Ending the Tenancy - June 1, 2007

  Printable Version     Search VCOP 

STATUTORY REFERENCES

Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sections:

1(1)(e)   fixed term tenancy definition
1(1)(f)   landlord definition
1(1)(h)   overholding tenant definition
1(1)(i)   periodic tenancy definition
1(1)(j)   prescribed definition
1(1)(k)   rent definition
1(1)(l)   residential premises definition
1(1)(m)   residential tenancy agreement definition
1(1)(p)   substantial breach definition
1(1)(q)   tenancy month definition
1(1)(r)   tenancy week definition
1(1)(s)   tenancy year definition
1(1)(t)   tenant definition
1(2)   reference to tenant
5   notice of termination of periodic tenancy
6   termination by landlord
7   notice to terminate weekly tenancy
8   notice to terminate monthly tenancy
9   notice to terminate yearly tenancy
10   form of notice
11   notice to terminate tenancy of employee
12   notice to terminate for condominium conversion
13   implied periodic tenancy
15   notice to terminate not required - fixed term tenancy
16   landlord's covenants
20   time of expiration or termination
21   tenant's covenants
22   assignment and sublease
26   landlord's remedies
27   repudiation of tenancy
28   termination for substantial breach by landlord
29   termination for substantial breach by tenant
30   termination of tenancy for damage or assault
32   recovery of damages
33   notice to vacate (48 hour notice to non-tenant)
34   order for recovery of possession
35   writ of possession
36   notice to vacate (14-day notice to non-tenant)
37   tenant's remedies
38   possession unobtainable
39   compensation to tenant
40   frustration of tenancy agreement
41   application for remedy to court
42   order of court
57   service of notices, etc.
58   satisfaction of service requirement
60   offences and penalties
70   ministerial regulations

Residential Tenancies Ministerial Regulation sections:

2    termination of periodic tenancies
11    offence
Form 1    Landlord's notice to tenant to terminate periodic tenancy
Form 2    Tenant's notice to landlord to terminate periodic tenancy
Form 3    Landlord's notice to tenant to terminate for substantial breach
Form 4    Landlord's notice to tenant 24-hour notice to terminate tenancy
Form 5    Landlord's notice to vacate to persons who are not tenants
Form 6    Tenant's notice to landlord to terminate for substantial breach

GUIDELINES

Tenants and landlords may terminate a residential tenancy agreement for a variety of reasons. It may be because there has been a breach of the tenancy agreement, because the tenant has found another place to live or the landlord wants to end the tenancy for a prescribed reason. Regardless of the reason, proper notice to terminate is required to evict a tenant.

A landlord cannot terminate a residential tenancy agreement because the tenant made an application or filed a statement under the RTA, made a complaint, assisted in an investigation or inquiry, or gave evidence at a hearing under the RTA or the Public Health Act. A written complaint has to be made to Service Alberta before the department can take action against a landlord. (See the How to File a Consumer Complaint section.)

If an order to vacate is issued under health and safety laws in Alberta, a tenancy may be terminated. These orders take precedence over the RTA, as in the case of Coon v. Beck (court case: #5).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The RTA balances the rights of landlords to remove tenants or non-tenants who have committed a substantial breach with the rights of tenants to remain in the premises where they live (court case: #4).

Tenants must be served a written notice that states the reason for the termination and the date that the tenancy is to end. Tenants have the opportunity to object to the reason given for the termination for a substantial breach. If the tenant objects to the reason, the landlord has to go to court for an order terminating the tenancy and to get possession of the premises. Both parties can present their side of things to the court (court case: #15).

It is important to remember that regardless of who has committed a substantial breach, a landlord and tenant can agree between them to end the tenancy by a certain date and save the expense of taking the matter to court.

Not surprisingly, the largest number of terminations of tenancies by landlords arise from the tenant's failure to pay the rent, in full, when it is due (court cases: case #18, case #25). This sometimes happens when tenants mistakenly think they can withhold the rent to force the landlord to do something like make some repairs (court cases: case #17, case #34).

The law is very clear that the landlord is entitled to have the rent paid in full, when it is due. If a tenant runs into a problem paying the rent and lets the landlord know beforehand what the problem is, a landlord may let the tenant stay and pay the rent later or over time. But, the landlord is under no obligation to do this.

