The Landlord Tenant Board Alberta, also known as the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), is a quasi-judicial tribunal that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants in the province of Alberta, Canada. The RTDRS is an independent agency that provides a fair and impartial process for resolving disputes related to residential tenancies.
Role and Responsibilities of the Landlord Tenant Board Alberta
The primary role of the RTDRS is to provide a forum for landlords and tenants to resolve disputes related to residential tenancies. The RTDRS has the authority to hear and decide on a wide range of disputes, including those related to rent, security deposits, repairs, and evictions. The RTDRS is responsible for ensuring that all parties are treated fairly and that the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants are respected.
The RTDRS is also responsible for providing information and education to landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act and the Residential Tenancies Regulation. This includes providing guidance on the rules and procedures for resolving disputes, as well as information on the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants.
Types of Disputes Heard by the Landlord Tenant Board Alberta
The RTDRS hears a wide range of disputes related to residential tenancies, including:
- Disputes over rent, including rent increases and reductions
- Disputes over security deposits, including the return of deposits and claims for damages
- Disputes over repairs and maintenance, including the obligation to repair and maintain the rental property
- Disputes over evictions, including notices of termination and applications for eviction orders
- Disputes over lease agreements, including the interpretation and enforcement of lease terms
The RTDRS also provides a mediation service to help parties resolve their disputes through negotiation and agreement. This service is available to parties who are willing to work together to resolve their dispute and can be a faster and less expensive alternative to a formal hearing.
| Type of Dispute | RTDRS Authority |
|---|---|
| Rent disputes | Can order rent increases or reductions, and can award damages for unpaid rent |
| Security deposit disputes | Can order the return of security deposits, and can award damages for claims related to security deposits |
| Repair and maintenance disputes | Can order landlords to repair or maintain the rental property, and can award damages for failure to do so |
| Eviction disputes | Can grant eviction orders, and can award damages for wrongful eviction |
Process for Resolving Disputes at the Landlord Tenant Board Alberta
The process for resolving disputes at the RTDRS typically involves the following steps:
- Application: A party files an application with the RTDRS, setting out the dispute and the relief sought.
- Notice: The RTDRS provides notice of the application to the other party, who has an opportunity to respond.
- Mediation: The parties may participate in mediation to try to resolve the dispute through negotiation and agreement.
- Hearing: If the dispute is not resolved through mediation, a hearing is held before a tribunal member. The parties present evidence and arguments, and the tribunal member makes a decision.
- Decision: The tribunal member issues a written decision, which may include an order or award.
The RTDRS also provides a pre-hearing conference to help parties prepare for the hearing and to identify the issues in dispute. This conference can be an opportunity for parties to narrow the issues and focus on the key areas of disagreement.
What is the Residential Tenancies Act?
+The Residential Tenancies Act is a provincial law that governs residential tenancies in Alberta. It sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants, and provides a framework for resolving disputes related to residential tenancies.
How do I file an application with the RTDRS?
+To file an application with the RTDRS, you can complete an application form and submit it to the RTDRS, along with the required fee. You can obtain an application form from the RTDRS website or by contacting the RTDRS directly.
What is the role of a tribunal member?
+A tribunal member is an independent decision-maker who hears and decides on disputes related to residential tenancies. The tribunal member is responsible for making a fair and impartial decision based on the evidence presented.
