RTB-12T-EXH – Tenant’s Application for Dispute Resolution Expedited Hearing

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province or State: British Columbia

What is an RTB-12T-EXH – Tenant’s Application for Dispute Resolution Expedited Hearing?

This form is a tenant’s request for a fast hearing. You use it when a normal timeline would cause serious harm. It asks the tribunal to hear your dispute on an urgent basis. The goal is to protect your housing, safety, or property quickly.

Who uses this form?

Tenants do. That includes co‑tenants named on the same tenancy. It also includes tenants in manufactured home parks. You file as a tenant against a landlord or their agent. You can include other tenants as co‑applicants if needed.

You would need this form when time is critical. Standard hearings can take weeks. Some issues cannot wait. A lockout is one example. Another is a shut‑off of heat or water in winter. Immediate flooding or structural failure is another. Ongoing threats or violence can also qualify. The common thread is urgent harm. If you wait, the harm grows or cannot be undone.

Typical usage scenarios

You come home to find your locks changed. Your belongings are inside. You have no notice or order. Or your landlord cut the electricity to force you out. You need power for medical equipment. Or pipes burst, and water pours into your unit. The ceiling may collapse. You need emergency repairs and orders now. Or your landlord is harassing you daily. They threaten to enter without notice or harm you. You fear for your safety tonight. Or a posted eviction date is hours away, and the notice appears illegal. In each case, delay risks safety, housing, or property.

This form exists to handle those emergencies. It lets you ask for interim orders. Interim orders are temporary orders made before the full hearing. For example, an order to let you back into your home today. Or an order to restore heat now. The tribunal reviews your request very quickly. You must prove urgency with clear facts and evidence. If approved, you will receive an expedited hearing date. It may be set in days or even hours. You then serve the landlord and prepare your case.

The process is focused and strict. You must be precise about harm and timelines. You must attach evidence that shows urgency. You must ask for specific orders. The tribunal will expect you to show that you tried to resolve the issue. It will also expect proper service from the landlord. Done right, the form can secure relief quickly and lawfully.

When Would You Use an RTB-12T-EXH – Tenant’s Application for Dispute Resolution Expedited Hearing?

You use this form when waiting will cause serious, immediate harm. The harm must be significant. It must be more than inconvenience. It must be something that cannot be fixed later with money alone.

Here are practical examples. You were locked out without a hearing or order. Your possessions are inside. You need to regain access now. Or your landlord shut off heat, hot water, or electricity. There is no legitimate reason for the shut‑off. It is winter, and the unit is unsafe. Or the landlord changed the locks to a laundry or shared space you need. You cannot access essential facilities.

You also use it for urgent repair issues. Water is leaking and threatens your belongings. Mold is spreading quickly. The ceiling is sagging after a storm. A window broke and cannot be secured. You need an order to authorize emergency repairs. You may also need a rent reduction for lost use of the space.

Safety risks trigger expedited review. Your landlord, an agent, or another occupant is threatening you. They are harassing you at odd hours. They are entering without notice. Police have been called. You fear for your immediate safety. You need an order to stop the conduct now. You may also need directions on contact rules.

The form also fits urgent eviction issues. You received a notice to end the tenancy. The move‑out date is imminent. The notice appears illegal, defective, or retaliatory. The standard hearing window is not fast enough. You need an interim stay so you are not forced out. You must explain why the notice is invalid. You also must explain why the delay will cause irreparable harm.

Sometimes the harm is financial but severe. The landlord seized your property or blocked your business tools. You cannot work or meet legal deadlines. Delay will cause loss that cannot be recovered. The tribunal may accept this if the facts show real urgency.

Who are the typical users?

Tenants in residential tenancies use this form. That includes renters in apartment buildings, houses, and secondary suites. It also includes tenants in manufactured home sites. Co‑tenants can file together. Subtenants can apply if their occupancy is at risk. If you are not a tenant, this form is not for you. Landlords have a different form for their expedited requests.

You should ask yourself two questions. First, will waiting for a standard hearing cause harm that cannot be fixed later? Second, do you have evidence to prove that harm now? If both are yes, an expedited application is likely appropriate. If not, use the standard tenant application. The tribunal screens expedited requests. It denies those who do not show real urgency.