Even if a landlord is sympathetic and allows a tenant additional time to come up with the rent, the landlord may charge a late payment fee (if such a fee has been agreed to in the residential tenancy agreement). If late payment of rent happens frequently (note: a good “rule of thumb” is 3 separate instances of failure to pay the rent, in full, when due), the landlord can go directly to court to seek termination of the tenancy or can serve the tenant with a 14-day notice to terminate the tenancy on the basis that the tenant has committed a series of breaches, the cumulative effect of which amounts to a substantial breach.

A landlord is not allowed to change the locks to force a tenant out of the residential premises or to otherwise deny access to the tenant while the tenant still lives in the residential premises (court case: #3).

A landlord is not allowed to discriminate against a tenant on the basis of the tenant's income to get rid of the tenant (court case: #1).

MOVING OUT

When a tenant wants to end a periodic tenancy, the tenant must give the landlord a notice saying they plan to move out.

The tenant's notice to the landlord must:

  1. Be in writing (court case: #26)

  2. Give the address of the residential premises

  3. Be signed by the tenant, and

  4. Set out the termination date

A tenant has to move out by 12 noon on the last day of the tenancy. The landlord and tenant can make an agreement to a different time. This does not apply if a landlord has given a tenant a 24-hour notice to terminate the tenancy for damage or assault. If the notice to terminate is for damage or assault, the tenant has to move out at the time stated in the notice.

How much notice is required to terminate a tenancy?

  • Section 6 - Termination of Periodic Tenancy by Landlord for Prescribed Reasons

Effective April 24, 2007 if a landlord needs to do major renovations that require the premises to be empty, the landlord must give the tenant 365 days notice to terminate the periodic tenancy. Major renovations do not include painting, replacing of floor coverings, or routine maintenance.

No rental increases are allowed during that year.

If the landlord gives less than 365 days notice to terminate a tenancy so major renovations can be done or increases the rent after giving the notice, the landlord has committed an offence under the RTA. A written complaint has to be made to Service Alberta before they can take action against the landlord. (See the How to File a Consumer Complaint section.)
 

A landlord can only end a periodic tenancy when the tenant has not committed a substantial breach for the following reasons (court case: #10):

  1. The landlord or a relative of the landlord intends to live in the residential premises (court case: #39)

  2. The landlord has sold the residential premises and the purchaser or a relative of the purchaser wants to move in

  3. The landlord has sold a detached or semi-detached dwelling unit or condominium unit, and the purchaser has requested in writing that the tenancy be terminated

  4. The landlord intends to demolish the building

  5. The landlord intends to use the residential premises for a non-residential use, such as business purposes

  6. The landlord is an educational institution and the tenant is no longer a student or will no longer be a student at the termination date specified in the notice of termination

The landlord's notice to the tenant must:

  1. Be in writing

  2. Give the address of the residential premises

  3. Be signed by the landlord

  4. State the reasons for the termination, and

  5. Set out the termination date

If the tenant moves out of the residential premises as required by the notice given for one of the prescribed reasons listed in items 1 to 7 above, and the landlord does not use the premises for that reason, the landlord has committed an offence under the RTA. A written complaint has to be made to Service Alberta before they can take action against the landlord. (See the How to File a Consumer Complaint section.)

If a tenant wants to move out of the residential premises before the termination date set out in the notice from the landlord, proper written notice to vacate must be given by the tenant to end the tenancy.

  • Section 7 - Termination of Weekly Periodic Tenancy

The landlord and tenant must give each other one week's written notice. Notice is to be given on or before the first day of the tenancy week, with the termination to be effective on the last day of the tenancy week.

  • Section 8 - Termination of Monthly Periodic Tenancy

A landlord must give the tenant three months' written notice. Notice is to be given on or before the first day of the three-month notice period.

An example: Joe has a month-to-month tenancy. It begins on the first day of the month and ends on the last day of the month. If Joe's landlord wants Joe to move out by September 30, the landlord would have to give Joe notice on or before July 1.

A tenant must give the landlord one tenancy month's written notice. Notice is to be given on or before the first day of the one-month notice period.

An example: Joe has a month-to-month tenancy. It begins on the first day of the month and ends on the last day of the month. Joe decides to move out by September 30. He must give the landlord notice on or before September 1.

