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What is a settlement agreement?

Often, all the participants in a claim agree to settle the claim before it goes to a final decision.

We can turn your settlement terms into:

  • An email agreement — this is a written contract. This type of agreement can’t be enforced in court. We can help you write an email agreement for free.
  • A consent resolution order — this is a formal CRT order with the terms of your agreement. It can be filed in court for enforcement. There’s a $25 fee for this order.

We don’t publish settlement agreements in our public decisions database.

What’s included in an email agreement?

An email agreement can include any terms you think are reasonable and the participants can agree on.

Email agreements are only between you and the other participants. A tribunal member doesn’t need to review or approve them.

An email agreement is a contract. If another participant doesn’t comply with the terms of your agreement, you may be able to start a new CRT claim for breach of contract. Since an email agreement isn’t a CRT order, it can’t be enforced in court like a consent resolution order can be.

What’s included in a consent resolution order?

A consent resolution order sets out the terms of your agreement. It can only include specific things (“remedies”) that the CRT has jurisdiction to order. Learn more about remedies.

How do I enforce a consent resolution order?

To enforce a CRT order, you must file a copy of the validated order in court. The courts may have filing deadlines and charge filing fees.

When you file a CRT order with the court, the order has the same force and effect as if it were a judgment of that court.

The CRT can’t enforce a CRT decision or order for you, or help you file with a court for enforcement.

Learn more about enforcing a CRT order.