The Lease Renewal Checklist for Calgary Landlords
A 60-day countdown with every action item before a lease expires — so you're never caught scrambling at the last minute.
Most landlords deal with lease renewal in the final week before expiry. That's too late. You're negotiating with no time, no leverage, and no plan B.
Start 60 days out and everything is easier: time to find a replacement if needed, room to negotiate rent, and no scramble for signatures.
60 days before expiry
- •Review the tenancy. Pull your payment history. Have they paid consistently? Communicated well? Left the unit in good condition?
- •Check current market rents. What is a comparable unit renting for in Calgary right now? Check Rentals.ca or Kijiji. This gives you context before the renewal conversation.
- •Make your decision. Renew and increase rent, renew at the same rate, or don't renew and find a new tenant.
Alberta law: Rent increases require 3 months' written notice in Alberta. If you want an increase to take effect at renewal, deliver written notice 3 months before the increase date — not 30 days.
30 days before expiry
- •Contact your tenant in writing. Propose the new terms — rent amount, new end date, any changed conditions. Email works. Keep a copy.
- •Give them time to decide. A tenant who needs to find a new place needs notice. Being clear 30 days out is fair to both sides.
- •Prepare the new lease. Have the renewal agreement ready before the conversation. Don't draft it on the last day.
14 days before expiry
- •If renewing: Get the signed lease in hand. Both parties should have a copy before the old lease expires.
- •If not renewing: Proper written notice must have been given within the required timeline. If notice wasn't served in time, the lease may convert to month-to-month automatically under the Alberta RTA.
Renew or replace?
A simple decision matrix:
| Factor | Renew | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Payment history | Consistent, on time | Late or irregular |
| Communication | Responsive | Hard to reach |
| Unit condition | Well maintained | Damage or complaints |
| Rent gap vs. market | Close to market | Well below market |
A good tenant paying slightly below market is usually worth keeping. Vacancy, cleaning, finding a new tenant, and onboarding costs more than a $100/month discount.
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