How Much Notice to End a Tenancy in Alberta?
Ending a tenancy in Alberta depends on the type of tenancy and who's ending it. Give the wrong amount of notice, or time it wrong, and the notice may not count. Here's how to do it right.
If You Want to Move Out (Periodic Tenancy)
For a month-to-month tenancy, you must give at least one full tenancy month's written notice, and it has to be received before the first day of that month. So to leave at the end of a month, the landlord must have your notice before the month begins. For a weekly tenancy, the notice is one tenancy week.
Fixed-Term Leases End on Their Own
A fixed-term lease simply ends on the last day of the term — in Alberta neither party has to give notice for it to end, unless your agreement says otherwise. If you want to leave before the end date, that's breaking the lease; see breaking a lease in Alberta.
When the Landlord Ends a Periodic Tenancy
A landlord can end a periodic tenancy for specific reasons with set notice, such as:
- Landlord or family moving in, major renovations, sale to a buyer who'll occupy, or conversion: typically 90 days' written notice.
- Certain condominium conversions: longer notice applies.
- The notice must be in writing, signed, dated, state the reason, and give the correct effective date.
Ending for Non-Payment or Breach
Problems have their own faster process:
- Unpaid rent: a 14-day notice — which you can stop by paying the overdue rent before it takes effect.
- Substantial breach: a 14-day notice to end the tenancy.
- Serious cases (major damage, endangering others): as little as 24 hours' notice.
What Makes a Notice Valid
Any notice to end a tenancy must be in writing, signed and dated, name the rental, give the correct termination date, and (for landlord notices) state the reason. A notice with the wrong date or missing details can be challenged through the RTDRS or court — so read it carefully before you act.