Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)

The Civil Resolution Tribunal is an online tribunal established under the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act, SBC 2012, c. 25, with jurisdiction over strata property disputes (under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43), small claims disputes valued under $5,000 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), certain motor vehicle injury disputes, and societies and cooperative association disputes. The CRT uses an online platform for most steps, including filing, negotiation, and adjudication. Verify the current monetary limits and scope of jurisdiction with a BC lawyer or notary before filing.

For most strata disputes—including bylaw enforcement, cost recovery, governance issues, and fines—the Strata Property Act (SPA), SBC 1998, c. 43, designates the CRT as the required tribunal (exceptions include certain Supreme Court matters such as significant loss or damage claims). Section 189.1 of the SPA grants the CRT exclusive jurisdiction over claims related to the interpretation or application of the SPA, regulations, bylaws, or rules, or the Common Interest Property Act. Before proceeding in another forum, verify jurisdiction requirements with a BC lawyer or notary.

The Civil Resolution Tribunal Act sets the small claims monetary limit at $5,000 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) for most disputes, excluding debt collection claims and certain other categories which may have different limits or exclusions. Disputes exceeding this threshold generally fall under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Court (Small Claims) or Supreme Court. Verify the current thresholds and applicable categories with a BC lawyer or notary before filing.

No. Residential tenancy disputes in British Columbia are governed by the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, and are resolved through the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), not the CRT. The CRT does not have jurisdiction over landlord-tenant matters. For residential tenancy disputes, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch or verify the appropriate process with a BC lawyer or notary.

Disputes are filed online through the CRT's website (www.civilresolutionbc.ca) by completing an online application form and paying the applicable filing fee (fees vary by claim type; as of 2026-07-27 — verify current fees with the CRT). The CRT process begins with facilitated negotiation, followed by case management and, if necessary, tribunal adjudication. Verify the current filing requirements, fees, and required evidence with a BC lawyer, notary, or the CRT directly before filing.

Under section 59 of the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act, SBC 2012, c. 25, a party may apply for judicial review of a final CRT decision to the BC Supreme Court, but only on questions of law, jurisdiction, or procedural fairness—not on findings of fact or credibility. Leave to appeal may be required, and strict timelines apply (typically 60 days from the date of the final decision, as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). Verify appeal rights, grounds, and deadlines with a BC lawyer before acting.

The CRT has jurisdiction over strata disputes including bylaw enforcement, collection of strata fees and special levies, governance issues (such as validity of meetings or decisions), nuisance complaints, access to records under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, and certain repair and maintenance disputes. The CRT does not have jurisdiction over disputes involving significant loss or damage (generally over $100,000, as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), which must be brought in Supreme Court. Verify jurisdiction for your specific dispute with a BC lawyer or notary before filing.

The CRT conducts most proceedings online, including written submissions, document exchange, and adjudication, without requiring in-person attendance; this is a key feature under the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act, SBC 2012, c. 25. In some cases, the tribunal may hold teleconferences or videoconferences. The online format is designed to reduce costs and increase accessibility. Verify the current hearing format and any accommodation options with the CRT or a BC lawyer or notary.

CRT filing fees vary by claim type and amount; strata property claims have specific fee schedules set out in the Civil Resolution Tribunal Regulation (current fees as of 2026-07-27 — verify current with the CRT or BC Regulation). Fee waivers or deferrals may be available in cases of financial hardship. Verify the exact fee for your claim type and any available fee relief with the CRT directly or with a BC lawyer or notary before filing.

Yes. Under section 133 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, the CRT may order a strata corporation to perform a duty (including bylaw enforcement) if the corporation has significantly unfairly failed to do so. The CRT can also order compliance with bylaws, payment of fines, or other remedies related to bylaw disputes. Verify the specific remedies available for your situation with a BC lawyer or notary before filing.