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MoneyGuy · 02-03-2009, 01:55 PM

I think some lawyers hang out here. Opinions are appreciated on this.

Many Alberta communities force landlords to have utility bills in their names instead of allowing them to be in the tenant's name. Possible problem is that the Landlord and Tenant Act (if that's the proper name) apparently prohibits landlords from charging a deposit to cover the possible non-payment of utilities. I've been told this but I've not yet been able to verify this.

My questions:
1. If anyone has the Act, can you tell me if it's in fact illegal for a landlord to charge a deposit for non-payment of utilities?
2. If it is illegal to charge this deposit, what about the legality of a municipality forcing landlords to have utility accounts in their name when they can't safeguard themselves with a deposit?

I need to know these things but have not yet had an opportunity to verify what I've been told but appreciate any comments on this issue. If anyone has a link to the Act, also appreciated. I'll look later.

02-03-2009, 01:55 PM	#1
MoneyGuy Franchise Player Join Date: May 2006 Exp:	Landlord/tenant utility bills I think some lawyers hang out here. Opinions are appreciated on this. Many Alberta communities force landlords to have utility bills in their names instead of allowing them to be in the tenant's name. Possible problem is that the Landlord and Tenant Act (if that's the proper name) apparently prohibits landlords from charging a deposit to cover the possible non-payment of utilities. I've been told this but I've not yet been able to verify this. My questions: 1. If anyone has the Act, can you tell me if it's in fact illegal for a landlord to charge a deposit for non-payment of utilities? 2. If it is illegal to charge this deposit, what about the legality of a municipality forcing landlords to have utility accounts in their name when they can't safeguard themselves with a deposit? I need to know these things but have not yet had an opportunity to verify what I've been told but appreciate any comments on this issue. If anyone has a link to the Act, also appreciated. I'll look later.