What Are Eviction Legal Services and How Can They Help You?

Evicting a tenant can be one of the most stressful parts of managing a rental property. Between provincial rules, documentation requirements, and tribunal hearings, even a small error can cause costly delays.

Eviction legal services, or more accurately, legal aid services for eviction, help landlords navigate this process efficiently and lawfully. While these services don’t replace legal advice from a lawyer or paralegal, they can help you prepare documentation, understand tribunal steps, and ensure your eviction application follows provincial requirements.

What Are Legal Services for Eviction?

Every Canadian province governs residential evictions under its own Residential Tenancies Act (or equivalent). Instead of traditional courts, these cases go through provincial tribunals or dispute resolution services, such as:

• Ontario: Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
• Alberta: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• British Columbia: Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB)

These tribunals handle most eviction applications, evidence submissions, hearings, and orders for possession or payment. Each has unique rules about notice periods, documentation, and service methods.

Eviction legal services help landlords prepare for these processes properly, ensuring every step follows the correct provincial procedure.

Note: Eviction service companies are not law firms and cannot offer legal advice or representation. Only lawyers or licensed paralegals can provide legal advice or appear before tribunals on your behalf.

What Services Do Eviction Companies Include?

An eviction service company provides a range of administrative and procedural support to simplify the eviction process. While specific services may vary by state, most eviction companies offer:

Notice Preparation

• Drafting and delivering legally compliant eviction notices (e.g., Pay or Quit, Cure or Quit, or Unconditional Quit notices).
• Ensuring that notices meet all local and state requirements for content, format, and delivery timelines.

Document Filing

• Preparing and filing the necessary paperwork with the appropriate court.
• Helping ensure that all required forms, such as complaints, summons, or proof of service, are accurate and complete.

Process Serving

• Coordinating with professional process servers to deliver court documents to tenants in compliance with service rules.
• Tracking proof of service to avoid case delays.

Case Tracking and Updates

• Monitoring the eviction timeline and court deadlines.
• Providing regular updates to landlords on the progress of the case.

Writ and Sheriff Coordination

• Assisting with requests for writs of possession once a judgment is obtained.
• Coordinating with law enforcement (such as the sheriff’s office) for the physical removal of tenants, when necessary.

Court Preparation Assistance

• Offering guidance on what to expect during hearings.
• Providing checklists or templates for landlords representing themselves in court (pro se representation).

Common Reasons Landlords File for Eviction

Evictions must be based on legally valid reasons as outlined in each province’s residential tenancy legislation.

Common grounds include:

• Non-payment of rent: One of the most frequent causes of eviction. Each province sets specific timelines for when you can file after missed payments.
• Substantial property damage: When a tenant causes significant or deliberate damage to the unit or building.
• Repeated late payment: Even if rent is eventually paid, habitual lateness may justify termination under provincial rules.
• Illegal activity on the property: Evictions may proceed faster in cases involving illegal activity that endangers safety or property.
• Owner or family use: In some provinces (e.g., Ontario, BC), landlords can regain possession for personal or family use, but only under specific conditions and notice periods.

Eviction service providers ensure you’re using the correct notice type and timelines based on your province’s regulations, which is a critical step in avoiding dismissed applications.

Key Steps in the Eviction Process

The eviction process varies by province, but generally follows these stages:

1. Serve a Legal Notice

You must serve the tenant with a valid provincial notice of termination (e.g., N4 in Ontario, RTDRS Form 2 in Alberta). Improper service can invalidate your claim.

2. File an Application

If the tenant doesn’t comply, file your application with the appropriate tribunal. Eviction service companies can assist in preparing, filing, and organizing required documentation.

3. Tribunal Hearing or Mediation

Tribunals often encourage mediation before a formal hearing. A professional eviction service can help schedule, organize, and prepare your evidence for mediation or a hearing.

4. Receive an Order for Possession

If successful, you’ll receive an official Order for Possession or Order to Terminate the Tenancy. Only this order allows you to proceed with enforcement.

5. Enforce the Order

Enforcement is handled only by authorized officers, such as a sheriff (Ontario) or civil enforcement agency (Alberta). Landlords and service companies cannot remove tenants themselves.

Reminder: “Self-help” evictions, such as changing locks, removing belongings, or cutting utilities, are illegal in all provinces and may result in fines or criminal penalties.

• Ontario fines: up to $50,000 for individuals or $250,000 for corporations (Residential Tenancies Act, s. 233).
• Alberta enforcement: governed under the Civil Enforcement Act (RSA 2000, c C-15).

What Are the Benefits of Using Professional Eviction Services?

Accuracy and Compliance

Incorrect forms or notice periods can delay your eviction by months. Professionals ensure your documentation meets tribunal standards.

Time Efficiency

From filing to follow-up, eviction services manage administrative tasks, freeing landlords from time-consuming tribunal coordination.

Organized Evidence Packages

Tribunals expect clear, chronological evidence. Eviction service teams compile rent ledgers, communication records, photos, and statements into professional exhibits.

Reduced Stress

Navigating tenancy disputes can be overwhelming. A structured, step-by-step service helps landlords focus on their business, not paperwork.

Referrals to Licensed Legal Help

If a case becomes complex or contested, eviction service providers maintain relationships with licensed lawyers and paralegals who can step in to represent you.

Legal Assistance for Eviction vs. Legal Representation

It’s important to understand the difference between legal services for eviction and legal representation:

When to Seek Legal Advice?

While eviction service companies can manage most of the administrative process, some situations may require an attorney’s involvement. Consider hiring legal counsel if:

• The tenant is countersuing or filing a discrimination claim.
• The property is under rent control or special housing regulations.
• There are disputes over security deposits, repairs, or habitability.
• You’re unsure about compliance with fair housing laws.

Eviction services and attorneys can often collaborate, with the service company handling documentation and logistics and the attorney addressing legal strategy or disputes.

Take Control of Your Eviction Case with Expert Support

Tenant issues can drain your time, resources, and peace of mind. Whether it’s unpaid rent, lease violations, or complex disputes, having professional support makes all the difference. Edmonton Eviction Services Inc. helps Alberta landlords navigate the eviction process efficiently, from preparing RTDRS hearing packages to representing you at tribunal hearings.

With over a decade of experience and roughly 45 cases handled monthly across Alberta, our team ensures every step complies with the Residential Tenancies Act and RTDRS procedures. Led by Donald Gray, a former property owner with a 500-unit portfolio, we combine real-world experience with proven results.

We manage residential and commercial evictions, process serving, landlord-tenant mediation, and landlord form guidance in Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain. Our goal is to deliver enforceable court orders that protect your investment and restore your peace of mind.

Get Your Free Case Review Today!