.
Adhering to Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is the provincial law governing landlord-tenant relationships in Alberta. Landlords must strictly comply with its provisions.
| RTA Requirement | Edmonton Landlord Compliance |
|---|---|
|
Security Deposit (Damage Deposit) |
Cannot be more than one month's rent. It must be placed into an interest-bearing account within two business days. The interest rate is set annually by the government (check Service Alberta for current rates). |
|
Move-In/Move-Out Inspections |
Mandatory. You must complete a written Move-In and Move-Out inspection report, signed by both you and the tenant—at the beginning and end of the tenancy. If you fail to do a move-in inspection, you forfeit the right to deduct money from the security deposit for damages. |
| Lease Agreement | Use a standard, legally sound residential tenancy agreement that clearly outlines all terms, responsibilities, and rules, compliant with the RTA. |
Does Edmonton Require a Landlord License?
Unlike some other Canadian cities, the City of Edmonton does not currently require a general Landlord/Rental Accommodation Business License for operating standard long-term residential rentals in most cases.
However, if you operate a specific type of rental (like a short-term rental/Airbnb, or certain multi-unit dwellings) you may need a Development Permit or Business License. Always check the latest City of Edmonton bylaws for your specific property type.
Tax Implications for Rental Income in Alberta
As a landlord in Canada, your rental income is taxable.
Reporting: You must report your net rental income (gross rent minus deductible expenses) on Form T776 (Statement of Real Estate Rentals) with your personal tax return.
Key Deductions: Keep meticulous records! You can deduct legitimate expenses to reduce your taxable income, including:
Mortgage interest (not the principal)
Property taxes
Property insurance
Utilities paid by the landlord
Repairs and maintenance (not capital improvements)
Property management fees
Step 3: Market Your Property Effectively
A successful listing is the key to attracting a high volume of qualified renters and securing a good average rental prices in Edmonton.
Determine the Right Rental Price
Setting a competitive but profitable rate is essential. Overpricing will lead to vacancies; underpricing leaves money on the table.
Market Analysis: The average rent for a house in Edmonton (all types) typically falls in the range of $1,500 to $2,500+ depending on size, age, and location. For a 3-bedroom house, the average is often around $1,900 to $2,200, but these numbers fluctuate rapidly.
Local Comparison: Scout listings in specific Edmonton neighborhoods (e.g., Downtown, Westmount, Terwillegar) that are comparable in size and features to yours to find your sweet spot.
How to Write a Rental Listing Edmonton Tenants Can't Ignore
Your listing must be clear, honest, and feature-rich.
Professional Photos: High-quality, well-lit photos (at least 10–15) are non-negotiable. Include a photo of the exterior (curb appeal) and all major rooms.
Compelling Description: Use the first few lines to highlight the property’s best features (e.g., "Newly renovated kitchen," "Steps from the River Valley trail system").
Include Key Details: Specify the number of bedrooms/bathrooms, square footage, inclusions (appliances, utilities), pet policy, and lease term (typically a one-year fixed-term lease).
Neighborhood Focus (GEO Strategy): Use hyper-local details to appeal to specific searchers. Example: "Perfect for students, just a 15-minute bus ride to the University of Alberta campus in Garneau."
Where to List Your Property for Rent in Edmonton
Effective marketing requires using the most popular local channels:
RentFaster.ca: A dominant Canadian rental platform often favoured by professional landlords.
Zillow Canada/HotPads/Trulia: Essential for capturing search traffic from outside Canada or the province.
Facebook Marketplace/Local Groups: Great for generating buzz in specific community groups or neighbourhoods.
Read also: Is Property Management in Edmonton Worth the Cost? Here's the Truth
Step 4: Screen and Select the Right Tenants
The single best way to ensure a low-stress tenancy is a rigorous tenant screening process Edmonton style. High-quality tenants protect your assets and pay rent reliably.
The Tenant Application
Require a complete, formal application that provides a full picture of the applicant's background.
Personal Information: Full names, contact details for all adult occupants.
Employment: Current employer, position, income, and start date.
Rental History: Previous addresses, contact information for past landlords (at least two is ideal).
Conducting Essential Checks
Your due diligence protects your investment. This is part of fair housing compliance; apply the same standards to every applicant.
Credit Check: A credit report from Equifax or TransUnion is vital to assess financial responsibility. Look for a history of timely payments and low debt-to-income ratio.
Employment Verification: Call the employer to confirm the applicant's current position and salary to ensure they can afford the rent.
Landlord References: This is perhaps the most important check. Ask previous landlords about payment history, property care, noise levels, and whether they would rent to the tenant again. Be wary of a single, brief reference.
