Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

Changes due to COVID-19

RTDRS offices are closed to the public

RTDRS is conducting all hearings by telephone. Parties to a previously scheduled in-person hearing will be contacted about the change. Parties wishing to proactively provide their telephone number for an upcoming hearing are asked to call 403-297-8550 and leave a message with their name, case number and telephone number.

RTDRS continues to accept applications through the online eFiling service. Email rtdrs@gov.ab.ca or call 310-0000, then dial 780-644-3000, for information pertaining to the RTDRS.

Applications for possession or termination of the tenancy agreement will be given priority in the RTDRS hearing schedule. Non-urgent applications, such as for damages or return of the security deposit, are being received, but will not be scheduled for hearing while COVID-19 is being managed.

Protections for renters

New protections are in place for residential and mobile home site tenants facing financial hardship due to COVID-19:

• Tenants cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent and/or utilities before May 1, 2020.
• Rents on residential properties or mobile home sites will not increase while Alberta’s State of Public Health Emergency remains in effect.
• Late fees cannot be applied to late rent payments until June 30 and cannot be collected retroactively for this time.
• Landlords and tenants need to work together to develop payment plans while COVID-19 is being managed. RTDRS will not hear applications that could lead to eviction due to non-payment while Alberta’s State of Public Health Emergency remains in effect, unless a reasonable attempt has been made to work out a payment plan.
• Landlords can still file applications and receive orders for possession if the reason for the eviction is unrelated to rent and/or utility payments.

For more information about Alberta’s COVID-19 response, visit COVID-19 info for Albertans.