BC Civil Resolution Tribunal: How to File a Dispute (2026 Guide)

British Columbia's Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) is Canada's first online tribunal. It handles small claims disputes up to $5,000, strata property disputes, certain motor vehicle injury claims, and societies and cooperative associations disputes — all through an online process designed to be accessible to people without legal training.

This guide covers how to file and pursue a dispute through the CRT.

Important disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed lawyer.

What Is the Civil Resolution Tribunal?

The CRT is an independent tribunal created under the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act, S.B.C. 2012, c. 25. It is designed to provide a fast, affordable, and accessible way to resolve certain types of civil disputes in British Columbia.

Unlike traditional courts, the CRT process is conducted primarily online. Most steps — from filing to receiving a decision — happen through the CRT's online portal.

What Disputes Does the CRT Handle?

The CRT has jurisdiction over four categories of disputes:

1. Small Claims (up to $5,000)

The CRT handles small claims disputes where the amount in dispute is $5,000 or less. This includes:

Debt collection
Breach of contract
Property damage
Consumer complaints
Personal injury (where the claim is $5,000 or less, excluding motor vehicle injuries)

For small claims between $5,001 and $35,000, you must file in BC Provincial Court Small Claims.

2. Strata Property Disputes

The CRT handles many strata (condominium) disputes, including:

Bylaws and rules
Common property use
Unfair actions by the strata corporation
Financial disputes between owners and the strata corporation

There is no monetary limit for most strata disputes at the CRT.

3. Motor Vehicle Injury Claims (up to $50,000)

Since April 1, 2019, the CRT handles most motor vehicle accident injury claims where the amount in dispute is $50,000 or less. These are also known as "accident claims."

4. Societies and Cooperative Associations

The CRT handles certain disputes involving societies and cooperative associations under the Societies Act and the Cooperative Association Act.

The CRT Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Solution Explorer

Before you can file a formal dispute, the CRT requires you to use the Solution Explorer — a free online tool at civilresolutionbc.ca. The Solution Explorer:

Helps you understand your legal rights
Provides information about your type of dispute
Suggests ways to resolve the dispute (including templates for demand letters)
Determines whether your dispute falls within CRT jurisdiction

You must complete the Solution Explorer before you can proceed to file a dispute application.

Step 2: Negotiation Phase

After you file your dispute, the CRT enters a negotiation phase. During this phase:

The other party (the respondent) is notified of the dispute
Both parties have an opportunity to communicate through the CRT's online system
You can exchange offers, share documents, and try to reach a settlement
The CRT provides negotiation tools and templates

Many disputes are resolved during this phase without further intervention.

Step 3: Facilitation Phase

If negotiation does not resolve the dispute, the case moves to facilitation. A CRT case manager (a neutral facilitator) works with both parties to:

Clarify the issues
Help the parties understand each other's positions
Explore settlement options
Provide a non-binding assessment of the likely outcome

Facilitation is conducted online through the CRT portal (written communication, not verbal).

Step 4: Tribunal Decision Phase

If the dispute is still not resolved after facilitation, it proceeds to the tribunal decision phase. A CRT tribunal member (the decision-maker) will:

Review all the evidence and arguments submitted by both parties
May ask additional questions
Issue a binding decision

The decision is made based on the written submissions — there is generally no oral hearing. The tribunal member's decision is final and enforceable, subject to judicial review.

Filing Fees

CRT fees are significantly lower than court fees:

| Dispute Type | Application Fee | Hearing Fee (if applicable) | |-------------|----------------|---------------------------| | Small claims (up to $5,000) | $75 | $100 | | Strata disputes | $75 | $150 | | Motor vehicle injury claims | $75 | $100 |

Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford the fees. You can apply for a fee waiver during the filing process.

The CRT may also order the losing party to reimburse the winning party's CRT fees as part of the decision.

Evidence at the CRT

Because the CRT process is conducted in writing (not orally), the evidence you submit is critical:

Documents: Contracts, invoices, receipts, emails, text messages, photos
Written statements: Your detailed account of what happened
Expert reports: If relevant (e.g., a mechanic's report for a property damage claim)
Witness statements: Written accounts from people with relevant knowledge

Upload all evidence through the CRT's online portal. Organize your evidence clearly and refer to specific documents in your written arguments.

Enforcement

CRT decisions are enforceable as if they were orders of the BC Supreme Court. If the other party does not comply with the decision:

You can file the CRT decision with the BC Supreme Court
Once filed, you can use standard court enforcement tools:
- Garnishment of wages or bank accounts
- Seizure of assets
- Registration against property

Advantages of the CRT Over Provincial Court

| Feature | CRT | Provincial Court Small Claims | |---------|-----|------------------------------| | Process | Entirely online | In-person hearings | | Monetary limit | $5,000 | $35,000 | | Fees | $75 to file | Higher filing fees | | Speed | Often faster | Court backlogs common | | Formality | Very informal | Somewhat informal | | Availability | 24/7 online access | Court hours only |

For claims of $5,000 or less, the CRT is generally faster, cheaper, and more accessible than Provincial Court.

Appeal / Judicial Review

CRT decisions are final and binding. There is no appeal in the traditional sense. However, a party may apply to the BC Supreme Court for judicial review if the CRT:

Acted without jurisdiction
Made an error of law on the face of the record
Acted unfairly (breach of natural justice)

Judicial review is a limited remedy — the court does not retry the case. It only reviews whether the CRT's process was fair and lawful.

Common Mistakes

Not completing the Solution Explorer — you cannot file a dispute without completing this step first
Weak written evidence — since there is no oral hearing, your written submissions and documents are everything. Be thorough and organized
Missing deadlines — the CRT sets deadlines for each phase. Missing them can result in your dispute being dismissed or decided without your input
Filing in the wrong forum — if your claim exceeds $5,000, you need Provincial Court, not the CRT
Not responding to the other party — during negotiation and facilitation, engage actively. The CRT notices when parties are cooperative

How ProSe Can Help

ProSe helps British Columbians prepare documents for the CRT and other courts through a straightforward questionnaire. Answer plain-language questions about your dispute and ProSe generates properly formatted documents.

Start for free at BeProSe.ca — your first document costs nothing.

Key Resources

Civil Resolution Tribunal — civilresolutionbc.ca
CRT Solution Explorer — civilresolutionbc.ca/solution-explorer
Civil Resolution Tribunal Act — bclaws.gov.bc.ca
People's Law School (BC) — peopleslawschool.ca (free legal education)
Access Pro Bono — accessprobono.ca (free legal advice in BC)

Last reviewed: April 2026. CRT fees and procedures are subject to change. Verify current information at civilresolutionbc.ca before filing.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed lawyer.