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.

An application to the RTDRS may be made by either:

• A landlord or an authorized agent or a lawyer representing the landlord as defined in the Residential Tenancies Act
  
  
• A tenant or an authorized agent or a lawyer representing the tenant or former tenant as defined in the Residential Tenancies Act

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)

What can an application be filed for?

Landlords may file an application with the RTDRS for:

• Judgment for unpaid rent
  
• Termination of the tenancy and/or recovery of possession of the premises
  
• Compensation for an over-holding tenant
  
• Damages (compensation) for breach of tenancy agreement
  
• Order for non-tenant occupant to vacate the premises

Tenants may file an application with the RTDRS for:

• Termination of Tenancy
  
• Abatement (reduction) of rent
  
• Damages (compensation) for breach of tenancy agreement
  
• Compensation for performing Landlord's obligation
  
• 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.

• 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 Unit 112, 10025-102A 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.