The Alberta government is joining with other provinces to protect renters.

Premier Jason Kenney made the announcement at Friday afternoon's COVID 19 update.

"No one will be evicted April 1 for non-payment of rent. Civil enforcement's of evictions currently underway for tenant for non-payment of rent will be suspended until April 30," the Premier says. "That includes folks who had not been able to pay their rent for the last few months."

While Alberta is in a state of Public Health Emergency, landlords must attempt to work out a payment plan with tenants who are unable to make their full rent when payment is due.

He says both the renters and the landlords must take into account the support they're getting from the Federal and Provincial governments.

The Premier adds this is not an opportunity for tenants to take advantage and evictions can be done if it's shown there's been dame to the home.

Service Alberta Minister Nate Glubish these measures also apply to mobile homes.

"Late fees cannot be charged from April 1 to June 30 as we encourage tenants to work with their landlords we do not want them to be penalized for good faith efforts to make meaningful partial payments," Glubish says. "We are confident that these measures as well as other measures that we have announced and in addition to supports from the Federal government will help Albertans to meet rent obligations while providing them the security and stability that they need."

Landlords can still file applications and receive orders for possession if the reason for the eviction is unrelated to rent and/or utility payments (e.g. safety concerns, tenant engaging in criminal activity).