Legal Characteristics of the RTB-12T-EXH – Tenant’s Application for Dispute Resolution Expedited Hearing

This form starts a legal process. When accepted, it leads to a tribunal order. That order is legally binding. It carries the same force as any order of the tribunal. You must follow it. The landlord must follow it. Non‑compliance has legal consequences.

What ensures enforceability? The tribunal’s authority comes from provincial law. It can hold hearings and make orders on residential tenancy issues. It can issue interim and final orders. It can provide direct access to services, repairs, and conduct. It can set payment terms or award compensation. Orders issued after a fair hearing can be enforced in court. For possession, a court bailiff can enforce with the proper paperwork. For money, you can register the order and collect like a judgment.

Proper procedure supports enforceability. You must serve the landlord with the application and evidence. You must do so in the way the rules allow. You must respect timelines, which may be short. You must file proof of service. If the service is defective, the tribunal can adjourn or dismiss. It can also set aside an order obtained without proper notice.

Evidence also matters. The tribunal decides based on facts and law. You must present reliable evidence. Photos with dates help. Utility bills and notices help. Texts and emails help. Witness statements help. Always connect evidence to dates and events. Show how the harm is real and imminent. Vague claims will not support an expedited order.

The tribunal also protects fairness. It gives both sides a chance to be heard. Even in urgent cases, the landlord should receive notice. The tribunal can shorten deadlines if justified. It can also allow alternate service if needed for safety. It may issue an interim order without a full hearing in rare cases. But it will still set a hearing to confirm or vary that order.

Your declaration on the form is important. You confirm the facts are true. There are penalties for false statements. Do not exaggerate or speculate. Stick to dates, facts, and documents. Credibility matters, especially in urgent cases.

If you receive an order, keep it safe. Follow it exactly. If the landlord ignores it, use the enforcement steps. You may need to file it with a court registry. You may need a court bailiff for access. Police can keep the peace during enforcement. The order’s wording will guide the next steps.

How to Fill Out a RTB-12T-EXH – Tenant’s Application for Dispute Resolution Expedited Hearing

Follow these steps to complete the form and support your request.

1) Confirm you should use the expedited form.

• Write a short urgency test for yourself. What will happen if you wait? When will it happen? Why can’t money fix it later?
• If you cannot answer these clearly, use the standard tenant form instead.

2) Gather key information and documents.

• Tenancy agreement or proof of tenancy. Include start date, rent, and address.
• Landlord’s full legal name and service address. If a company gets the legal entity name.
• Evidence of urgency. Examples include lock change photos, utility shut‑off records, bylaw or police file numbers, repair quotes, medical needs tied to services, and dated messages.
• Timeline of events. Use dates, times, and who did what.
• Any attempts to resolve. Include texts or emails where you asked for help.

3) Complete the Applicant section.

• List your full legal name as on the tenancy agreement.
• Include all co‑tenants who will apply with you.
• Provide reliable contact details. Phone and email should be checked daily.
• If someone will represent you, include their details and your written authorization.

4) Complete the Respondent section.

• Identify the landlord. Use the legal name, not only a first name.
• If the landlord is a company, include the company name and, if known, its agent.
• Provide a proper service address. Include the unit number and the postal code.
• If you lack a service address, note why and request alternate service later.

5) Complete the Tenancy details.

• Provide the full rental unit address. Include unit, building, and city.
• State the tenancy start date and the monthly rent.
• Confirm if this is a manufactured home site, if applicable.
• Note any deposits paid. This supports tenancy status.

6) State that you seek an expedited hearing.

• There is a section to request an expedition. Check the box or select the option.
• Choose the reason that best fits your case. For example, an illegal lockout or loss of essential services.
• If none fit, select “other” and explain in plain words.

7) Write your Statement of Urgency.

• Use a short, dated timeline. Show what happened and when.
• Explain the harm that will occur before a standard hearing. Be specific.
• Explain why that harm cannot be fixed later.
• Explain any safety risks. Include who is at risk and how.
• Example language:

“On March 2 at 8:10 p.m., I returned home to find the locks changed. I received no notice. My insulin and CPAP machine are inside. I cannot sleep safely without them. I will suffer serious health risks tonight without access. I contacted the landlord at 8:30 p.m. They refused entry.”

• Keep sentences short. Use facts, not opinions.

8) Request interim and final remedies.