  • Section 9 - Termination of Yearly Periodic Tenancy

A landlord must give the tenant 90 days written notice to be effective on the last day of the tenancy year.

A tenant must give the landlord 60 days written notice to be effective on the last day of the tenancy year.

  • Section 11 - Termination of Employee Tenants

A landlord or tenant may end a periodic tenancy with notice if the employment of the tenant is terminated. The notice must:

  1. Be in writing

  2. Give the address of the residential premises

  3. Be signed by the party giving the notice

  4. State the reasons for the termination of the tenancy, and

  5. Set out the date that the tenancy will terminate

How much notice has to be given to terminate the tenancy of an employee tenant?

The amount of notice a landlord or tenant must give to terminate the tenancy has to be the longest of:

  1. The amount of notice that is required by law to terminate the tenant's employment

  2. The amount of notice to terminate the employment that has been agreed to by the landlord and the tenant, or

  3. 1 week

If the landlord is terminating the tenancy because of significant damage, assault, or threats of assault, the landlord can apply to the court for an order terminating the tenancy or the landlord can serve the tenant with a notice to terminate at least 24 hours before the termination date and time.

  • Section 12 - Termination for Condominium Conversions

A landlord may end a periodic tenancy with notice if the landlord is converting the residential premises into a condominium.

How much notice to terminate does a landlord have to give a tenant for condominium conversions?

Effective April 24, 2007 if a landlord intends to convert the rental premises to a condominium unit and the premises must be vacant, the landlord has to give at least 365 days written notice to the tenant before the day the tenancy is to end. The landlord’s notice to the tenant must:

  1. Be in writing

  2. Give the address of the residential premises

  3. Be signed by the landlord

  4. State the reason for the termination, and

  5. Set out the termination date

No rental increases are allowed during that year.

If the landlord gives less than 365 days notice to terminate a tenancy when converting the premises into a condominium or increases the rent after giving the notice, the landlord has committed an offence under the RTA. A written complaint has to be made to Service Alberta before they can take action against the landlord. (See the How to File a Consumer Complaint section.)

  • Section 15 - Termination of Fixed Term Tenancies

A fixed term tenancy ends on the day specified in the residential tenancy agreement, unless both parties agree to an early termination. For example, if the fixed term is from January 1 to December 31, the tenancy automatically ends on December 31. Unless the tenant and landlord make other arrangements, the tenant has to move out by noon on December 31.

The RTA does not require any notice to be given by a landlord or tenant to end a fixed term tenancy. It is courteous if the tenant or the landlord provide a notice prior to the end of the agreement that the tenancy will end.

A landlord is not obligated to accept a tenant's notice to terminate a fixed term tenancy before the end of the fixed term, but may agree to an early termination, or an assignment or sublease.

If a tenant ends a fixed term tenancy before the termination date, the landlord is entitled to be paid rent until the residential tenancy agreement ends. The landlord must take reasonable steps to re-rent the unit. If the landlord rents the premises to a new tenant, the old tenant is no longer responsible to pay the rent from the date of the new tenancy.

At the end of the fixed term the landlord and tenant may both want to continue the tenancy. At this time they can negotiate a new residential tenancy agreement that could include a change in the rent amount and the conditions of the tenancy. This agreement can be a new fixed term or be changed to a periodic tenancy.

If the parties do not notify each other of their intention to continue the tenancy or to end the tenancy, difficulties may arise. For example, the landlord may be expecting the tenant to leave at the end of the fixed term and may have plans for the premises.

The RTA says that if, at the end of the fixed term tenancy, the tenant doesn't move out and the landlord accepts the tenant staying on and continuing to pay rent, then, unless there are agreements or facts in the arrangement that indicate something else, the tenancy switches to a periodic tenancy.

If the fixed term tenancy was for a month or more, then the periodic tenancy becomes a monthly periodic tenancy.

If the fixed term tenancy was for a fixed term of less than one month, then the periodic tenancy becomes a weekly periodic tenancy.

Some fixed term tenancy agreements include a provision for renewal of the tenancy for an additional fixed term at the end. Such provisions usually include a requirement for the tenant and landlord to provide a period of written notice to each other about whether they wish to renew for a further fixed term.

