As of April 30, 2018, verbal rental agreements are no longer legally binding in Alberta. The province has implemented changes to its Residential Tenancies Act, requiring all rental agreements to be in writing.

These changes were made to provide more protection for tenants, as verbal agreements can be difficult to prove in court. With a written agreement, both the landlord and tenant have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

When creating a written rental agreement, landlords should include the following information:

– Names and addresses of the landlord and tenant(s)

– The rental property`s address

– The amount of rent and when it is due

– The length of the lease agreement

– Any additional fees or charges, such as a security deposit or pet fee

– The conditions for terminating the lease agreement

– Any additional terms or conditions, such as maintenance responsibilities or restrictions on smoking or pets

Both the landlord and tenant should sign the rental agreement, and each party should retain a copy for their records.

It is important to note that even with a written rental agreement, landlords are required to follow all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to eviction and rent increases. Tenants also have the right to dispute any portion of the rental agreement that they feel is unfair or illegal.

By requiring written rental agreements, Alberta is taking a proactive step to protect the rights of both landlords and tenants. If you are a landlord or tenant in Alberta, make sure to create a written rental agreement that accurately reflects your agreement and protects your interests.