By: Nickie Vlavianos
PDF Version: Minimum Housing Standards for Residential Tenancies Upheld
Cases Commented On: BPCL Holdings Inc. v Alberta, 2008 ABCA 153
Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act (“RTA”), S.A. 2004, c. R-17.1, is generally speaking a landlord-friendly statute. It is not replete with protections for tenants. One important exception is s. 16(c), a fairly recent addition to the RTA. Section 16(c) requires landlords to ensure that rental premises “meet at least the minimum standards prescribed by housing premises under the Public Health Act and regulations.” Clearly, the Legislature intended some minimal health and safety protection for tenants.