RTB-46 – Landlord’s Direct Request Worksheet

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

What is an RTB-46 – Landlord’s Direct Request Worksheet?

The RTB-46 is a preparation worksheet. It helps you assemble the facts and documents for a Direct Request. A Direct Request is a streamlined process to get an Order of Possession and related money claims. It usually applies to non-payment of rent or utilities. It relies on documents instead of a full hearing. The worksheet ensures your material is complete, consistent, and eligible before you apply.

Think of RTB-46 as your quality control tool. It prompts you to confirm key dates and service details. It guides you to calculate arrears and fees with a clear rent ledger. It helps you match your claim to your notice to end tenancy. It also reminds you to attach proof for every statement you make. Many applications fail due to simple mistakes. This worksheet reduces those risks.

Who typically uses this form?

Residential landlords, property managers, and their staff use it. Strata lot owners with tenants use it. Housing providers use it. Lawyers, paralegals, and authorized agents also rely on it when they act for a landlord. If you manage more than one unit, the worksheet supports consistent practice across files.

Why would you need this form?

Use it when your tenant has not paid rent or utilities. You served a valid notice to end tenancy for non-payment. The time for the tenant to dispute has passed. The tenant has not paid or moved out. You want a faster path to an enforceable order based on documents. The worksheet ensures your application meets every requirement of the process.

Typical usage scenarios

A tenant does not pay the full rent on the first of the month. You serve a 10‑day notice to end tenancy for non‑payment. The tenant does not pay within the allowed cure period. The tenant does not file a dispute. You complete the RTB-46 to prepare your Direct Request. You attach the tenancy agreement, the notice to end tenancy, and proof of service. You include a full rent ledger and proof of arrears. You ask for an Order of Possession and a monetary order for unpaid rent and fees.

Another scenario involves unpaid utilities. The tenancy agreement makes the tenant responsible for utilities. The tenant does not pay, and you cover the bill. You serve a notice to end tenancy for unpaid utilities. The tenant does not cure the default. You complete the worksheet to compile the ledger, the notice, bills, and payment proof. You apply for possession and the utility charges as part of your claim.

You might also use the worksheet after a bounced payment. A cheque is returned NSF, and the tenant does not replace it. You add the returned amount and bank charges to your ledger. You serve the notice. The tenant does not pay. The worksheet helps you set out the sums and attach the bank notice.

In each case, the worksheet is not the application itself. It is a structured checklist. It makes your Direct Request stronger and faster to assess. It ensures your claim matches the evidence and the notice you served.

When Would You Use an RTB-46 – Landlord’s Direct Request Worksheet?

You use the worksheet when you plan to file a Direct Request. Direct Requests are available for clear, document‑based claims. The most common is non‑payment of rent. Another is non‑payment of utilities when the tenancy makes the tenant responsible for them. You must have served a valid notice to end tenancy for that non‑payment. The tenant must not have disputed the notice within the allowed time. The tenant must still be in possession, or you still seek a monetary order.

Here is a practical example. Rent is due on the first of each month. On the third, no rent has arrived. You serve a 10‑day notice to end tenancy for non‑payment. You calculate the deemed service date based on the service method. You give the tenant the chance to pay within the cure period. The tenant does nothing. On the day after the dispute period expires, you start your Direct Request. You use the worksheet to confirm dates, calculate arrears, and list attachments.

Here is another example. A tenant pays partial rent for several months. Arrears build up. You maintain a ledger that shows the due amounts and every payment. You serve one notice to end tenancy that covers the unpaid portion. The tenant fails to cure. You apply by Direct Request with a complete ledger and proof of service. The worksheet walks you through what to include and how to present it.

Consider a building where multiple adults sign the tenancy. All are liable for rent. None pays. You must name all tenants on your application. You must serve each tenant properly. The worksheet prompts you to capture the name and service details for each person. It helps you avoid missing a party, which can delay or derail your request.

You also use the worksheet if you are an agent rather than the owner. You need written authority to act. The worksheet reminds you to include that authority. It also keeps your contact details organized for orders and communications.

