Filing an Application

To file an application with the RTDRS you must complete the appropriate application form and ensure that all the information on the form is accurate and complete.

Who can file an application with the RTDRS?

An application to the RTDRS may be made by either:

The RTDRS can hear an application if:

  • It has been within 2 years from the date the claim is discovered (e.g. the date that the applicant knows that a potential claim exists)

  • The amount being claimed is $25,000 or less

  • The rental premises in question is located in Edmonton, Calgary, Northern Alberta or Central Alberta (see the Availability of the Service section to see if your area falls in the RTDRS service areas)

Northern Alberta includes all that area of the Province of Alberta that lies to the north of Highway 16 commencing at the Alberta-British Columbia boundary to the junction of Highway 16 and Highway 22; east of Highway 22 to the junction of Highway 22 and Highway 13; north of Highway 13 to the junction of Highway 13 and Highway 36; west of Highway 36 to the junction of Highway 36 and Highway 16; and north of Highway 16 to the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary (Fourth Meridian).

Without restricting the above, the entire communities of Municipality of Jasper, The Town of Hinton, Town of Edson, The City of Wetaskiwin, City of Camrose, Town of Killam, Town of Viking, Village of Kitscoty and the City of Lloydminster, Alberta that are intersected by any of the above highways, are also included in the region.

Central Alberta includes all the area in the Province of Alberta that lies north of a boundary described as follows Commencing at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 93; thence east along Highway 11 to its junction with Highway 22; thence south along Highway 22 to its junction with Highway 543; thence east along Highway 543 to its junction with Highway 2; thence from the junction of Highway 2 east along Highway 23 to its junction with Highway 24; thence north along Highway 24 to its junction with Highway 1; thence east along Highway 1 to its junction with Highway 36; thence north along Highway 36 to its junction with Highway 9; thence east along Highway 9 to its intersection with the Alberta-Saskatchewan border.

What can an application be filed for?

Landlords may file an application with the RTDRS for:

  • Unpaid rent

  • Damages resulting from a breach of the tenancy agreement or the Residential Tenancies Act (e.g. unpaid utilities, repairs to premises, etc.)

  • Compensation for when a tenant has stayed in the premises after the tenancy has been terminated or has expired

  • Termination of the tenancy and possession of the premises

  • Order for non-tenant occupant to vacate the premises

Tenants may file an application with the RTDRS for:

  • Abatement (reduction) of rent

  • Damages (compensation) for breach of the tenancy agreement or the Residential Tenancies Act

  • Compensation for performing landlord's obligation

  • Termination of the tenancy

  • Recovery of the security deposit
     

Completing the Application

  • Complete the appropriate application form. Landlord's use the Landlord's Application for Termination of Tenancy and Rental Arrears (pdf) or Landlord's Application for Damages (pdf). Tenant's use the Tenant's Application (pdf). Follow the Instructions to Landlord or Tenant attached to the application forms.

  • When listing the parties on the application form:

    • Use your full first and last name. If the landlord is a company, make sure to indicate the full legal entity name of the company (e.g. 123456 Alberta Ltd.).

    • Use the full first and last name of each person you are claiming against or the full legal entity name of the business (a registered company usually has Limited, Ltd., Inc. or Corp. as part of its name). To find out the exact legal entity name of an incorporated business a companies name search should be done at Alberta Registries.

    • Do not use initials as they do not sufficiently identify an individual.

An RTDRS order for a money judgment may not be enforceable if you have provided incorrect or incomplete names on your application form.
  • You must include all relevant documented evidence when filing your application. Types of evidence may include, but are not limited to:

    • Lease agreements, inspection reports, termination notices or notice to vacate, previous termination notices (showing a history), statement of account/ ledger, police and/or health authority reports, security/rent or damage receipts, invoices, receipts and estimates, utility bills, correspondence and photographs.
When your application is ready for filing, you must bring down the appropriate number of copies of your documented evidence.

Required Copies:

  • 1 respondent - Originals plus 3 copies of your documented evidence

  • 2 respondents - Originals plus 4 copies of your documented evidence

  • 3 respondents - Originals plus 5 copies of your documented evidence, etc.

The RTDRS will only make the appropriate number of copies of the application form. The RTDRS will charge $1.00/ per copy of any copies they make of your documented evidence.

  • The RTDRS filing fee is $75.00 which must be paid at the time the application is filed.

    • Low income Albertans may apply for an application fee reduction or waiver. In Edmonton contact the Edmonton Community Legal Centre for more information on the fee waiver process. In Calgary, Northern and Central Alberta contact the RTDRS at toll free 310-0000, then 644-3000 for more information.

  • When you file your application form with the RTDRS, you will receive a Notice of Hearing form that gives the date, time and location of the hearing. The filed application form and evidence, plus the Notice of Hearing are called the "application package".

Where to File the Application

If the rental premises in question is located in:

Edmonton and Area (within a 70 km radius of Edmonton)

You must file your application with the RTDRS in-person at the Edmonton office located at 1703 TD Tower, 10088-102 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta.

Calgary and Area (within a 70 km radius of Calgary)

You must file your application with the RTDRS in-person at the Calgary office located at the Main Floor, Rocky Mountain Plaza, 230-7th Avenue, S.E. Calgary, Alberta.

Northern and Central Alberta

You must file your application with the RTDRS by fax. For more information on fax filing, see the Fax Filing Information Sheet (pdf).

Where the RTDRS deems that in-person filings are a hardship other options may be available. For more information, please contact us at toll free 310-0000, then 780-644-3000.