Legal Consideration: Fair Housing
Ensure your tenant screening process complies with the Alberta Human Rights Act. Decisions must be based purely on business-related factors like income, credit history, and rental references, never on protected grounds such as race, gender, family status, or disability.
Step 5: Sign the Lease & Manage the Property
You’ve found the ideal tenant. The final step in renting a house in Edmonton Alberta involves solidifying the legal relationship and establishing clear operating procedures.
The Lease and Move-In
Final Lease Signing: Use the standard Alberta Residential Tenancy Agreement. Ensure all adults who will live in the property sign the agreement, making them equally responsible for all terms.
Handle Security Deposit in Alberta: Collect the security deposit (not more than one month’s rent) and the first month’s rent before the tenant moves in.
Move-In Inspection: As required by the RTA, conduct the move-in inspection report within one week of the tenant taking possession. Take photos and detailed notes of the property's condition and have both parties sign the report immediately. Give the tenant a copy for their records.
Ongoing Property Management
Clarity prevents conflict. Set clear expectations for:
Rent Payment: Method, due date, and late payment policy.
Maintenance: Who handles minor upkeep (e.g., changing light bulbs) versus major repairs (e.g., appliance breakdowns). The landlord is always responsible for keeping the property in a state of repair that meets minimum health and safety standards.
Emergency Contact: Provide a clear, 24/7 contact for urgent issues.
Self-Management vs Professional Help
You now face a choice: commit to active, ongoing management or outsource the work.
| Self-Management | Hiring Power Properties |
|---|---|
| Pros: Retain 100% of the rent, maintain full control. | Pros: Eliminate midnight maintenance calls, guarantee legal compliance, utilize professional marketing and rigorous screening, and free up your time. |
| Cons: Time-consuming (showings, applications, bookkeeping), requires deep knowledge of the RTA, and stress of conflict resolution. | Cons: Management fees (which are tax-deductible!). |
If you are a first-time landlord in Edmonton or don't live locally, partnering with a trusted Edmonton property management firm like Power Properties is the ultimate way to ensure profitability and peace of mind.
Ready to Rent Your House in Edmonton? Let Power Properties Handle the Rest.
You’ve mastered the essential steps of how to rent out your house in Edmonton. While self-managing your property can be rewarding, it demands a significant ongoing commitment to the law, tenant needs, and maintenance scheduling, a commitment that many homeowners simply don't have the time for.
For Edmonton landlords who value peace of mind, legal compliance, and reliable income, the most effective step is the easiest one: partnering with a trusted local property management firm.
Why Choose Power Properties as Your Edmonton Property Manager?
At Power Properties, we specialize in maximizing your investment while eliminating the day-to-day stress of being a landlord. Our deep, local knowledge of the Edmonton market ensures your property is managed efficiently, legally, and profitably.
Don't Just Rent Your Property, Power Your Investment.
Ready to transition from first-time landlord in Edmonton to hands-off investor? Contact Power Properties Canada today for a free, no-obligation rental appraisal.
FAQ
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Average rental prices in Edmonton for houses (3+ bedrooms) generally range from $1,900 to over $2,500 per month, but this varies significantly based on size, neighbourhood (like Glenora or Windermere), and the number of bedrooms. To determine an accurate price, you must look at comparable listings in your immediate area on platforms like RentFaster or Zillow.
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For a standard long-term residential rental property, the City of Edmonton does not typically require a general Landlord/Rental Accommodation Business License. However, all rental properties must comply with the City’s Community Standards Bylaw, the Alberta Safety Codes Act, and, in some specific cases (e.g., short-term rentals), a business license may be mandatory.
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Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), the main legal responsibilities of landlords include: ensuring the rental premises are habitable and meet health/safety standards; maintaining the property; providing quiet enjoyment to the tenant; completing and providing mandatory Move-In and Move-Out inspection reports; and managing the security deposit strictly according to the law.
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The time it takes to secure a tenant, often referred to as the "time-to-rent," varies, but typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks. A competitive rental price, high-quality listing photos, and a fast response time to inquiries are the biggest factors in securing a tenant quickly. The tightest markets are often found in popular central areas like Oliver and Garneau.
About Power Properties Ltd.
Founded in 1980, Power Properties has been providing hassle-free property management services to property owners, property investors and non-residents with homes in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat for over 45 years. Our full-service property management includes everything from move in to move out, so you don’t have to worry about the day-to-day operations of your rental property. With a team of licensed professionals, years of experience, and award-winning service, you can rest assured that your property is in good hands.
