Alberta rental dispute application for tenants
Tenant claims can include return of a security deposit, certain losses caused by a landlord’s breach, rent reduction or compensation for undertaking landlord obligations.
Before you file
- Confirm your rental arrangement is covered and the remedy is within RTDRS powers.
- List each claim precisely with supporting dates and dollar amounts; do not lump unrelated claims together without explanation.
- Gather the lease, deposit receipt, inspection records, communications, receipts and rent ledger where relevant.
- Submit the latest official RTDR0008 or use eFiling and pay/seek a waiver.
- Serve the complete application package and preserve service proof.
Is the tenant application the right route?
Alberta lists tenant RTDRS claims for a security-deposit return, losses caused by a landlord's breach, rent abatement when the benefit of a tenancy was reduced, compensation for carrying out a landlord obligation, and some requests to end a tenancy. The premises and dispute must fall under the Residential Tenancies Act or Mobile Home Sites Tenancies Act. The published RTDRS limits are generally a claim discovered within two years and a value of up to $100,000.
RTDRS can award specified monetary or tenancy remedies, but it cannot simply order a landlord to make repairs or stop a future rent increase. Choose the remedy the tribunal is empowered to grant, and check its official eligibility guidance before paying a fee.
Complete the claim so the amount can be checked
- Name the right respondent. For an individual, use the full legal name; for an incorporated landlord, verify the corporation's legal name. The issued order uses the name you file.
- Identify each remedy. State whether you want deposit money returned, a rent reduction, compensation for an expense, or another available RTDRS remedy.
- Show the calculation. For example, a $1,200 security deposit less a $300 amount already returned leaves a claimed $900; attach the lease, receipt, bank record, inspection report and relevant messages.
- Connect each document to a fact. Put dates on photographs and correspondence, include clear copies, and explain what each item proves.
Related remedies may sometimes be included in one application if they arise from the same facts. Separate unrelated disputes may be dismissed, sent to court or scheduled separately.
After filing: service and hearing
RTDRS sends a filed application package, supporting evidence and Notice of Telephone Hearing. Serve the complete package on every named respondent at least three clear days before the hearing, excluding the day of service, the hearing day, weekends and holidays. Use a permitted service method, retain proof of delivery and submit the required Declaration of Service. The officer decides whether service is valid.
Keep the hearing notice, have your documents available, and be ready to explain the dates and amount of each claim. Read the Alberta evidence and service guide before serving.