The RTDRS is Alberta's quasi-judicial tribunal for residential tenancy disputes, providing a faster and cheaper alternative to the Court of King's Bench for most landlord-tenant matters. In 2026 the province moved to a tiered fee structure that keeps small claims affordable while modestly increasing the cost of larger claims.
What kinds of disputes can RTDRS decide?
- Non-payment of rent and evictions (14-day notice and 24-hour notice).
- Return of security deposits and disputes over deductions.
- Damage claims by landlord against tenant.
- Repair orders sought by tenant against landlord.
- Rent abatement claims for habitability issues.
- Termination of tenancy for substantial breach.
When does the Court of King's Bench apply instead of RTDRS?
Claims over $100,000, complex matters involving co-defendants who are not the tenant, personal injury claims outside the RTA framework, and appeals from RTDRS decisions on questions of law all go to the Court of King's Bench.
How long does an RTDRS hearing take?
Hearings are typically scheduled 3 to 6 weeks after filing and conducted by phone or video. A hearing itself runs 30 to 90 minutes depending on complexity. Written decisions typically issue within 10 to 30 days after the hearing.
Can I represent myself at RTDRS?
Yes. RTDRS is designed for self-representation. Most Calgary landlords appear without counsel. For complex, high-value, or precedent-setting matters an Alberta real estate lawyer can add value, but for routine evictions and deposit disputes the applicant's time is better spent on evidence preparation than on legal counsel.
Sources: Service Alberta, Residential Tenancies Act; Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS); CMHC Rental Market Report. This article is general information, not legal advice.
VG
Vishnu Gabbula is an Associate Broker at PREP Realty, a RECA-licensed Alberta brokerage, and the founder of UrbanLease (a Calgary property management website operated by 14463137 Canada Inc.). His practice covers residential real estate, commercial real estate, rural properties, and property management across Calgary, Alberta. He runs Calgary House Rentals Group (105,000+ members) and Edmonton House Rentals Group (65,000+ members), two of Western Canada's largest rental communities on Facebook. He writes on Alberta tenancy law, the Residential Tenancies Act, CMHC MLI Select multi-unit financing, tenant screening, and rental market data, built on day-to-day experience managing rentals across Calgary and surrounding cities.
Published May 1, 2026 · Updated May 15, 2026
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