What Evidence Does a Calgary Landlord Need for RTDRS?

Write one sentence stating what order is requested and why RTDRS can grant it. Possible remedies include possession, rent or utilities, security deposit, damages, overholding compensation and other relief within current jurisdiction. RTDRS does not have authority to grant every desired outcome.

Create a proof table with four columns: fact to prove, evidence, opposing explanation and unresolved gap. Remove documents that do not help a disputed fact unless they provide necessary context.

Orders are issued against the names in the application. Use full legal names, not initials or informal business names. Verify the registered owner where relevant and determine whether a business is incorporated, a partnership, trade name or sole proprietorship using the appropriate registry search.

Match tenants to the signed agreement and current occupancy facts. If a guarantor, manager, former owner or corporation is involved, obtain legal guidance on the correct party and remedy rather than adding every name.

Check that the premises and dispute fall under the applicable residential-tenancy framework, the claim is within RTDRS's current monetary jurisdiction and the application is within the applicable limitation period. Record when the loss or claim first came to attention.

Complex, non-residential, constitutional, human-rights or other issues may fall outside RTDRS authority or be referred to court. Do not let the easier filing route determine the legal forum.

List the agreement, payment or condition event, report, response, notice, service, deadline, failed compliance, mitigation and filing. Cite an exhibit beside each entry. Use exact dates and short factual descriptions; argument belongs in the explanation, not every timeline line.

Include attempts to resolve the matter when relevant. Preserve messages that weaken as well as support the claim. Surprises at the hearing are harder to explain than balanced preparation.

A valid underlying notice and proper service are distinct questions. Keep the signed notice, date calculation, statutory or agreement basis, delivery method, photographs, mailing records, email history, witness or declaration and any response. Use current RTDRS instructions for serving the application package and later evidence.

Calendar the required clear days and evidence-exchange deadline conservatively. If ordinary service attempts fail, follow the current substitutional-service process rather than inventing another method.

For damage claims, provide compliant move-in and move-out reports, paired photographs, repair history, tenant communication, invoices or estimates and evidence distinguishing ordinary wear, prior damage and the alleged event. Explain age, useful life and why the claimed amount reflects actual loss.

Show what was repaired, replaced or left unresolved and whether insurance, warranty or another party paid any portion. A replacement invoice does not automatically prove the tenant owes its full amount.

For arrears, show rent due by period, payments, credits, utilities, fees, notices and balance. For damages, show each item, basis, amount, tax, depreciation or betterment treatment and mitigation. For overholding or deposit claims, identify exact dates and the calculation method.

Use a summary table that ties every number to an exhibit. Remove double counting and disclose payments received after the application. The decision-maker should not need to total screenshots.

Identify who has direct knowledge of the agreement, service, inspection, repair, payment or communication. Obtain statements where useful and ask whether the witness will attend. Do not ask a contractor to give a legal conclusion; use them for observations, work and cost.

Create a table of contents, numbered exhibits and a short opening outline. Test that files open and photographs are readable. Keep originals available and follow RTDRS instructions for electronic submission.

A favourable decision may still require filing and enforcement. Review the current RTDRS order process, service of the filed order, conditional-order default steps and civil-enforcement requirements for possession. Consider collectability before spending heavily on a monetary claim.

If the dispute resolves, document the settlement and follow the proper withdrawal or consent-order process. For a reserved decision, appeal question or procedural-fairness concern, obtain prompt legal advice because deadlines can be short.

Last source review: July 30, 2026. Tenancy rules, forms, interest rates, service methods, dispute procedures, health requirements, insurance terms and licensing can change. Verify the actual agreement, property, event and deadline with the Alberta lawyer, licensed property manager, insurer, accountant, contractor, municipality or government service responsible for the answer.