Alberta Renter Benefits & Property Credits (2025 Guide)
Alberta renters and low-income homeowners have access to a variety of programs that help reduce housing costs, stabilize tenancies, and provide property tax relief. While Alberta has no direct provincial renters' tax credit (unlike some provinces), there are significant rent supplement programs, municipal property tax deferral for seniors, and targeted municipal supports. This guide explains how Alberta's rent supplements and property relief programs work, who qualifies, how to apply, and strategies for maximizing your housing benefits.
Alberta Rent Supplement Programs
The Government of Alberta funds several rent supplement programs to help low- and moderate-income households afford private-market rental housing. These programs do not appear as a line on your tax return, but function as monthly cash supports paid directly to tenants or landlords. The two main programs are:
- Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB): Provides long-term, direct cash assistance to eligible renters based on household income and local market rents. Tenants find their own rental and receive a monthly supplement.
- Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB): Short-term, time-limited support for Albertans facing sudden loss of income or housing instability (e.g., job loss, family breakdown).
Who Is Eligible?
- Must be a legal resident of Alberta and Canadian citizen/permanent resident.
- Low- or moderate-income household (income tested; thresholds vary by region and family size).
- Paying rent for a self-contained unit in the private market (not living in social housing).
- Assets below the program limit (typically less than $25,000 in liquid assets).
How Much Can You Get?
- Benefit amounts are based on a percentage of the difference between 30% of household income and a local market rent "benchmark." Maximums vary by region and household size.
- For RAB, monthly supplements can range from ~$100 to $500+ per month, depending on your income and local rents.
How to Apply
- Find your local housing management body or service provider (e.g. Calgary Housing Company, Capital Region Housing in Edmonton).
- Complete the application form (online or paper). Provide proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs), ID, and rent agreement.
- Submit application and supporting documents. Wait for approval and placement on the waitlist if demand exceeds funding.
- Once approved, receive direct payments monthly (to you or your landlord).
Alberta Seniors' Property Tax Deferral Program
Alberta seniors (age 65+) who own their principal residence can apply for the Alberta Seniors' Property Tax Deferral Program (SPTDP). This program allows eligible seniors to defer all or part of their annual municipal property taxes through a low-interest, repayable government loan. The deferred taxes are repaid when the home is sold, transferred, or sooner if the homeowner chooses.
Eligibility
- At least one owner must be age 65+ and reside in the home as their principal residence.
- Home must have at least 25% equity.
- Property taxes must be current (not in arrears).
- Property must be in Alberta and registered in the applicant’s name.
How to Apply
- Obtain the application form from the Alberta government website or call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre.
- Complete the application, including property details and proof of age/ownership.
- Submit before the property tax due date each year.
- Once approved, the government pays your property taxes directly to the municipality. You repay the government when you sell the home or earlier if you wish (interest applies, typically lower than market rates).
Municipal Renter Supports & Emergency Relief
Some Alberta municipalities, especially large cities (e.g., Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer), offer additional local supports for renters and low-income homeowners. These can include:
- Rent Bank/Emergency Housing Funds: Short-term, one-time financial help for renters facing eviction or housing crisis (often run by social service agencies in partnership with the city).
- Utility Payment Grants: Emergency grants for low-income renters/homeowners struggling to pay utility bills.
- Rental Mediation & Advocacy: Free support for tenants experiencing landlord disputes or threats of eviction.
Use your city’s website or call 2-1-1 Alberta for information on local rental assistance, property tax relief, and crisis support.
Claiming Tips & Strategies for Alberta Renters & Owners
- File Your Tax Return Annually: Even though Alberta does not have a provincial renters’ credit, filing ensures you get federal GST/HST credit, Canada Housing Benefit, and other income-tested supports.
- Keep All Rental Receipts: Retain proof of rent paid (receipts, e-transfer records, lease agreements) for all applications and, if required, for federal credits.
- Stack Supports: You can receive a rent supplement, emergency assistance, and federal GST/HST or climate action credits at the same time.
- Apply Early: Many rent supplement programs have waitlists—apply as soon as you become eligible or experience a loss of income.
- Seniors: Consider property tax deferral and look for other senior credits (see Alberta Senior Credits).
Federal Supports for Alberta Renters
- GST/HST Credit: Quarterly federal payment for low/moderate-income Canadians, including renters. File your return to be assessed automatically.
- Canada Housing Benefit: Federally funded, provincially delivered rent support for low-income renters (see above for Alberta programs).
- Climate Action Incentive: Quarterly federal payment to offset carbon taxes; renters qualify the same as homeowners (see Alberta Individual Tax Breaks).