There are times when you would not use the worksheet. If your issue is noise, smoking, or damage, you need a different process. If you served a notice for cause, notice for demolition, or landlord use, a Direct Request does not apply. If the tenant filed a timely dispute against your notice, you will proceed to a participatory hearing. The worksheet is not designed for those matters.

In short, you use the RTB-46 when your claim is document‑driven and time-sensitive. You have a valid notice to end tenancy for non‑payment. The notice was properly served. The tenant did not dispute in time. You want to move directly to an order based on records, not testimony.

Legal Characteristics of the RTB-46 – Landlord’s Direct Request Worksheet

The worksheet itself is not legally binding. It does not create rights or obligations. It is a tool to organize facts and evidence. Its legal value comes from how it supports your Direct Request application. A complete and consistent package increases the chance of an order. An incomplete package risks dismissal or delay.

A Direct Request can lead to two types of orders. You can get an Order of Possession. You can also get a monetary order for rent, utilities, fees, and the filing fee. These orders are legally binding once issued. If granted, they can be enforced through the courts and a bailiff if needed. A tenant who does not comply can face enforcement action.

What ensures enforceability?

Accuracy and compliance do. You must show a valid residential tenancy. The unit must be within provincial jurisdiction. The parties must be correctly named. The tenancy agreement must support your claim, including rent and utilities. You must show a valid notice to end tenancy for non‑payment. The notice must be complete, correct, and based on the actual arrears. You must prove proper service of the notice. You must account for deemed service timelines. You must attach a clear rent ledger that matches your claim. You must calculate totals and credits correctly. You must include proof of payments received and any NSF events. The amount you claim must not exceed what the notice and ledger support.

Procedural fairness matters. A decision maker reviews your application on the record. They check the dates, service, and documents. They confirm that the tenant had the right to dispute and did not. They ensure the amounts and remedies align with the law and your notice. If something is unclear or missing, the application can be dismissed. You may be told to reapply through a regular hearing. In some cases, you might be allowed to correct and resubmit. The exact outcome depends on the error and the stage.

Tenants retain limited recourse. A tenant may apply to set aside a Direct Request order in narrow circumstances. For example, they may claim they did not receive the notice or the application. They may claim they paid within the cure period. They may claim administrative error. If they succeed, the order can be cancelled or varied. This is why proof of service and a precise ledger are crucial.

There are general legal considerations to weigh. The notice must reflect real arrears on the date of service. You must update your ledger for any payments made after the service. You must adjust your claim to reflect those payments. You must credit the security deposit with interest if you claim rent that overlaps the end of tenancy. You must not double‑count fees or charges not allowed by law. You must keep all attachments legible and complete. You must confirm the application fee, if any, and include it in your monetary claim if you want it back.

The RTB-46 helps you manage these issues. It guides you to test eligibility, confirm service, and align your ask with your proof. That discipline is what turns a paper file into an enforceable order.

How to Fill Out an RTB-46 – Landlord’s Direct Request Worksheet

Follow these steps in order. Keep your sentences short in the worksheet. Align names, dates, and amounts across every section.

1) Confirm eligibility for a Direct Request

• Identify the reason for ending the tenancy. It must be non‑payment of rent or utilities.
• Confirm you served a valid notice to end tenancy for that reason.
• Confirm the tenant did not pay or dispute within the allowed time.
• Confirm you are seeking an Order of Possession and related money claims.
• If any answer is no, stop. Use a different process.

2) Identify the parties

• List the full legal name of the landlord. Use the name on the tenancy agreement or title.
• If a company owns the unit, use the company’s legal name.
• List the full legal names of all tenants on the agreement. Do not use nicknames.
• If there are occupants not on the lease, note them as occupants only.
• If you are an agent, list your name and contact information. Attach written authority to act.

3) Identify the rental unit

• Write the full civic address, including unit number and postal code.
• Include the building name if relevant.
• Confirm the address matches the one on the notice and the agreement.

4) Set out the tenancy details

• Record the tenancy start date and type (fixed term or month‑to‑month).
• List the monthly rent amount and due date each month.
• Note what utilities the tenant must pay under the agreement.
• Record the security deposit amount and date received. Include pet deposit if any.
• Attach the signed tenancy agreement or accepted offer of tenancy.

