Signing a lease is one of the most important steps in the process of finding a place to live. At first glance, a lease may seem like just a bunch of papers with legal jargon and tables, but it is actually a legally binding document that will determine your rights and responsibilities for the entire lease period. If you don't ask the right questions before signing, you may find yourself in a situation where you are unable to change the terms later, or you may not even be aware of important details that could affect your decision.
This article provides a good guide to the questions you should ask your landlord before signing a lease in Edmonton. These questions cover all aspects of renting — from cost to maintenance, from length of stay to your rights and responsibilities. The more you know before signing, the better your rental situation will be.
Questions about cost and financial terms
First and foremost, you need to fully understand how much you will actually be paying each month and what additional costs may arise.
What is the exact monthly rent?
This may seem like a simple question, but it is important to get the exact amount in writing. The landlord must clearly state how much the monthly rent is. Also ask if there is any difference between the price stated in the ad and the price they are offering you right now. Sometimes landlords lower the price for the first tenants or raise the price depending on the season.
What is included in the rent?
This is a critically important question. In one place, the rent may include all utilities (heating, electricity, water), while in another place you will have to pay for everything yourself. Ask: Are water, gas, electricity, internet, and cable TV included? Is the landlord responsible for cleaning common areas such as hallways and lobbies? Understanding what is included will allow you to accurately calculate your budget.
How much is the deposit and how is it calculated?
In Alberta, a landlord can ask for a deposit, usually no more than one month's rent. However, some landlords may ask for more. Ask what the exact amount of the deposit is, when it is due, and how it will be returned. Under Alberta law, the deposit must be returned to you in full, except for legal deductions for actual damages. Also ask if interest is charged on the deposit. Under new Alberta rules, as of 2025, landlords must pay interest on deposits. Ask what interest rate is charged and when you will be paid the interest.
What is the advance payment for the first and last rent?
Some landlords ask for an advance payment for the first and last rent when signing the contract. Ask if this is the case for you. If so, make sure that all amounts are specified in the contract.
Are there any additional fees?
In addition to the basic rent and deposit, there may be additional fees. Ask if the landlord charges for parking, pets, services (such as cleaning of common areas), or maintenance of the complex. Some complexes also charge for storage or use of the gym. Get a complete list of all possible additional fees.
How and when should you pay your rent?
Ask how you should pay your rent. Is it by bank transfer, check, credit card, cash, or something else? Also ask about payment deadlines. When exactly does the rent have to be paid each month? Are there penalties for late payments? In Alberta, a landlord cannot charge a late fee, but they can begin the eviction process if the rent is 15 days or more late.
Questions about the terms and conditions of the lease
The terms of the lease determine how long you will live in the property and under what conditions you can terminate the lease.
How long is the lease for?
A standard lease in Canada is usually for one year. However, some landlords may offer leases for 6 months, 2 years, 3 years, or more. Ask what term your landlord is offering and whether you can agree to a different term.
What happens when the lease ends?
Ask if the lease is automatically renewed or if you will need to sign a new lease. If the lease is automatically renewed, under what conditions? Can the landlord raise the rent upon renewal? In Alberta, the landlord can raise the rent, but they must give you written notice at least 3 months before the lease ends. Ask what the maximum amount is that the landlord can increase the rent.
Can you terminate the lease before it ends?
Life can change, and you may need to terminate the lease earlier than planned. Ask under what conditions you can terminate the lease and what the penalty is for doing so. In Alberta, you can terminate the lease for a valid reason (for example, if the landlord is not fulfilling their obligations), but otherwise you may be required to pay a penalty. Ask how much this penalty is.
Can I sublet the premises?
If you may want to sublet the space to someone else, ask the landlord about their subletting policy. In Alberta, a tenant cannot sublet the space without the landlord's written consent. The landlord cannot refuse without a valid reason, but they must provide a written response within 14 days. Ask if the landlord allows subleasing in principle and what the conditions are.
Questions about the space and its condition
Before signing a lease, you need to make sure that the space is in good condition and that everything you were promised is actually there.
What is the current condition of the premises?
Inspect the premises thoroughly before signing the contract. Ask the landlord about any defects, problems, or damage you have noticed. For example, when was the last time it was painted, when was the last cleaning done, and what is the condition of the current carpets and flooring? If there is any visible damage, ask the landlord if they plan to repair it before you move in.
Is there an official revaluation report for the property?
In Alberta, you are entitled to a revaluation list that documents the condition of the property at the time of move-in. This list is important because it ensures that you will not be responsible for damage that was already there before you arrived. Ask the landlord if they will conduct an official re-evaluation before you move in. If so, request a copy of this list.
What appliances and furniture are included in the rent?
Ask what appliances are in the property. For example, is there a stove, refrigerator, washing machine, dryer? Are they in working order? If appliances are included in the rent, ask if the landlord is responsible for repairing them if they break down.
When is the move-in date?
