What to Know About Lease Renewals in Alberta: Fall Edition

As the fall season approaches, many Alberta renters and landlords start thinking about lease renewals. Understanding how lease renewals work in Alberta can make the process smoother and help both tenants and property owners plan ahead.

Types of Leases in Alberta

In Alberta, rental agreements generally fall into two categories: fixed-term leases and periodic leases. A fixed-term lease runs for a set period, such as six months or one year, and automatically ends on the agreed-upon date unless both parties agree to renew or extend. A periodic lease, on the other hand, continues automatically from month to month or week to week until either the tenant or landlord provides proper notice to end it. If your lease is fixed-term and set to expire in the fall, this is the time to decide whether you want to sign on for another term, switch to a periodic lease, or start preparing for a move.

Fixed Term Lease Renewals

Under Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), the law assumes a tenant will move out at the end of a fixed-term lease unless both landlord and tenant make other arrangements. Neither party is legally required to give written notice when ending a fixed-term lease, but it is considered good practice for both sides to provide notice as a courtesy. At least a month before the lease end date, the landlord and tenant should discuss whether the tenant wants to stay. If the tenant does want to renew, they should sign a new lease with the landlord—but the landlord is not obligated to agree. If no new agreement is made, the tenant must vacate the rental unit by the lease end date.

There are two circumstances, however, where a tenant may continue to live in the property without signing a new lease. If the original agreement contains a clause allowing the tenancy to automatically renew without notice, the lease converts into a periodic tenancy when the fixed term ends. Similarly, if a tenant remains in the property after the lease expires and the landlord continues to accept rent, the arrangement also becomes a periodic tenancy by default.

Periodic Tenancy Renewals

With a periodic lease, the tenancy continues indefinitely until either the landlord or tenant provides proper written notice to end it. If neither party gives notice, the agreement simply rolls over into the next period, whether that’s month-to-month or week-to-week, without requiring a new lease. This arrangement can offer flexibility for tenants who are unsure about their long-term plans and for landlords who prefer shorter commitment periods.

Seasonal Considerations for Fall Renewals

Renewing your lease in the fall comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Rental options tend to be more limited after the busy summer moving season, so if you’re happy with your current space, renewing may be the more convenient choice. 

Weather is also a factor. Few renters enjoy moving during Alberta’s chilly months, making a fall renewal attractive simply for the comfort it provides. For landlords, fall often presents an opportunity to secure long-term tenants through the winter months. Since a vacant unit is harder to fill once snow starts falling, property owners and landlords may be more open to negotiating renewal terms in order to keep reliable tenants in place.

Negotiating Renewal Terms

A lease renewal doesn’t always mean continuing with the exact same conditions. Both tenants and landlords can discuss adjustments that work better for the year ahead. Rent is often the most common point of negotiation, but the rules differ depending on whether it’s a new lease or a renewal with an existing tenant. For new tenants, there is no limit under Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) on how much rent can be charged or what services the rent may include, such as utilities or parking. For existing tenants, however, rent cannot be increased unless at least 365 days have passed since the start of the tenancy or since the last rent increase, whichever is later. In addition, if the 365th day falls during a fixed-term tenancy, the rent cannot be raised until that lease term has ended. Tenants who remain in a property after receiving a proper notice of rent increase are considered to have accepted the new rental amount. 

Aside from rent, tenants might also request minor upgrades or maintenance before committing to another term, while landlords may suggest shifting from a fixed-term lease to a periodic arrangement for added flexibility. Whatever the adjustment, clear communication and having the agreement in writing ensures that both parties are protected.

Tips for Tenants

For tenants, the renewal process is much smoother when you start early. Reviewing your lease agreement ahead of time helps you keep track of important deadlines and prevents last-minute decisions. It’s also a good time to walk through your rental and take note of any maintenance issues you’d like addressed before you commit to another term. Finally, reviewing your budget and considering how any changes in rent might fit into your financial plans can give you peace of mind heading into the year ahead.

Tips for Property Owners

Property owners also benefit from a proactive approach to renewals. Checking current rental listings in the area helps you understand how your unit compares, ensuring your pricing is fair and competitive. Just as importantly, keeping reliable tenants is often worth more than raising rent and risking vacancy costs. Offering stability, small incentives, or timely upgrades can go a long way in maintaining positive relationships. Clear and proactive communication, such as providing renewal options in writing with plenty of time for tenants to decide, also sets the stage for smoother agreements.