  • Section 28 - Termination of Tenancy for Substantial Breach by Landlord

Whether the tenancy is fixed term or periodic, the RTA says that in every residential tenancy agreement, the landlord commits a substantial breach:

  1. By failing to keep the premises in the condition that at least meets the minimum standards under the Public Health Act and regulations, and

  2. An executive officer issues an order under section 62 of the Public Health Act, and

  3. The landlord has not complied with the order
How much notice to terminate does a tenant have to give a landlord who commits a substantial breach?

If the tenant believes on reasonable grounds that the landlord has committed the above substantial breach, a tenant can apply to court to end the tenancy or can serve the landlord with a notice to terminate at least 14 days before the stated termination date. The notice must:

  1. Be in writing

  2. Give the address of the premises

  3. Be signed by the tenant

  4. State the reasons for the termination, and

  5. Set out the termination date

A 14-day notice has to give a landlord 14 clear days before the termination date. The day the notice is served on the landlord and the termination date do not get counted in the 14 days.

The notice to terminate is null and void if, within 7 days from the date a landlord receives the notice to terminate from a tenant, the landlord serves the tenant with a written notice of objection. The only reasons the landlord can object are (1) the landlord has actually complied with the order or (2) the landlord has been granted a stay of the order.

A notice of objection must be served personally, by registered mail or by certified mail for it to be effective.

  • Section 29 - Termination of Tenancy for Substantial Breach by Tenant

Whether the tenancy is fixed term or periodic, the RTA says that in every residential tenancy agreement, the tenant promises:

  1. The rent will be paid in full when it is due

  2. Not to interfere with the landlord or the landlord's employees, or interfere with or disturb other tenants in the residential premises or in the common areas

  3. Not to do illegal acts or carry on any illegal business or occupation in the residential premises or in the common areas

  4. Not to do anything, or fail to do anything, that could endanger anyone in the building or in the common areas

  5. Not to cause significant damage to the residential premises or the common property

  6. To maintain the residential premises and all property included in the residential tenancy agreement and keep it reasonably clean

  7. To vacate the residential premises when the tenancy is ended

If a tenant does not live up to the responsibilities in the residential tenancy agreement or under the RTA, they have committed a "substantial breach" and the landlord has grounds to terminate the tenancy (court case: #16).

How much notice to terminate does a landlord have to give a tenant who commits a substantial breach?

If a tenant commits a substantial breach, the landlord can apply to court for an order terminating the tenancy, or can serve the tenant with a notice to terminate at least 14 days before the termination date stated in the notice. The landlord's notice to the tenant must:

  1. Be in writing

  2. Give the address of the residential premises

  3. Be signed by the landlord or agent

  4. Separately set out the rent that is due and any more rent that may become due during the notice period

  5. State the reason for the termination, and

  6. Set out the termination date

A 14-day notice has to give the tenant 14 clear days before the tenant has to leave the residential premises. The day the notice is served on the tenant and the day the tenant moves out do not count as part of the 14 days.

If the landlord's notice to terminate the tenancy is for non-payment of rent, the notice to terminate has to state that the tenancy will not be terminated if the tenant pays what's owing for rent on or before the termination date set out in the notice.

If the tenant pays the rent before the 14 days is up, the notice to terminate is no longer effective. A tenant cannot object to a 14-day notice that is for non-payment of rent.

The landlord's notice to terminate is null and void if the tenant serves the landlord with a written notice setting out the reasons why the tenant objects to the termination notice. The tenant's notice of objection has to be served before the termination date set out in the notice to terminate.

A tenant's notice of objection must be served personally, by registered mail or by certified mail for it to be effective.

If a landlord gives notice and the tenant does not move out, the landlord has to apply for a court order to terminate the tenancy and get possession of the residential premises. If the tenant still does not move, the landlord may go back to court for a writ of possession (court case: #2).

A writ of possession is the court document that authorizes a civil enforcement bailiff to remove the tenant and their belongings from the residential premises. No one other than a civil enforcement bailiff is allowed to remove the tenant or their belongings. Neither a landlord, a landlord's agent or employee nor the police are allowed to remove a tenant or a tenant's belongings. (See the Landlord's Distraint section.)

  • Section 30 - Termination of Tenancy for Damage or Assault (24-Hour Notice)

A tenant must not do, or permit significant damage to be done to the property, or physically assault, or threaten to physically assault, the landlord (or the landlord's employee or agent) or another tenant.