5) Describe the notice to end tenancy

• Identify the notice type used for non‑payment.
• Record the date you served the notice.
• Record the method of service. Be specific and consistent.
• Calculate the deemed service date based on the method used.
• Record the deadline for the tenant to pay or dispute. Do not guess.
• Attach a legible copy of the notice you served. Include all pages.

6) Prove service of the notice

• Attach a completed proof of service if you use one.
• If you used mail, attach the receipt and envelope if available.
• If you posted or delivered, record the date, time, and location. Be precise.
• If you used an agent, include their service notes and details.
• Ensure your service method is allowed for this notice type.

7) Build a complete rent ledger

• Start from the start of the tenancy or from the last zero balance.
• For each month, show:
• Rent due date and amount.
• Payments received, with date and amount.
• Any returned payments, with bank proof.
• Running balance after each entry.
• Include utility charges you paid that the tenant owes, if applicable.
• Separate rent from utilities and fees. Label each line.
• Double‑check math. The closing balance should match your claim.

8) Calculate your monetary claim

• List unpaid rent up to the application date.
• List unpaid utilities you paid, with copies of bills and proof of payment.
• List bank charges for returned payments, with bank proof.
• List the application fee, if you want it reimbursed.
• Do not add late fees unless the law allows them and you have proof.
• Subtract any payments received after the notice date.
• Note the security deposit if you intend to apply it later. Do not deduct it now unless appropriate.

9) Align your claim with your notice

• Ensure the amounts on the notice match the arrears at the notice date.
• Ensure your application claim adds only amounts that became due after that.
• If the tenant paid part after service, reflect that in your ledger and claim.
• Do not claim items not covered by the notice reason. Keep it consistent.

10) Attach supporting documents

• Tenancy agreement and any addendums.
• Notice to end tenancy for non‑payment.
• Proof of service for the notice.
• Full rent ledger with running balance.
• Proof of payments received and returned cheques or transfers.
• Utility bills and proof of payment, if claimed.
• Written authority to act, if you are an agent.
• Any correspondence that confirms facts, such as payment promises.

11) Complete the worksheet declarations

• Some worksheets include a certification section. If present, sign and date.
• Confirm the information is true and complete to the best of your knowledge.
• Print your name and role. Include contact details where asked.

12) Review for consistency

• Check that names match across all documents.
• Check that the rental address matches on every page.
• Check dates for the notice, service, and ledger entries.
• Reconcile the math in the ledger and the claim total.
• Ensure every claim line has a matching document.

13) Prepare the Direct Request application

• Use the worksheet to input data into the application form.
• Attach all documents listed in your worksheet.
• Ensure scanned files are legible and in the correct orientation.
• Name files clearly so they correspond to your worksheet sections.

14) Plan for the delivery of the application to the tenant

• Some processes require you to serve the application on the tenant. Check your process.
• If service is required, choose an allowed method and record it.
• Keep proof of service of the application, if you must serve it.

15) Keep an organized file

• Keep the original notices and agreements.
• Keep copies of all attachments and the worksheet.
• Keep your ledger in editable form for quick updates.
• Be ready to provide any item that the decision maker requests.

16) After you receive an order

• If you get an Order of Possession, note the move‑out date.
• Communicate that date to the tenant in writing.
• If the tenant does not vacate, contact a bailiff to enforce the order.
• If you get a monetary order, consider filing it as a judgment to enforce it.
• Update your file with the order and any next steps.

Examples help make this real. Say rent is $1,800 due on the first. The tenant pays nothing in April. You serve a 10‑day notice on April 3 by a permitted method. Deemed service is April 3 for this example. The cure and dispute period passes with no action. Your ledger shows April rent as owing. You apply by Direct Request on April 9. You attach the agreement, the notice, proof of service, and the ledger. You claim the April rent and the application fee. If the tenant paid $500 on April 6, you show that payment. You reduce your claim to $1,300 plus the fee. Your worksheet ensures that all numbers align.

Another example involves utilities. The agreement makes the tenant responsible for hydro. The tenant does not pay the January bill. You pay to keep the service active. You serve a notice for unpaid utilities when allowed. The tenant does not cure the default. Your ledger includes the hydro bill amount under utilities. You attach the bill and your proof of payment. You keep rent and utilities separate in your claim. The worksheet helps you present this cleanly.

