Difference between revisions of "Small Claims Costs and Penalties (20:XV)"

The CRT can award fees and dispute-related expenses, so long as they are reasonable. If a dispute is not resolved by agreement and a tribunal member makes a final decision, the tribunal member will usually order the unsuccessful party to pay the successful party’s tribunal fees and reasonable dispute-related expenses (CRT Rules (effective May 1, 2022), Rule 9.5(1)). In addition, one party may have to pay the other parties expenses relating to witnesses and summonses, and other reasonable costs paid by the other party (Rule 9.5(2)). It is rare that the CRT would order a party to pay the opposing party’s legal fees. In deciding those claims, the CRT will consider a variety of factors including the complexity of the dispute, the degree of involvement by the representative, and whether a party or representative’s conduct has caused unnecessary delay or expense (Rule 9.5(3)).