How much notice to terminate does a landlord have to give a tenant for damage or assault?

The landlord can apply to the court for an order terminating the tenancy or the landlord can serve the tenant with a notice to terminate at least 24 hours before the termination date stated in the notice. The landlord's notice to the tenant must:

  1. Be in writing

  2. Give the address of the residential premises

  3. Be signed by the landlord

  4. State the reason for the termination, and

  5. Set out the termination date and time

If a landlord is apprehensive that even more damage, or further assaults, are likely to occur in the 24-hour notice period, the landlord can go to court seeking an order for the immediate possession of the residential premises and removal of the tenant. The landlord should have compelling evidence to present to the court. It would be wise for the landlord to hire a lawyer to present the case.

If a landlord serves a 24-hour notice, and the tenant does not vacate the residential premises within the notice period, the landlord must, within 10 days of the date of termination specified in the notice, apply to court for an order to end the tenancy and to get vacant possession of the residential premises. If the landlord does not make the court application within the 10 days following the date of termination, then the 24-hour notice is ineffective. The landlord is considered to have never given a notice to terminate.

  • Section 33 - Notice to Vacate to Non-Tenant (48-Hour Notice)

If the tenant has abandoned the residential premises (repudiation of tenancy), a landlord can serve a notice to vacate to the person(s) not authorized to live there.

The landlord is still entitled to the rent that is owed for the remainder of the tenancy agreed to in the residential tenancy agreement, if :

  • The tenant abandons the residential premises before the end of the tenancy

  • The tenant does not give the proper notice to end a periodic tenancy

  • The tenant moves out before the end of the fixed term tenancy  

How much notice to vacate does a landlord have to give an unknown person if a tenant has abandoned the premises?

The landlord can serve the unknown person with a 48-hour notice to vacate. The landlord's notice to the unknown person must:

  1. Be in writing

  2. Give the address of the residential premises

  3. Be signed by the landlord

  4. State the reasons for the termination, and

  5. Set out the termination date and time

If the unknown person does not vacate within the 48 hours, the landlord can apply to court for an order terminating the tenancy of the tenant who abandoned the residential premises and for recovery of possession from the unknown person who is living there. This does not prevent the landlord from applying to court to recover damages from the tenant.

  • Section 36 - Notice to Vacate to Non-Tenant (14-Day Notice)

A landlord can serve a notice to vacate to an unauthorized person living in a residential premises occupied by a tenant.

How much notice to vacate does a landlord have to give an unauthorized person if the residential premises are occupied by a tenant?

The landlord can serve the non-tenant with a 14-day notice to vacate. The landlord's notice to the non-tenant must:

  1. Be in writing

  2. Give the address of the residential premises

  3. Be signed by the landlord

  4. State the reasons for the termination, and

  5. Set out the termination date and time

If the non-tenant does not vacate within the 14 days, the landlord can apply to court for an order for the non-tenant to vacate the residential premises.

A 14-day notice has to give the non-tenant 14 clear days before the non-tenant leaves the residential premises. The day the notice is served on the non-tenant and the day the non-tenant moves out do not count as part of the 14 days.

  • Section 38 - Possession Unobtainable

If a tenant has been unable to move in because the residential premises is not available from the landlord or because the premises do not meet the minimum standards under the Public Health Act and regulations, the tenant has the right to repudiate the residential tenancy agreement or to go to court to have a judge order the landlord to provide the premises.

The tenant can ask the judge for damages caused by the landlord for not providing the premises. If the landlord could reasonably have known that the tenant would suffer damages by not providing the premises, the tenant can ask the court for special damages.

The tenant should have compelling evidence and proof of damages to present to the court. It would be wise for the tenant to hire a lawyer to present the case.

FORMS

Notice to terminate and notice to vacate forms are available at a nominal cost from a number of organizations including the Landlord and Tenant Advisory Boards, the Calgary Residential Rental Association or the Edmonton Apartment Association.

The notice (and objection to the notice) has to be in writing and contain everything that the RTA requires. The RTA lists the content for the notices in the Residential Tenancies Ministerial Regulation. Landlords and tenants are free to prepare a form of notice that best suits their particular needs as long as the form has the content from the Regulation. The notice cannot take away any of the rights, benefits or protections contained in the Act.