How to File an RTDRS Claim in Alberta

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) is an administrative tribunal established by the Alberta government to resolve residential tenancy disputes quickly and affordably -- without going to court. It was created specifically because landlord-tenant disputes are common, time-sensitive, and often involve amounts that make full court proceedings impractical.

The RTDRS is not a court. Its officers are trained adjudicators, not judges. Proceedings are less formal than court -- you do not need a lawyer, there are no strict rules of evidence, and hearings are typically scheduled within a few weeks of application. Orders issued by the RTDRS are, however, legally binding and enforceable.

The RTDRS handles disputes under the Alberta Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Both landlords and tenants can file. The tribunal is intentionally designed to be accessible to people without legal training -- you can represent yourself, present your documents, and make your case in plain language. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

Any landlord or tenant in a residential tenancy in Alberta can file with the RTDRS. The dispute must involve a residential tenancy governed by the RTA -- commercial leases, hotel stays, and certain social housing arrangements may not qualify. Common claim types include:

• Security deposit disputes: Landlord wrongfully withheld deposit, made impermissible deductions, or failed to return deposit within 10 days.
• Unpaid rent: Landlord filing for unpaid rent from a tenant who has left or refused to pay.
• Damage claims: Either party claiming compensation for damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear.
• Illegal eviction: Tenant claiming they were evicted without proper process or notice.
• Improper rent increases: Tenant disputing a rent increase that violates the notice or timing rules.
• Maintenance failures: Tenant claiming the landlord has failed to maintain the property in a habitable condition.
• Illegal entry: Tenant claiming the landlord entered without proper notice or for illegitimate purposes.
• Termination disputes: Either party disputing whether a tenancy was properly terminated.

The RTDRS has a $100,000 monetary limit. Claims above that amount must go to the Court of King's Bench. If your claim is up to $100,000 and involves a residential tenancy in Alberta, the RTDRS is almost always the fastest and most cost-effective route.

The filing fee for the RTDRS is $75. This applies to both landlords and tenants. Payment is required at the time of filing. The fee is non-refundable, though the RTDRS may order the other party to reimburse your filing fee as part of an award in your favour.

You can file in two ways:

• Online: Through the Alberta RTDRS portal. This is the fastest option. You will complete an application form, upload supporting documents, and pay the filing fee online.
• In person: At an RTDRS office. Offices are located in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, and Medicine Hat. You can find office locations and hours on the Service Alberta website.

When you file, you will be asked to provide: your name and contact information, the landlord's name and address for service, the address of the rental property, the type of dispute, and a brief description of what happened and what outcome you are seeking. You will also upload your supporting documents at this stage (or bring them in person).

After you file, the RTDRS will serve notice of the hearing on the other party. The respondent (the party you are filing against) will be notified of the hearing date and given an opportunity to respond. You cannot schedule a hearing without the other party being properly notified.

The RTDRS is not a formal court, but evidence is still essential. Adjudicators base their decisions on the documents and testimony presented. The more organized and specific your evidence, the stronger your case. Key documents to bring include:

• Your lease agreement (the signed copy, including all addenda)
• Move-in and move-out inspection reports (signed copies if available)
• Photos and video of the property, dated at the time they were taken
• All written correspondence with the landlord -- emails, texts, letters -- organized by date
• Rent payment records -- bank statements, e-transfer confirmations, or receipts
• Any notices served by either party (eviction notices, rent increase notices, entry notices)
• Receipts, quotes, or estimates for any repairs or cleaning at issue
• A written timeline of key events (optional but highly effective for complex disputes)

Bring three copies of everything: one for yourself, one for the adjudicator, and one for the other party. Label your documents clearly and organize them in chronological order. A well-organized evidence package signals to the adjudicator that you are prepared and credible.

The RTDRS is generally forgiving of informality -- you do not need to present evidence the way a lawyer would in court. Speak clearly, refer to your documents by name ("Exhibit A is the move-in inspection report dated..."), and stick to the facts. Emotional arguments without supporting evidence carry less weight than specific documented facts.

RTDRS hearings are typically scheduled within 2-4 weeks of the application being filed. Hearings are held by phone, video, or in person depending on the case and circumstances. The adjudicator will conduct the hearing. Both parties are given the opportunity to present their side, submit documents, and respond to what the other party says.

The process generally follows this sequence:

• The applicant (the person who filed) presents their case, submits documents, and states what they are asking for.
• The respondent is given an opportunity to respond, present their own evidence, and challenge the applicant's claims.
• The adjudicator may ask questions of either party to clarify facts.
• Both parties may have a brief opportunity to make closing statements.
• The adjudicator issues a decision -- sometimes at the conclusion of the hearing, sometimes in writing within a few days afterward.

Hearings are generally 1-2 hours. Be on time, be prepared, and bring all your documents. If a key witness (such as a former co-tenant or a contractor who did repairs) can attend or provide a written statement, that can strengthen your case significantly.

The RTDRS has broad authority to issue orders that are legally binding on both parties. Orders it can make include:

• Return of security deposit plus any applicable interest and costs
• Payment of compensation for damages, unpaid rent, or other losses (up to $50,000)
• Termination of the tenancy (if a landlord files for termination based on tenant breach)
• Possession orders (requiring a tenant to vacate, or in cases of illegal lockout, requiring the landlord to restore access)
• Orders to perform maintenance or remedy a condition in the unit
• Reimbursement of filing fees as part of the award

RTDRS orders are enforceable in the same way as court orders. If the losing party does not comply, the winning party can register the order with the Court of King's Bench and pursue enforcement -- including seizure of assets or garnishment of wages -- through the court system.

One important limit: the RTDRS cannot grant orders that fall outside the RTA. It cannot, for example, order a landlord to provide a reference letter, resolve a dispute about ownership of personal property left behind, or award punitive damages beyond actual losses. For those types of issues, small claims court or another legal route may be needed.