As of March 1, residents of southern Alberta will have access to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), a quasi-judicial tribunal created in 2006 to help landlords and tenants resolve disputes quickly and affordably without legal intervention.

“As part of this government’s ongoing commitment to modernization and efficiency, this expansion ensures that all Albertans have access to efficient, fair, and affordable dispute resolution as an alternative to the courts,” says Stephen Khan, Minister of Service Alberta.

Since its inception, the RTDRS has diverted over 55,000 matters from the courts. The service helps tenants and landlords resolve disputes related to security deposits, rent debts, tenancy terminations, and damages.

With the expansion into southern Alberta, an additional 80,000 Albertans will have access to the service. RTDRS offices are found in Edmonton and Calgary and services are provided via teleconference.