The Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal (also known as the CDRT) may hear certain condominium disputes that arose after April 1, 2025. It has limited jurisdiction (scope of authority or power) and it does not hear all types of condominium disputes. The Tribunal will launch on April 1, 2026.
If your issue is not within the Tribunal’s jurisdiction, you may have to take a different approach to resolve it. The following information on the Tribunal is not a substitute for legal advice. For more information on Tribunal processes, refer to the Government of Alberta website.
What is the Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal?
The Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal is an alternative dispute resolution process in Alberta that may hear certain condominium disputes that arose after April 1, 2025, related to the following:
- monetary sanctions for bylaw breaches
- access to documents that condominium corporations must provide on request
- annual general meetings and special general meetings that a condominium corporation convenes
The Tribunal is an administrative tribunal, with powers and procedures like a court of law, but is less formal (also known as “quasi-judicial”). For example, it does not need to follow standard rules of evidence like courts. However, any decisions that it makes are legally binding. Furthermore, any Tribunal decision may be filed in court and be enforceable like a court order.
The Tribunal consists of a Chair and panel of members. A Tribunal member or panel of members may hear your dispute. As part of the process, the Tribunal may require the parties to resolve the dispute through alternative processes. For example, through guided negotiation, mediation and adjudication.
Starting in 2026, condominium corporations in Alberta must pay an annual service fee to the Government of Alberta to fund the Tribunal’s operations. The service fee is $9 per unit and is due by December 31 each year. There may be exemptions for condominium corporations where all units in the condominium plan are registered in the name of the same owner or group of owners.
How do I file an application with the Tribunal?
You have one year from when you knew or ought to have known of the dispute to file an application with the Tribunal. If you make an application, you are the applicant. Your application must be in a form acceptable by the Chair and include the following:
- the applicant and respondent’s name
- the applicant and respondent’s contact information
- a description of the dispute
- any other information that the Chair considers necessary for the application
If the dispute is not within the Tribunal’s jurisdiction under the Condominium Property Act or Regulations, the Chair may refuse it. The Tribunal can also dismiss an application (in writing and with reasons) if it’s frivolous or vexatious, without merit or made in bad faith.
If you file an application with the Tribunal, you cannot also start a Court application about the same dispute. The same rule applies the other way around.
You may self-represent or advise the Tribunal of your designated representative. If you are considering making an application or need legal help, you can find a condominium lawyer through the Law Society of Alberta’s Lawyer Directory.
How much does it cost to file an application with the Tribunal?
The parties to the dispute must pay the following application fees:
- The applicant must pay $150 for filing an application and $350 for adjudication.
- For mediation that is more than 4 hours, the fee is $150 per additional 4 hours (to a maximum of $300 per day); the parties split this amount evenly.
The Chair may waive an application fee (or part of it) if it causes financial hardship for the party who must pay the fee.
What can I expect with Tribunal processes?
There are practice and procedure rules that the Tribunal must follow under the Condominium Property Act and the Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal Regulation. For example, the Tribunal:
- Must give all parties at least 10 days’ notice before a dispute proceeding takes place.
- May adjourn or reschedule a proceeding at any time on written notice to the parties.
- May determine the proceeding format and location.
- If the Chair assigns a Tribunal member to help the parties at mediation, that member cannot later hear the dispute at the adjudication stage.
- Adjudication decisions must be in writing and have the signature of the member who conducted the hearing (or the panel chair or Tribunal Chair).
- The Tribunal must issue adjudication decisions within 60 days of the adjudication hearing end date. The Chair however, may give an extension of up to 30 days to issue the decision.
Can I appeal a Tribunal decision?
You can only appeal Tribunal decisions to Court on questions of law. You have 30 days after you receive the Tribunal’s decision to make an application to the Court of King’s Bench for judicial review.
What disputes are not handled by the Tribunal?
The Tribunal has limited jurisdiction (scope or authority of power) with condo disputes. It does not hear disputes about:
- special assessments
- complaints about improper or oppressive conduct
- complex condo governance and operations or financial matters
The Court of King’s Bench has jurisdiction over such matters.
Further Resources
- Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal (Government of Alberta website)
- Condominium Property Act (refer to sections 68.1 to 69.1)
- Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal Regulation
- Dispute Resolution for Buyers (general tips for resolving disputes)
- Dispute Resolution for Owners (general tips for resolving disputes)
- Dispute Resolution for Condominium Boards (general tips for resolving disputes)
Last updated: March 2026