• Ask for the immediate orders you need. Be precise.
• Examples include:
• Allow immediate access and restore keys today.
• Restore heat and electricity within 24 hours.
• Stop all entries without notice except in emergencies.
• Authorize emergency repairs and set cost recovery.
• Stay the eviction until the hearing.
• Then list the final orders you seek at the hearing. Include any compensation claims with amounts. Explain how you calculated them.

9) List and attach your evidence.

• Create an evidence list. Number each item. Use dates in file names.
• Include photos with dates and captions. Example: “Photo 3: Front door lock changed, March 2, 8:15 p.m.”
• Include messages. Highlight key parts. Add context about who sent them and when.
• Include bills or notices. Example: “BC Hydro disconnection notice, March 1, 10:00 a.m.”
• Include witness statements. Add names, contact details, and dates.
• Keep each document legible and complete. Do not crop out key parts.
• Cross‑reference in your statement. Example: “See Photo 3 and Text Thread 2.”

10) Address the service with the landlord.

• State how you will serve the application and evidence. Use an approved method.
• Common methods include personal delivery or mail to the service address.
• Email is allowed only if the landlord has agreed in writing. Include that proof if used.
• If you cannot safely serve in the usual way, ask for alternate service. Explain why. Suggest a practical method, like email plus text, or service on the agent.
• Remember, posting on a landlord’s door is usually not allowed for tenants. Do not assume it is valid.
• Note the shortened service timelines for expedited hearings. Be ready to serve fast.

11) Choose the hearing format and needs.

• Most hearings are by phone. Provide a reliable number.
• If you need an interpreter, request it now. State the language.
• If you need accommodation for a disability, explain what you need.
• If safety is a concern, ask to keep your contact details private.

12) Review and sign.

• Read the form end‑to‑end. Fix errors and fill blanks.
• Confirm the dates and amounts match your evidence.
• Sign and date the declaration. You confirm the facts are true.
• If a representative signs, include your written authorization.

13) Submit the application and pay the fee.

• Submit online, by fax, or at a service office.
• Pay the application fee. Keep the receipt.
• If you cannot afford the fee, apply for a fee waiver. Provide income details and proof.

14) Watch for screening and directions.

• The tribunal screens expedited requests fast.
• You may receive a call or email asking for more information.
• You may receive an interim order before the full hearing. Follow it exactly.
• You will receive a Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding. It will show the hearing date and deadlines.

15) Serve the landlord and file proof.

• Serve the application, evidence, and the hearing notice on the landlord.
• Do so by the deadline set in your notice. Deadlines can be very short.
• Complete a declaration of service. State how and when you served.
• File the declaration with the tribunal before the hearing.

16) Prepare for the hearing.

• Prepare a short opening summary. One page is enough.
• Organize evidence in order. Use the same numbering as your list.
• Prepare to explain why the matter is urgent and the orders you need.
• Confirm witness availability and phone numbers.
• Keep your phone charged and in a quiet place at the hearing time.

Tips for each section:

• Parties: Use full legal names. Include middle names if known. Use the landlord’s legal entity, not a nickname. For companies, avoid trade names if possible.

• Clauses and remedies: Be specific. “Restore heat by 4:00 p.m. today” is clear. “Fix it soon” is not. Tie remedies to the facts and harm.

• Evidence: Focus on quality, not volume. Choose items that prove urgency. Use dates and times. Avoid duplicate screenshots.

• Signatures: Every applicant signs. If a co‑tenant cannot sign, explain why and attach authorization if needed.

• Schedules: Use attachments for long statements. Label them “Schedule A – Statement of Facts.” Use “Schedule B – Evidence List.” Use “Schedule C – Witness List.” Keep each schedule clear and paginated.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Vague claims. “I feel unsafe” is weak. “He threatened me on March 3 at 9 p.m.” is strong.

• Missing service address. Take time to find a valid address for the landlord or their agent.

• Late service. Expedited hearings move fast. Serve and file proof immediately.

• Poor evidence labeling. Make it easy for the decision‑maker to follow.

• Over‑claiming compensation. In urgent cases, focus on immediate relief. You can pursue broader claims later if needed.

If your request is denied as not urgent, do not give up. File a standard tenant application. You can still seek orders and compensation. You can also continue to gather evidence. If circumstances worsen, you can reapply for the expedition with new facts.

