Whether a tenant decides to leave your rental property due to work or lifestyle changes or a landlord needs to end the tenancy due to conflict or other reasons, ending a tenancy in Alberta requires both parties to take some fundamental steps to close their lease agreement within the terms of the laws and regulations and in a positive light.
Whether you’re a tenant preparing to move out, a landlord seeking to recover control of your property, or someone interested in understanding the legal framework around tenancy termination in Alberta, this blog is for you. Here’s how to end a tenancy in Alberta to ensure a smooth transition.
How to End a Tenancy In Alberta
Legal Framework Overview
According to the RTA, the grounds to terminate a tenancy vary according to the type of lease:
- Fixed-term Tenancy: A fixed-term tenancy ends on the day specified in the lease agreement unless both parties agree to an early termination or make other arrangements. Although neither the landlord nor the tenant needs to give notice of termination, it is advisable to do so in case the tenancy is terminated before the end of the lease agreement.
- Periodic Tenancy: In cases where the tenant didn’t commit a serious breach of the lease agreement, the landlord can end the tenancy for the following reasons:
- The landlord or a relative of the tenant wants to move into the property;
- The landlord has sold the property, and the buyer wants to move in;
- The landlord wants to demolish the premises;
- The landlord wants to use the property for non-residential purposes like opening a business.
To end the tenancy, landlords and tenants must give a written notice to the other party. Including the following information:
- The property’s address;
- In case of a landlord giving the notice, it must include the reasons for ending the tenancy;
- The date the tenancy will end and;
- Their signature.
The notice period will vary depending on the type of tenancy and who is terminating the tenancy:
| Type of Tenancy | Tenant | Landlord |
| Weekly | One full tenancy week | One full tenancy week |
| Monthly | One full tenancy month | Three full tenancy months |
| Yearly | 60 days | 90 days |
The notice must be given on or before the first day of the required notice period, which ends at noon on the last day of the tenancy unless both parties reach a different agreement. If the notice is given later, it will still be valid, but at a later date because the notice period starts running when the notice is served. It’s important to mention that these rules don’t apply if landlords want to evict a tenant and send them a 24-hour notice.
Handling Security Deposits and Final Inspection
Once the landlord or the tenant gives proper notice, it’s time to agree on the final move-out inspection. The RTA establishes that the inspection must be one week before or after the tenant moves out, and the property should be vacant unless both parties agree otherwise. During this walk-through inspection, both parties must identify all signs of property damage, write them down on the inspection report, and include their signatures. We have a free checklist that you can use to ensure nothing is overlooked and avoid any last-minute misunderstandings.
Regarding the security deposit, landlords can deduct for damages included in the move-out inspection. Here are some examples of damages landlords can deduct for:
- Rugs with obvious dirt, soil, stains or holes;
- Poorly repaired holes in the walls;
- Pushed-in door panels;
- Food or dirt stuck on walls, cupboards and appliances;
- Broken windows, holes in window screens;
- Garbage or pet excrement;
- Any damage signs beyond normal wear and tear.
Landlords must return the security deposit with any interest owing within ten days of the tenant vacating the property, whether in full or partially, with a detailed account of the deductions made.
Transitioning Onto the Next Tenant
If you select a new tenant during the notice period, you need to plan ahead to make the best use of this time to ensure a seamless transition and guarantee your cash flow. We recommend that you make arrangements to perform maintenance work and the necessary repairs during the notice period and seek cooperation with your moving-out tenant to ensure that by the time their tenancy ends, the new one can start with little vacant time.
Ending a tenancy and transitioning tenants can overwhelm landlords, and working around the clock to make a smooth transition may be challenging, especially if being a landlord is a side hustle. If this sounds like you, consider working with a property manager who has the knowledge and resources to handle this process for you.
Do you own a rental property in Calgary? Get in touch to get a free quote.
