The 365-day rule
A landlord cannot increase rent for the same tenant more than once in a 365-day period. The clock starts on the date the previous increase took effect (or, for the first increase, on the date the tenancy began). This applies regardless of how rent compares to market rates.
Required notice periods
- Monthly periodic tenancy: 3 calendar months' written notice.
- Weekly tenancy: 12 weeks' written notice.
- Fixed-term lease: rent can only change at renewal; the new rate must be communicated before the new term begins.
- The notice must clearly state the new rent amount and the effective date.
Can a tenant refuse a rent increase?
A tenant cannot legally block a proper rent increase, but they can choose to give notice and move out before the new rate takes effect. In Calgary's current market, well-managed properties at fair market rent usually retain tenants even after a 4–6% bump, turnover and vacancy costs typically exceed the upside of a steep increase.
How UrbanLease handles rent reviews
We benchmark every managed property against current RentFaster, Rentals.ca, and CMHC data once a year. When an increase is justified, we send a written notice in the format the RTA requires, include a comparable-rent summary so the tenant understands the rationale, and offer a renewal incentive (small upgrade, locked rate) where retention math favours it.