What Should an Alberta Lease Clearly Cover?
Quick answer: A clear Alberta lease spells out the parties, property and term, rent, utilities, security deposit, occupants and pets, parking and storage, maintenance, and any fees, insurance, notices and signatures. Each clause should explain who does what and when, and no clause can take away rights or responsibilities set by law.
A clear lease answers the questions people otherwise argue about later. The most expensive clause is often the one nobody understood.
1. Parties, property and term
Identify who is agreeing, the rental address, the start date, and whether the tenancy is fixed-term or periodic.
2. Rent
State the amount, the due date, the payment method and where payment is made.
3. Utilities and recurring costs
Explain what's included, what's separate and who opens each account.
4. Security deposit
Record the deposit amount, how interest is handled and the lawful purposes for any deduction.
5. Occupants, pets and guests
Use clear rules that comply with tenancy and human rights requirements.
6. Parking, storage and included items
Identify the actual stall, locker, furniture or appliances included, so everyone knows exactly what comes with the rental.
7. Maintenance and repairs
Separate tenant care from landlord obligations, and explain how repair requests should be reported.
Tip: Help tenants report requests the right way, be clear about what the landlord covers and keep tenants informed.
8. Fees, insurance, notices and signatures
Write the applicable terms clearly and make sure they don't conflict with Alberta law.
Tip: A written agreement can't take away rights or responsibilities created by law. The wording should explain who does what and when, not just list a topic.
Related: Move-In Inspection: 8 Things Landlords Should Document
Want the full guide? Read 10 Essential Elements Every Alberta Rental Lease Must Include.
About Power Properties
Since 1980, Power Properties has helped Albertans rent, manage, buy and sell residential property. Our award-winning team manages more than 1,000 properties across Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, offering full-service property management and real estate. Contact us to see how we can make owning a rental property easier.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, refer to Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act or speak with a professional.
