Edmonton has a large rental market: basement suites, houses near the University of Alberta and NAIT, and condos rented across the city. When water damage hits a rental, landlords and tenants both need to act fast, and both need to understand who is responsible for what. General information only, not legal advice. Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act, your lease and your insurance policies govern specific situations.
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First Steps for Tenants
- Stop the water if you safely can: close the fixture’s shut-off valve or the main valve.
- Tell your landlord or property manager immediately, by phone and then in writing (text or email), with photos.
- Protect your belongings and move them to a dry area.
- Call your tenant insurer if your belongings are damaged.
- Keep receipts for anything you have to replace or for a place to stay.
First Steps for Landlords
- Arrange emergency mitigation right away: water extraction and drying. Delays increase damage and the chance of mould.
- Document the loss and the cause.
- Notify your landlord insurance (a rental dwelling policy, not a standard homeowner policy).
- Give proper notice before entering for non-emergency work, following Alberta’s rules for entry.
- Communicate a timeline to tenants and discuss options if the unit isn’t livable.
Who Typically Covers What
| Item | Usually covered by |
|---|---|
| Building structure, drywall, flooring, fixtures | Landlord’s insurance |
| Tenant’s furniture, electronics, clothing | Tenant’s insurance |
| Tenant’s temporary housing | Tenant’s insurance (additional living expenses) |
| Landlord’s lost rent | Landlord’s policy, if it includes rental income coverage |
| Damage the tenant caused through negligence | Possibly the tenant’s liability coverage |
The bottom line: tenants need tenant insurance, because a landlord’s policy usually doesn’t cover a tenant’s belongings.
Basement Suites: Extra Risks
Basement suites are the first to flood in a storm or sewer backup, and a leak upstairs often ends up in the suite below. Owners should consider:
- A backwater valve; EPCOR offers a subsidy for eligible older homes. See Edmonton flood rebates.
- Leak sensors near the water heater, laundry and under sinks.
- Making sure tenants know where the main shut-off is.
- Confirming your policy covers a legal secondary suite properly.
Mould and Habitability
Landlords must keep rentals in a condition that meets Alberta’s minimum housing and health standards. Water damage that isn’t dried properly can lead to mould, which becomes a health and habitability issue. Professional drying with moisture verification protects tenants and the property.
How We Help Landlords and Property Managers
- 24/7 emergency response to occupied rentals
- Clear communication with tenants during the work
- Photo, moisture and drying documentation for landlord and tenant insurers
- Full repairs to get the unit back on the market
Learn more about water damage restoration in Edmonton, typical costs and our claim documentation checklist.
Landlord or tenant? Call for fast water damage help.
Emergency water extraction, drying & repairs anywhere in Edmonton. Free phone assessment.