Costs, Fees and Orders for Costs at the Alberta LTB

Many Alberta renters face questions about who pays what when disputes reach the Landlord and Tenant Board process. This guide explains how costs and fees work, when a tribunal may order one party to pay the other, and what tenants can do to submit evidence and forms. Youll learn which payments may be recovered, how to document expenses and rent losses, and practical steps to file an application or response. If you are preparing for a hearing in Alberta, this article helps you understand timelines, the types of proof the board considers, and how to protect your rights as a tenant while keeping costs reasonable.

What counts as costs and fees?

Costs and fees can arise before, during, or after a hearing. The tribunal may consider direct monetary losses, administrative fees and sometimes reasonable legal or representation costs when deciding whether to order one party to pay another.

• Filing or application fees payable to the tribunal, such as the fee to start a dispute.
• Amounts claimed for unpaid rent, late rent, or rent arrears that a tenant or landlord can prove.
• Compensation for damage beyond normal wear and tear when supported by receipts or estimates.
• Reasonable costs for representation or legal advice in limited circumstances, if the tribunal allows them.

How the Alberta tribunal decides on orders for costs

The decision to award costs is fact-specific. Decision-makers typically weigh whether a claim was reasonable, whether parties followed procedural rules, and whether awarding costs would be fair.

• Timely filing and compliance with deadlines can affect whether costs are awarded.
• Strong evidence  such as receipts, photographs and written records  supports claims for costs and damages.
• Proper use of forms and correct service of documents helps the tribunal manage fairness between parties.
• Unreasonable behaviour or repeated procedural breaches by a party can lead the tribunal to order costs against them.

Common forms and how to use them

Below are frequently used tribunal forms and when a tenant might use each. Official forms and guidance are available from the provincial dispute resolution service and legislation pages referenced in the footnotes.^[1][2]

• Application for Dispute Resolution (official name varies): use this to start a claim against a landlord or tenant when you seek payment, repairs, or an order for costs. Example: a tenant files this to recover money spent on urgent repairs the landlord refused to make.^[3]
• Response to Application: the party who receives an application uses this form to reply and provide their evidence and position. Example: a landlord files a response denying damage claims and attaching invoices showing normal wear and tear.
• Proof of Service or Evidence List: file to show documents were served and to list items you will rely on at the hearing, like receipts, photos, or witness statements.

Preparing evidence and costs breakdowns

When asking for costs, prepare a clear, dated breakdown showing each expense, why it was necessary, and attach supporting documents. Include original receipts when possible and a short cover letter that explains your calculation.

• Itemize each cost with dates and receipts, for example repair invoices or replacement receipts.
• Separate recoverable amounts (like unpaid rent) from disputed charges (like damage claims) in your summary.
• Attach a timeline of events showing when you notified the landlord and any responses received.

What to expect at a hearing

Hearings are formal but designed for tenants and landlords to present their cases. Be on time, bring originals and copies of evidence, and be prepared to explain your costs clearly.

• Bring original receipts, photos and any contracts or quotes showing the cost you are claiming.
• Hearings are scheduled for a specific time; arrive early and know whether the hearing is in-person or by phone/video.
• Be ready to summarize your claim concisely and answer questions from the decision-maker.

FAQ

Can I recover filing fees or legal costs from my landlord?

Possibly. The tribunal may order costs if it finds the claim reasonable or if the other party acted unreasonably, but awards are discretionary and vary by case.

How long do I have to apply for costs after an incident?

Time limits depend on the nature of the claim and the tribunals rules; file as soon as possible and check official timelines on the dispute resolution site.^[1]

Do I need a lawyer to ask for costs?

No. Many tenants represent themselves. Legal representation can help in complex cases, but the tribunal often intends the process to be accessible to unrepresented parties.

How-To

1. Gather evidence: collect receipts, photos, repair invoices and a dated timeline of events.
2. Complete the Application for Dispute Resolution, attaching your evidence and a clear costs breakdown.
3. Serve the application according to tribunal rules and keep proof of service.
4. Prepare for the hearing by creating a short script of your main points and organizing documents for quick reference.
5. Attend the hearing, present your evidence calmly, and be ready to answer questions about each cost claimed.

Key Takeaways

• Document every expense with dates and receipts to support a costs claim.
• File promptly and follow tribunal procedures to avoid procedural dismissals.
• Even without a lawyer, clear evidence and organization improve outcomes.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• Residential Tenancies information  Government of Alberta
• Forms and guides for applications

1. [1] Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies information  Government of Alberta
3. [3] RTDRS forms and guides

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Internal resources: Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know and How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.