Complete the form with care. Precision and speed both matter here. You are asking for fast, powerful relief. Make the tribunal’s job easy. Show the urgency, the harm, and the exact order you need. That is how you secure a prompt and effective result.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• An expedited hearing means a faster process. You use it when a delay could cause serious harm. This form asks you to explain the urgency. Be concrete. Show why you need a quick decision.
• Dispute resolution is the tribunal process that replaces the court. An independent decision-maker runs the hearing. This form starts that process for urgent tenant issues. It asks what orders you want and why.
• A notice of hearing is the schedule you receive after filing. It lists the date, time, and how to join. It also sets deadlines to serve and file evidence. Keep this notice with your case file.
• Interim order means a temporary order issued before the final decision. You can ask for urgent relief on this form. For example, you can ask for access to the unit to stop harm. Explain why you need immediate action.
• Evidence includes anything that proves your story. Think photos, messages, letters, invoices, and logs. You attach or list evidence with this form. You then serve it by the deadline in the notice of hearing.
• Service means delivering documents to the other side. The rules set approved methods and timelines. This form asks how you will serve and confirm service. Keep proof that you served each item.
• Order of possession is a decision that grants possession of the unit. As a tenant, you may seek access if locked out. You may also ask to stop a wrongful eviction. State the order you want in the form.
• Monetary order is a decision to pay money. You may seek costs for losses from the urgent issue. List each amount and explain the loss. Attach receipts or estimates to support your claim.
• Representative is someone who acts for you. It can be a lawyer, advocate, or trusted person. If you use one, include their contact details. Make sure they have your evidence and instructions.
• Affidavit or sworn statement is a signed statement of facts. Some cases use them to support urgent claims. If you include one, label it clearly as evidence. Make sure dates, names, and events match your form.

FAQs

Do you qualify for an expedited hearing?

You qualify when waiting could cause serious harm. Examples include lockouts or loss of essential services. Show that delay will cause significant damage or risk. Explain the urgency in clear, specific terms. Provide dated evidence.

Do you need to include evidence with the form?

Yes. Attach or identify key documents that show urgency. Use photos, texts, and notices with dates. Add a brief timeline that ties documents to events. Include receipts or estimates for any money claim. Keep the original files organized.

Do you need to serve the landlord after filing?

Yes. You must serve the application, evidence, and notice of hearing. Use an approved method before the deadline. Keep proof of service for the hearing. Late or improper service can delay your case. Confirm you served every document listed.

Do you pay a filing fee?

Often yes, unless you qualify for a waiver. Fee rules can change. Check current requirements before filing. If you seek a waiver, submit that request with your form. Keep proof of any fee payment.

Do you get a same-day decision?

Not always. Some urgent requests can get interim orders quickly. Others proceed to a fast hearing date. Timelines depend on the facts and capacity. File complete materials to avoid delays. Be ready to answer questions from the decision-maker.

Do you need to attend in person?

Hearings are usually remote. You may join by phone or online. Your notice of hearing states the method. Test your setup before the hearing. Keep your documents open and ready to share.

Do you need a witness or affidavit?

Not always, but they can help. Use witnesses who saw or heard key events. Have them provide a clear, dated statement. Prepare to explain their relevance. Arrange their attendance at the hearing if needed.

Do you need to file a standard application as well?

Not if your issue fits the expedited process. This form is tailored to urgent tenant claims. If your dispute is broader, you may need another process. Keep your scope tight and urgent here. You can pursue other issues separately if needed.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the RTB-12T-EXH – Tenant’s Application for Dispute Resolution Expedited Hearing

Before signing

• Confirm urgency. Describe the harm that will occur if you wait.
• Write a dated timeline of key events.
• Gather the tenancy agreement and any addendums.
• Collect photos and videos showing the issue.
• Save texts, emails, letters, and voicemails.
• Pull utility bills or shutoff notices, if relevant.
• Gather receipts, invoices, and repair estimates.
• Get police, bylaw, or inspection notes, if any.
• Ask witnesses for short, signed statements.
• List exact orders you seek, including interim relief.
• Calculate any money you claim and why.
• Check the names of all tenants and landlords on the lease.
• Confirm the rental address and unit number.
• Decide how you will serve each document.
• Check the fee and any fee waiver documents.
• Confirm your contact details and availability.
• Plan your technology for the hearing.