A final example shows multiple tenants. Two adults are on the lease. Neither pays March rent. You serve each tenant. You record service details for each. You include both names on the application. Your ledger lists the unit balance, not separate balances. You claim the March rent once, against both tenants. The worksheet helps you avoid missing a party or duplicating a claim.

Use the RTB-46 to slow down at the right moments. Confirm the dates. Match the numbers. Prove the service. Attach the documents. Do that, and your Direct Request stands on solid ground.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

Direct request means you ask for a quick decision without a hearing. You use it when a tenant does not pay rent or utilities after notice. This worksheet helps you prove the amounts and dates for that request.

Notice to end tenancy is the written notice you gave for unpaid rent or utilities. The notice shows the date the tenancy will end if the tenant does not pay. Your worksheet should match the notice date and amount exactly.

Effective date is the date the tenancy ends on the notice. You count days of service to calculate it correctly. Your worksheet must reflect that timeline so the decision-maker sees you complied.

Service means how you delivered the notice and documents to the tenant. Each method has rules and timelines. In the worksheet, you record when and how you served the notice.

Proof of service is your evidence that you served documents properly. It can be a mail receipt, affidavit, or a signed acknowledgment. You must align your worksheet dates with your proof of service.

Rent ledger is a month-by-month record of charges, payments, and balances. The worksheet functions like a rent ledger tailored to the request. It shows the unpaid amount as of the notice date and after.

Returned payment (NSF) is a payment that the bank did not honour. If a payment bounced, include the date and fee. The worksheet should show the reversal and the resulting balance.

Monetary order is the decision that awards money for unpaid amounts and fees. In a direct request, you ask for a monetary order with the order of possession. Your worksheet supports the total claimed.

Order of possession is the decision that gives you the right to regain the unit. It depends on a valid notice and unpaid rent or utilities. Your worksheet helps justify why the order should be issued.

Filing fee recovery allows you to add the application fee to your claim. The worksheet should include this fee in the total claimed. Make sure you list it as a separate line item.

Evidence package is the set of documents you submit with your request. It usually includes the notice, proof of service, the agreement, and the worksheet. The totals and dates must be consistent across all items.

Declaration is your statement that the information is true. You confirm the contents of the worksheet and evidence. This helps the decision-maker rely on your submission.

FAQs

Do you need to use the worksheet for every direct request?

You should complete it whenever you apply by direct request for unpaid rent or utilities. It organizes your claim and reduces errors. Some decision-makers expect it in the file. Treat it as part of your standard package.

Do you include rent that came due after the notice date?

You can show all charges up to the filing date. Still, separate the amount due on the notice date from later amounts. The notice relies on the balance when it was served. The worksheet should make that distinction clear.

Do you include utilities in the same worksheet?

Yes, if your notice includes unpaid utilities, show them on separate lines. Attach the utility statement or a clear calculation. Make sure your tenancy agreement allows you to charge utilities separately.

Do you include late fees, NSF fees, or other charges?

Only include fees allowed under the tenancy agreement and local rules. List each fee with the date and basis. Avoid adding unapproved penalties. If in doubt, limit your claim to rent, utilities, and allowable fees.

Do you need to serve the worksheet to the tenant?

You must serve all documents that form part of your application package. Include the worksheet with the notice, rent ledger, and proof of service, if required. That way, the tenant sees the calculations you rely on.

Do you have to attend a hearing for a direct request?

Direct request is a paper-based process. You usually do not attend a hearing. The decision-maker reviews your documents and issues a decision. Errors or missing items may lead to dismissal or a regular hearing.

Do you file a new worksheet if the tenant pays after you file?

Update your figures right away. File a revised worksheet and a short note explaining the payment. Ask to adjust the claim or withdraw if fully paid. Keep proof of the payment and timing.

Do you need one worksheet for each tenant named?

Use one worksheet per tenancy agreement and rental unit. Include all tenants listed on the agreement. Name each tenant consistently across all documents. If there are separate agreements, file separate packages.

