Alberta Notice to End Tenancy: Timelines by Lease Type

A fixed-term lease has an end date stated in the lease (typically 12 months from the start). Unless the lease specifies otherwise, the tenancy ends automatically on that date without notice by either party. This is different from Ontario and BC where fixed-term leases often convert to periodic tenancies automatically at end of term.

What happens on the end date

• •
  The tenant moves out.No notice required in advance under Alberta law, though it is polite (and often required by the lease) to signal intent.
• •
  The tenant stays with landlord agreement.By default the tenancy converts to a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy on the same terms.
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  The landlord and tenant sign a new fixed-term lease.Terms and rent can be renegotiated.

Many Alberta leases now include a clause requiring a specific notice period before end of term (typically 30 or 60 days). If your lease has one, follow it. That clause is enforceable if you signed it.

On a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy, the tenant must give the landlord written notice at least one full tenancy period before the intended end date. For monthly rent, that means one full month's notice before the start of the next rent period.

The timing rules

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  Rent due on the 1st of each month:notice served in September ends the tenancy on October 31 at the earliest.
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  Notice must be complete before the last day of the current month.Notice served September 15 for October 31 works; notice served October 1 for October 31 does not.
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  The one-month period counts full months, not partial.

Under section 8, the landlord must give at least three months' written notice to end a periodic tenancy for own-use, immediate family member's use, sale, or major renovation. The notice must state the specific reason. False statement of reason is grounds for tenant remedies.

What counts as own-use

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  Landlord intends to live in the unit personally.
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  Landlord's parent, spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child intends to live in the unit.
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  Property has been sold with the new owner intending to move in.
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  Landlord intends major renovation requiring vacant possession.This is narrower than tenants often assume; cosmetic updates do not qualify.

A landlord who serves own-use notice and then re-lists the unit at higher rent without the stated occupant moving in has committed bad faith. The tenant can apply to RTDRS for compensation.

Section 30 allows the landlord to serve a 14-day notice for substantial breach. Common substantial breaches:

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  Non-payment of rent.Late by more than the grace period in the lease.
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  Assigning or subletting without landlord consent.When consent is required.
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  Causing significant damage.
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  Endangering others in the building.
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  Materially breaching a substantial term of the lease.

The 14-day notice gives the tenant an opportunity to cure the breach (pay the rent, stop the offending conduct). If cured, the tenancy continues. If not cured, the landlord can apply to RTDRS or the courts for an order of possession.

1. 1
   In writing.Not verbal. Paper letter, email, or documented text.
2. 2
   Specifies the effective date.The date the tenancy ends.
3. 3
   States the reason if landlord-initiated.Own-use, sale, breach, etc.
4. 4
   Signed by the party ending the tenancy.
5. 5
   Delivered to the other party.Handed over, posted on the unit, mailed by registered mail, or emailed if agreed.

• Alberta Residential Tenancies Act, RSA 2000, c R-17.1 (sections 8, 30-32)
• Alberta.ca: Ending a tenancy
• Alberta RTDRS