How to Apply to the RTDRS in Alberta: Forms, Fees and Service Step by Step

To apply to the RTDRS in Alberta, pick the right application form, file it online through the RTDRS eFiling Service with the fee, then serve the filed package on each respondent at least 3 clear days before the hearing and file a Declaration of Service. Claims must be made within 2 years of discovery and cannot exceed $100,000.

For what the tribunal is and when court fits better, see RTDRS explained and RTDRS or court?

What do you need before you apply to the RTDRS?

• each respondent's exact legal name: full first and last names (no initials), or a corporation's registered name. A land title or corporation search at an Alberta registry agent confirms it;
• the respondent's contact details and the rental address;
• your evidence: lease, notices, inspection reports, receipts, photos, ledgers;
• a payment card, cheque or money order for the fee (no cash).

How do you apply to the RTDRS step by step?

1. Check eligibility. The premises and the claim must fall under the Residential Tenancies Act or the Mobile Home Sites Tenancies Act, within 2 years and up to $100,000. The RTDRS cannot order repairs, stop a future rent increase or fine anyone.
2. Choose the form (RTDRS forms): Landlord's Application for Termination of Tenancy and Unpaid Rent while the tenant still lives there; Landlord's Application for Damages once they have left; or the Tenant's Application.
3. File online through the RTDRS eFiling Service, or by fax or mail; there is no in-person filing. According to Alberta's RTDRS application page, the fee is $75 for claims of $7,500 or less and $150 above that ($100 for a counterclaim over $7,500 when the same parties already have an active RTDRS application). A fee waiver needs 3 months' proof of income. Details: RTDRS filing fees.
4. Watch for two emails. The first holds the filed package (application, evidence and Notice of Telephone Hearing); the second, the Declaration of Service.
5. Serve every respondent a copy at least 3 clear days before the hearing. The count excludes the day of service, the hearing day, weekends and holidays: for a Tuesday hearing, serve by the previous Wednesday.
6. File the Declaration of Service online, before or on the hearing day. For registered mail, add the receipt with tracking number and Canada Post's delivery signature confirmation.

Which service methods does the RTDRS accept?

What if service does not work?

• Respondent cannot be found: after several genuine attempts, ask for substitutional service on the Declaration in Support of Substitutional Service.
• Urgent danger: for significant damage, assault or a threat of assault, a landlord can ask to shorten the 3-day period with a Declaration in Support of Abridgement of Service. Only the most serious cases are accepted.
• Settled early: withdraw with a Notice of Withdrawal. Fees are not refunded.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim rent and possession on one form?

Yes. Related remedies can go on one application if the same facts must be heard; unrelated issues may be split, dismissed or sent to court.

Can I post the package on the door of a tenant who has moved out?

No. Posting at premises the tenant has left is not proper service. Serve them in person elsewhere, or by registered mail they sign for.

Who completes the Declaration of Service?

The person who served the package, including a process server if you used one.

What if the hearing date no longer works?

If both parties agree to reschedule, the applicant has 10 business days from the original date to set a new one, or the file closes.