Executive Summary:
We, the undersigned and concerned citizens of Alberta, respectfully call upon the Legislative Assembly and policymakers to introduce and pass legislation that establishes rent control and tenant protection measures across the province. Alberta is currently facing a deepening housing and cost-of-living crisis, and renters—who comprise a significant and growing portion of the population—are bearing the brunt of this burden.

Young adults and first-time renters are particularly affected, unable to save, invest, or build equity as a result of unsustainable housing costs. Without action, this will deepen intergenerational wealth inequality and harm Alberta’s long-term economic vitality.

As other Canadian provinces have already taken concrete steps to mitigate unaffordable rent hikes and support housing stability, Alberta must now follow suit.

Background and Rationale:
1. The Housing and Cost-of-Living Crisis in Alberta:
In recent years, Alberta has seen significant increases in rental rates, particularly in urban centres such as Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer.
These increases often outpace wage growth, especially for entry-level and service-sector jobs, pushing basic housing out of reach for many residents.
At the same time, inflation and interest rates have raised the overall cost of living, compounding the financial stress on renters.
2. Disproportionate Impact on Young Adults and Intergenerational Wealth Disparity:
Young adults are more likely to rent than own property and are therefore the most vulnerable to sharp rent increases and housing instability.
High rent costs prevent young Albertans from saving for down payments, starting businesses, or investing in higher education—key pillars of long-term financial security.
Without intervention, Alberta will see growing intergenerational wealth inequality, where home-owning older generations accumulate equity while younger generations are trapped in cycles of rent dependency and financial precarity.
This disparity risks becoming entrenched and will erode social mobility, fueling resentment and long-term instability.
3. Threat to Alberta’s Economic Future:
A generation of renters without disposable income or housing stability means reduced consumer spending, lower home ownership rates, and fewer small business startups—ultimately slowing economic growth.
Alberta risks becoming less attractive to young talent and skilled workers who cannot afford to live and build their futures here.
An economy built on extractive housing costs rather than sustainable growth and opportunity is not a future Alberta can afford.
4. Lack of Current Protections:
Alberta's existing legislation provides no cap on the amount rent can be raised—only limitations on how often it can be increased.
This legal gap leaves renters at the mercy of sudden, unchecked rent hikes and encourages speculative behavior by landlords and investors.
5. Proven Solutions in Other Provinces:
British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba have implemented various rent regulation frameworks that limit rent increases while maintaining housing supply and landlord profitability.
These measures serve as a model Alberta can tailor to its own economic and demographic context.
 
Proposal:
We urge the Alberta Legislature to consider and implement the following measures:

Introduce a Rent Control Framework, including:

A cap on annual rent increases tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or a government-set maximum (e.g., 2–3%).
Provisions to prevent excessive post-renovation or vacancy-based rent hikes.
Exceptions for landlords to apply for higher increases under transparent, evidence-based criteria.
Enhance Tenant Protections, such as:

Stronger rules against “renovictions” and evictions without cause.
Clear notice requirements and procedural fairness in lease renewals and rent adjustments.
Improved access to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).
Commission a Provincial Rental Market Review to:

Study rental trends, affordability, demographics, and the impact of unaffordable housing on young adults and families.
Identify regional needs and recommend sustainable policies that protect renters while supporting responsible landlords.
 
Conclusion:
Rent control is a necessary and timely response to Alberta’s housing crisis. It is not about punishing landlords—it is about restoring balance to a system that has left too many Albertans behind. Without bold policy intervention, we will face a future defined by worsening inequality, economic stagnation, and the loss of young talent who no longer see Alberta as a place to build a life.

By taking action now, Alberta can promote housing stability, intergenerational equity, and a more inclusive economy for all.