Checklist: Before, During, and After

Before signing

• Tenancy agreement, including any addenda.
• Full names of all tenants and the rental address.
• Rent amount, frequency, and due date.
• Utility obligations and how they are billed.
• The notice to end tenancy for unpaid rent or utilities.
• Proof of service for the notice, with dates and method.
• Rent ledger from the start of the tenancy or the last zero balance.
• Bank statements or accounting records showing payments and NSF returns.
• Utility invoices or meter statements, if claiming utilities.
• Any written payment plans or promises to pay.
• The application filing fee amount and receipt, if already paid.
• Calendar to confirm timelines and service days.

During signing

• Confirm the legal names match the tenancy agreement.
• Verify the rental address, including unit number and postal code.
• Check the notice date and effective date match the notice served.
• Confirm service details: method, date, and any required added days.
• Separate amounts due on the notice date from later accruals.
• Add NSF fees only if allowed and documented.
• List the filing fee as a separate line item.
• Recalculate the total claimed and cross-check with the ledger.
• Confirm you have attached the notice and proof of service.
• Ensure the declaration section is signed and dated.
• Use clear, legible figures with no blanks where totals are needed.
• Keep page numbers and tenant names consistent across pages.

After signing

• Assemble your application package with the worksheet and evidence.
• File your direct request using the accepted submission method.
• Pay the filing fee and save the confirmation.
• Calendar the expected decision timeline.
• Serve the tenant with the application package if required.
• Keep proof of service for the application package.
• Monitor for tenant payment or response after filing.
• If the tenant pays, update and file a revised worksheet.
• If asked for more information, respond by the deadline given.
• Store a complete copy of everything you filed and served.
• After receiving a decision, follow any service or enforcement steps.
• Close your file only after you recover amounts or regain possession.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing up service dates and effective dates. Don’t forget that some service methods add days before a notice takes effect. Wrong dates can void your notice and derail your request.

• Claiming amounts not allowed under your agreement. Don’t include unapproved late fees or penalties. Over-claiming can lead to a partial dismissal or a full rejection.

• Leaving out proof of service. Don’t assume your statement is enough. Missing proof can result in dismissal without a decision on the merits.

• Using an incomplete or inconsistent rent ledger. Don’t skip months or fail to show NSF reversals. Gaps or errors reduce credibility and can cause delays.

• Not updating after a payment. Don’t keep a higher claim if the tenant pays part or all. Failure to adjust can undermine your request and risk costs.

• Naming the wrong tenant or address. Don’t miss middle names or unit numbers. Identity errors can make any order unenforceable.

• Forgetting the filing fee in your claim. Don’t leave recoverable costs on the table. If allowed, list the fee clearly as its own line.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

1) Finalize your evidence package

• Place the worksheet at the front of your financial documents.
• Include the notice to end tenancy and proof of service.
• Add the tenancy agreement and any utility statements.
• Insert the rent ledger and bank proof of payments and NSF returns.
• Number pages and create a simple contents page if needed.

2) File your direct request

• Submit your application with the worksheet and evidence.
• Pay the filing fee and save the receipt.
• Record your file number and submission date.

3) Serve the tenant, if required

• Serve the full application package, including the worksheet.
• Use an allowed method and note the date and time.
• Keep proof of service for your records.

4) Track deadlines and responses

• Calendar the date you expect a decision.
• Watch for any requests for more information.
• If a tenant pays or contacts you, document it.

5) Amend if details change

• If you discover an error, prepare a corrected worksheet.
• File the updated version with a short explanation.
• Serve the revised worksheet to the tenant, if required.

6) Receive and act on the decision

• Read the decision carefully and confirm the amounts awarded.
• If you receive an order of possession, note key dates.
• Follow the required steps to enforce the order, if needed.

7) Close out and store records

• Mark the account paid when you receive funds.
• Issue a receipt to the tenant for any payment.
• Save the full file for your retention period.
• Note lessons learned to improve your next filing.

8) If your request is dismissed

• Review the reason given for dismissal.
• Correct the issue, such as a service or calculation.
• Consider filing a standard hearing, if appropriate.
• Keep your records ready in case you refile.

9) Prevent repeat issues

• Update your intake checklist for new tenancies.
• Tighten your payment tracking and NSF procedures.
• Standardize how you document services and notices.
• Train staff to use the worksheet the same way every time.