Should you contact the Rental Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)?

RTDRS is a quasi-judicial tribunal service established by the Alberta government to provide quick and affordable resolution of rental disputes between tenants and landlords. Since 2006, the service has become the primary alternative to provincial court, handling tens of thousands of applications and saving people time and money every year. Whether you should go to RTDRS depends on the nature of the dispute, the amount of the claim, and the parties' willingness to move quickly. Below is a detailed overview of the advantages, disadvantages, and practicalities of using RTDRS in Calgary.

1. What is RTDRS and what cases does it handle?

RTDRS is a tribunal with the powers of a court of first instance in cases covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), with jurisdiction up to $100,000. Hearings are conducted by tenancy dispute officers (not judges), whose decisions have the same legal force as a provincial court decision and can be appealed to the Court of King's Bench for enforcement.

Typical cases:

  • unpaid rent or compensation for damages;
  • return or retention of a security deposit;
  • compensation for damage to property;
  • termination of a contract due to a material breach;
  • disputes over repairs, maintenance, and rent reduction.

Not considered:

  • disputes involving mobile homes (governed by other legislation);
  • amounts over $100,000;
  • human rights issues (under the jurisdiction of the Alberta Human Rights Commission).

2. Application procedure

  1. Complete the online form or paper form at the office (Calgary/Edmonton).
  2. Pay the fee: $75 (non-litigation decision) or $100 (hearing with testimony).
  3. Submit evidence: lease agreement, receipts, photos, correspondence.
  4. Deliver the package to the other party (in person, by registered mail, or by courier) within the time frame set by RTDRS.
  5. Hearing: usually by phone or video, lasting 30-90 minutes.
  6. Decision sent to the parties within a few days. If not voluntarily complied with, the claimant registers it with the Court of King's Bench for enforcement.

Average time from submission to decision is 3-6 weeks; similar cases in court often take 4-8 months.

3. Advantages of using RTDRS

Criterion RTDRS Provincial court
Time to resolution 3-6 weeks 4-8 months
Cost to file $75–$100 $100–$250 (depending on the claim)
Formalities Minimal (phone/Zoom) Court hearing with procedural rules
Need for a lawyer Low: parties often represent themselves Recommended for complex cases
Flexibility of evidence Photos, correspondence, and oral testimony are accepted Stricter evidentiary requirements
Amount limits Up to $100,000 Up to $50,000 (Provincial Court) or unlimited (King’s Bench)

4. Potential disadvantages and risks

  • Short preparation time: Hearing Dates are often set 2–4 weeks in advance, which may not allow enough time to gather evidence.
  • Limited appeal: RTDRS decisions can only be appealed to the Court of King’s Bench and only on points of law, not fact.
  • No precedent: previous RTDRS decisions are published selectively; predicting the outcome is sometimes difficult.
  • Not all disputes are covered: discrimination, compensation >$100,000, or complex property cases go straight to court.
  • Enforcement costs: failure by the defendant to comply with the decision results in additional court fees for its registration and the involvement of court enforcement officers.

5. When is RTDRS the best choice?

  • The amount in dispute is moderate (up to $100,000) and well documented.
  • Speed is of the essence (return of a deposit, cessation of a violation, stopping the growth of debt).
  • Typical dispute: deposit, repairs, small rent arrears.
  • You are ready to represent yourself or already have all the evidence.
  • You need a legally binding document that can be enforced.

6. When is it better to choose court or other options

  • The amount of the claim exceeds $100,000 or the case involves non-conflicting claims (injuries, significant damages).
  • Human rights issues (discrimination) — go to the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
  • Complex legal position: interpretation of a contract, counterclaims, precedent issues.
  • Need a publication/broad court decision — for exceptional or strategic disputes.
  • Court order required (e.g., order for access to third-party property).

7. Practical advice for applicants

  • Prepare a clear timeline of events and a supporting document (contracts, letters, photos, receipts).
  • Assess the real chances of recovery — an RTDRS decision will not help if the counterparty is insolvent.
  • Check your address for notifications: a missed Hearing Date = a default decision against you.
  • Use free resources: CPLEA, Calgary Legal Guidance, Student Legal Services can help with your application and evidence.
  • Psychological advantage: hearings by phone/online are less stressful than court.

Conclusion: is it worth contacting RTDRS?

For most typical residential disputes in Calgary, RTDRS is the best first step. The service:

  • is fast and significantly cheaper than court;
  • accepts a wide range of rental claims and issues enforceable decisions;
  • does not require hiring a lawyer and allows you to complete everything online.

If the amount is large, the case is complex, or involves discrimination, it is better to go to court/the Human Rights Commission. Also, consider the costs and enforceability of the decision — an insolvent defendant negates the advantages of a quick verdict.

Golden rule: consider the amount, type of dispute, and solvency of your opponent. If these factors are within the scope of RTDRS, then it is an effective and justified option.