Accommodation providers in Alberta are subject to a variety of acts and regulations. These are some frequently referenced pieces of legislation that must be adhered to:
Innkeepers Act
It’s the Law — Post It
By law, every innkeeper must keep conspicuously posted in the office of the innkeeper’s inn, and in every bedroom ordinarily used for the accommodation of guests, a printed copy or plainly written copy of Section 7 of the Innkeepers Act.
Minimum Housing & Health Standards
Uphold the integrity of Alberta’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Ensure your property adheres to our province’s Minimum Housing and Health Standards.
Minimum Housing & Health Standards
Food safety is an essential part of operating hotels, inns, lodges, and any accommodation property that prepares, serves, or stores food. From continental breakfast rooms to full‑service kitchens, operators must follow Alberta’s public health legislation to ensure guests receive safe, properly handled food at all times.
This includes obtaining the appropriate permits and ensuring all food preparation and storage areas meet AHS inspection requirements. To learn more about food regulation requirements, permits, and operator responsibilities, visit: AHS Food Regulation Information. For detailed training information and safe‑handling guidance, visit: AHS Food Safety Basics
The Tourism Levy Act requires that providers of temporary accommodation in Alberta collect and remit the levy to Alberta Finance Tax and Revenue Administration. The AHLA estimates that 1,200 hotels and motels from communities across Alberta collect and remit the levy.
Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis
Legislation
All businesses with liquor licences are subject to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act. If you hold a liquor licence for your property, it’s important to ensure you understand and adhere to this legislation. Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) is responsible for administering the Act, Regulation, and any related policies.
Staff Training
The AGLC requires your staff be properly trained to serve and work on licensed premises. It offers a number of training programs to help you certify your staff:
The Public Swimming Pools Regulation outlines the operational requirements for public swimming pools, addressing key areas such as water quality, filtration, circulation, disinfection standards, testing, monitoring, and record keeping.
For regulatory guidance, permits, and inspection standards, visit AHS Food Regulation & Public Health Requirements. For safe‑operation basics, including hygiene and contamination response, see AHS Environmental Public Health resources.
Public Swimming Pools Regulation
Residential Tenancies Act
Providing Staff Accommodation
If your property provides staff accommodation, you are subject to Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act. It is important to understand your rights and obligations as a landlord, especially if the employees is terminated.
Reference Guide For Residential Tenancies Act
Ending a Periodic Tenancy
A landlord or tenant may end a periodic tenancy with notice if the employment of the tenant is terminated. The notice must:
Landlord Rights & Responsibilities
Service Dogs Act
Service dogs are allowed anywhere their owners are. Owners carry identification cards as proof for their qualified service dogs.
Your Responsibility
Ensure your staff understands your legal obligations under the Service Dogs Act. Failure to comply could mean a $3,000 fine for your property.
Service Dogs Act Information Sheet
Barrier-Free Design
In partnership with the Barrier-Free Sub-Council of the Safety Codes Council, the Government of Alberta’s Public Safety Division has developed the Barrier-Free Design Guide to provide further interpretation and understanding of accessibility requirements under Section 3.8 of the Alberta Building Code. The guide also makes recommendations for best practice design solutions, including residential living.