Renters in Alberta will not see rent increases while the province is in a state of public health emergency.
Tenants also cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent or utilities in the month of April.
That protection continues while Alberta is in a state of public health emergency, as long as the tenant and landlord work together to develop a payment plan.
And, effective April 1, late fees cannot be applied to late rent payments for the next three months.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Nate Glubish, Minister of Service Alberta, announced the new security measures for renters in a media conference today (March 27).
Glubish said: “We’ve been listening to the financial concerns of landlords and tenants and these measures protect Albertans and give them time to get back on their feet."
Until the state of public health emergency has been lifted, landlords cannot raise the rent on residential properties or mobile home sites, even if notice of an increase has already been given.
And the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) will not hear applications that could lead to eviction due to non-payment unless a reasonable attempt has been made to work out a payment plan.
Kenney said: “We want to be clear: As of today, no one will be facing immediate eviction from their home for non-payment of rent or utilities owed to the landlord.
"We are expecting landlords and tenants to work together to figure out payment plans that help everyone meet financial obligations as we manage COVID-19, and we are doing further policy work on support for renters during these tough times."