Ask for the exact date when you can move into the property. Also ask if you need to give a few days' notice before moving in, or if you can come at any time on the agreed date.
Questions about utilities and maintenance
Utilities and maintenance can be a significant part of your living expenses.
Who is responsible for utilities?
Ask who pays for each utility—heating, hot water, cold water, electricity, gas, internet, telephone, cable TV, and garbage collection. If you pay yourself, ask how this is best organized. For example, can you sign a contract with the energy supplier yourself, or give the meter readings to the landlord if the meter is shared?
Who is responsible for cleaning shared spaces?
If you are renting a room in a shared house or living in a complex, ask who cleans the common areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom, hallways, and exit doors. Does the landlord do it, does the complex management do it, or do all tenants participate in cleaning?
What are my responsibilities for maintaining the premises?
Ask what exactly you are required to do to maintain the premises. For example, do you have to clean the shared areas every month? Do you have to clean the bathroom you use? Do you have to keep your room clean?
How are repairs and maintenance carried out?
Ask about the procedure if something in the premises breaks or needs repair. Who should you call? How quickly does the landlord respond to repair requests? Does the landlord pay for repairs, or is it your responsibility? In Alberta, the landlord is responsible for keeping the premises in good condition and for repairs that are necessary for normal use of the premises.
Parking questions
Parking can be an important part of your rental situation, especially in Edmonton, where many people have cars.
Is parking included in the rent?
Ask if parking is included in the monthly rent. If so, how many parking spaces are you given? If not, how much does parking cost separately?
Where is the parking space located?
Ask where exactly your parking space is located. Is it in the complex's garage, at the far end of the parking lot, or on the street? Is it protected from the weather?
Can I park a larger car or truck?
If you have a larger car, truck, or trailer, ask if you can park it on the complex grounds. Some complexes have restrictions on vehicle size.
Questions about pets
If you plan to have pets, it is important to know the landlord's policy on animals.
Are pets allowed?
Ask if the landlord allows pets. If so, what types of animals are allowed? Are there restrictions on size, breed, or number?
What is the pet fee?
Ask if the landlord charges an additional fee for pets. If so, how much? Is it a one-time fee or a monthly fee?
What are the responsibilities regarding pets?
Ask about the rules regarding pets. For example, can you walk your pet without a leash? Are you responsible for any damage your pet causes to the property? Are all tenants allowed to have pets, or just you?
Questions about repairs and renovations
Living conditions can change over time, so it's important to know about the landlord's plans for repairs.
Are there any major repairs or renovations planned?
Ask the landlord if they are planning any major repairs or renovations to the property or complex while you are living there. For example, are they planning to paint the walls, replace the carpet, or renovate the kitchen? When will this happen?
How often are inspections conducted?
Ask how often the landlord conducts inspections of the premises. In Alberta, the landlord may conduct inspections, but they must give you at least 24 hours' written notice before the inspection, except in emergency situations.
Questions about your rights and responsibilities
It is important to understand your rights as a tenant in Alberta and your responsibilities under the lease.
What are my rights as a tenant?
Ask your landlord about your rights as a tenant. In Alberta, you have the right to a safe dwelling, the right to privacy, the right to written notice of any changes to the terms of your lease, and the right to fair treatment. Ask your landlord if they are familiar with your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.
What are my responsibilities as a tenant?
Ask your landlord about your responsibilities. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, you are responsible for paying your rent on time, keeping the premises clean, not damaging the premises, and not disturbing other tenants.
How can I contact my landlord with problems?
Ask how best to deal with problems if they arise. Who should I contact? What is the best way to communicate—by phone, email, or in person? What are the landlord's business hours?
Questions about security and insurance
Safety and insurance are important parts of renting that are often not discussed.
What safety measures are in place at the complex?
Ask about safety at the complex. Is there security at the entrance? Are there video surveillance systems? Is the parking lot well lit? Is the neighborhood safe?
Is renter's insurance required?
Some landlords require tenants to have renter's insurance. Ask if this is a requirement. If so, what is the minimum amount of coverage required?
Questions about the moving and relocation process
At the end of the negotiations, it will be helpful to find out the practical details about moving in.
What is the moving-in procedure?
Ask how you should prepare for moving in. For example, do you have to do a final cleaning? Do you have to leave the premises in good condition? Will the landlord conduct a final inspection?
How do you return the keys and deposit?
Ask about the return process. How should you return the keys? When will your deposit be returned after you move out? In Alberta, the deposit must be returned within 30 days after you leave the premises, except for legal deductions.
Conclusion
Asking the right questions to your landlord before signing a lease will give you confidence and protect you from unpleasant surprises later on. Be attentive, ask everything you want to know, and make sure that everything complicated is written down in the lease. Do not sign the contract if you do not understand any of its terms or if the landlord refuses to answer your questions. Remember that a lease is a legally binding document, so it is important to be confident before signing it.