Renting in British Columbia and renting in Alberta are governed by two different acts, and the rules diverge more than most tenants realize — especially on the question that matters most: how much your rent can go up, and how much notice you're owed.
Rent increases: capped in BC, uncapped in Alberta
British Columbia sets an annual rent increase limit under the Residential Tenancy Act — landlords may raise rent only once every 12 months, by no more than the province's published limit for that year, and must give at least three full months' written notice on the official form (RTB-7). Every rental unit in BC, regardless of age, is subject to this cap.
Alberta has no rent control at all. A landlord can raise rent by any amount, as often as once every 12 months, provided they give at least three months' written notice and the increase doesn't take effect mid-way through a fixed-term lease (unless your lease specifically allows it). The protection in Alberta is procedural — notice and timing — not a cap on the amount.
What this means practically: a BC tenant who receives a rent increase notice can check it against the current year's published limit and dispute an over-cap increase through the Residential Tenancy Branch. An Alberta tenant can't dispute the amount of an increase, only whether the landlord followed the correct notice process — and can file with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) if they believe the notice itself was invalid.
Ending a tenancy
BC ended "no-cause" evictions for month-to-month tenancies in late 2023 — a landlord now needs a valid reason under the Act to end your tenancy, and the reasons carry specific rules. For a landlord-use eviction (the landlord or a close family member intends to move in), the landlord must give three months' notice, must occupy the unit in good faith for at least 12 months after you leave, and you're entitled to one month's free rent as compensation.
Alberta's rules for ending a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy are different again, with their own notice periods depending on the reason. If you receive any notice to end your tenancy in either province, the safest first step is confirming the notice is on the correct form, cites a valid reason, and gives the legally required amount of time — an invalid notice can often be challenged.
Your rights either way
Regardless of province, a few things hold everywhere we work:
- Your deposit is protected. Security (and, in BC, pet) deposits must be handled according to the Act, with rules about how and when they're returned.
- You're entitled to quiet enjoyment. A landlord can't enter without proper notice (typically 24 hours in writing, except in an emergency) or harass a tenant into leaving.
- Repairs are the landlord's responsibility. Health, safety and maintenance standards apply regardless of what a lease says.
- Retaliatory eviction is prohibited. A landlord can't evict you for asserting your legal rights, such as requesting a repair.
If something feels wrong
Start by getting the notice or issue in writing if it isn't already. In BC, the Residential Tenancy Branch handles disputes; in Alberta, it's the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. Both offer information lines and dispute resolution without needing a lawyer for most issues.
If you're a tenant considering a move — or a first-time renter trying to understand a lease before you sign — reach out and we're glad to point you in the right direction, even outside a transaction with us.