During signing

• Verify your full legal name and contact details.
• Confirm landlord names exactly as on the lease.
• Enter the correct civic address and unit number.
• Select that this is an expedited tenant application.
• State each urgent issue clearly and briefly.
• Describe the harm that the delay will cause.
• Check the box to request any interim order.
• List each final order you want the tribunal to make.
• Itemize any money claims and attach support.
• Reference each piece of evidence by date and label.
• Confirm your service method for each party.
• Sign and date the declaration of truth.
• Add your representative’s details, if any.
• Review for conflicting dates or missing names.
• Ensure your attachments are legible and complete.

After signing

• File the form using the approved channel.
• Pay the fee or submit your fee waiver request.
• Save the filing confirmation and any case number.
• Read the notice of hearing and diarize deadlines.
• Serve the application, evidence, and notice on time.
• Use an approved service method for each party.
• Keep proof of service for the hearing.
• Prepare a hearing package with a clean index.
• Test your phone or video setup.
• Arrange witness availability and statements.
• Draft a short opening summary to guide the hearing.
• Update your timeline if new events occur.
• Store a complete copy in a safe location.

Common Mistakes to Avoid RTB-12T-EXH – Tenant’s Application for Dispute Resolution Expedited Hearing

• Filing without strong urgency

Don’t file expedited if the issue is not urgent. The tribunal may refuse the request. You may lose time and the fee. Use this form only when delay causes real harm.

• Thin or disorganized evidence

Don’t rely on general claims. Missing dates and documents weaken your case. The decision-maker may doubt your timeline. Organize your evidence and label each item.

• Wrong party names or address

Don’t misspell names or use nicknames. Errors can derail service and orders. Orders may not bind the right party. Copy names and the address from the lease.

• Skipping interim relief

Don’t forget to ask for interim orders when needed. You may wait weeks for a hearing. Harm can grow in that time. Ask for targeted relief now and support it with proof.

• Improper or late service

Don’t serve the wrong items or miss deadlines. The hearing can be adjourned or dismissed. You may need to re-serve everything. Track service and keep proof.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form RTB-12T-EXH – Tenant’s Application for Dispute Resolution Expedited Hearing

1. File the application promptly. Use the approved filing channel. Include all attachments and your fee or waiver request. Save the confirmation and any case number. Expect the notice of hearing shortly.
2. Review the notice of hearing as soon as you get it. Confirm the date, time, and attendance method. Note the service and evidence deadlines. Add reminders to your calendar. Share details with your representative, if any.
3. Serve the landlord and any other named parties. Include the application, evidence, and notice of hearing. Use an approved method for each person or entity. Complete service before the deadline. Keep proof for your records.
4. Check your evidence set for gaps. Add missing photos, logs, and receipts promptly. Update your timeline if events continue. Serve any new evidence within the deadline. Keep the package indexed and paginated.
5. Prepare for the hearing with a short plan. Write a three-minute opening summary. List the orders you seek, both interim and final. Note the key documents by exhibit label. Flag the top five facts you must prove.
6. Arrange your technology and setting. Test your phone or video. Use a quiet location with good reception. Keep backup dial-in details ready. Have a charger or power supply at hand.
7. Confirm witness participation. Share the hearing details and timing. Provide them with their statement and exhibits. Explain the questions you will ask first. Remind them to stick to facts they observed.
8. Consider amendments if facts change. You can narrow or adjust claims. File and serve any amendment within set timelines. Confirm the tribunal accepts the change. Bring both versions to the hearing.
9. If you resolve the issue, consider withdrawing. Confirm the settlement terms in writing. Ask about closing the file. Ensure any access or repairs actually occur. Keep proof of compliance.
10. Attend the hearing prepared and calm. Follow the decision-maker’s instructions. Present your timeline and evidence first. Answer questions directly and briefly. Take notes on any directions or deadlines.
11. After the hearing, watch for the decision. You may get an interim order first. Comply with any directions immediately. If you win money, gather payment details. If you get access or services restored, confirm it happened.
12. If the order is not followed, explore enforcement steps. Some orders require further action to enforce. Keep a record of non-compliance. Ask about the next procedural steps. Act quickly to preserve your rights.
13. If you think there is a serious error, act fast. Review options to challenge or review the decision. Deadlines can be short. Get advice if you can. File any request within the required window.
14. Keep your file organized until everything is complete. Store the decision, proof of service, and evidence. Keep notes on compliance and any payments. Archive emails and messages. You may need them later.