RTB-17 – Application to Waive Filing Fee

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

What is an RTB-17 – Application to Waive Filing Fee in British Columbia?

The RTB-17 is the Residential Tenancy Branch’s form to ask for a fee waiver. You use it when you need to file or continue a Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) application but cannot afford the filing fee. The fee waiver request applies to administrative fees the RTB charges, most commonly the dispute resolution filing fee. If the RTB approves your request, you do not pay that fee for the application covered by the waiver.

Who typically uses this form?

Tenants and landlords involved in residential tenancy disputes under the Residential Tenancy Act or the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act. That includes:

• Tenants seeking repairs, compensation, or return of deposits.
• Landlords seeking an order to end a tenancy, recover unpaid rent, or enforce rights.
• Manufactured home park landlords and tenants who need RTB dispute resolution.

Why would you need this form?

Because paying the filing fee would cause financial hardship. You may be on a fixed income, receiving income or disability assistance, or facing a sudden loss of income or an emergency expense. The RTB-17 gives you a way to continue with your tenancy application without the fee blocking you.

Typical usage scenarios

• You are a tenant living on disability assistance. You need an urgent repair order. You cannot afford the filing fee this month. You submit the RTB-17 with your dispute application.
• You are a tenant who lost work unexpectedly. You need to dispute a notice to end tenancy. You request a fee waiver while you file to meet the deadline.
• You are a landlord living on a low fixed pension. You must apply for an order for unpaid rent. You include the RTB-17 to ask for the fee to be waived.
• You are a manufactured home park tenant disputing illegal pad rent increases. You attach the RTB-17 and proof of income to request a waiver.

The RTB assesses your ability to pay based on your income, assets, and essential expenses. You should attach documents that show your financial situation. Approval is not automatic. Each request is assessed on its own facts. If the RTB approves the waiver, your application proceeds without payment. If the RTB denies it, you will be told to pay the fee by a set deadline so your case can move forward.

When Would You Use an RTB-17 – Application to Waive Filing Fee in British Columbia?

Use the RTB-17 when you need to file an RTB application but cannot pay the filing fee right now. You should submit the waiver request at the same time as your main application. If you file online, you upload the RTB-17 and your supporting documents together. If you file by fax or in person, include the RTB-17 with your application package. Do not wait to see if your financial situation improves if there is a strict deadline. File both together to protect your timelines.

Common situations:

• You are applying for dispute resolution to challenge a notice to end tenancy. The deadline is near. You submit your application and the RTB-17 together so the Branch can assess the waiver without delaying your filing.
• You need an early hearing for urgent repairs or essential services. You submit the RTB-17, so the fee does not hold up your urgent request.
• You are applying for review consideration of an RTB decision, but cannot pay the review fee. You include an RTB-17 with your review application.
• You are a landlord who must apply to end a tenancy for non-paymen,t but you cannot pay the fee due to a recent income disruption. You request the waiver so the application can proceed.

Typical users include tenants, landlords, and manufactured home park tenants and landlords. The RTB decides waiver eligibility based on individual or household finances, not your role in the tenancy. If you are a corporation or business landlord, you must still show why your organization cannot pay the fee. The Branch looks at available resources, not just the current month’s cash flow.

You should not use the RTB-17 after you have already paid the fee. The waiver does not operate as a refund request. If you can afford the fee and there is a strict filing deadline, consider paying the fee to ensure your application is accepted. You can still ask the arbitrator to order the other party to reimburse the fee if you win. A waiver is different. If the fee is waived, there is no fee to recover.

Legal Characteristics of the RTB-17 – Application to Waive Filing Fee in British Columbia

The RTB-17 is an administrative application to the Residential Tenancy Branch. It is not a contract between you and the other party. It is a formal request asking the Branch to exercise its authority to waive a filing fee. Your signature certifies that your information is true and complete. The RTB uses that information to decide your eligibility. The decision is made by the Branch in line with its policies and the governing legislation.

Is it legally binding? The waiver decision is binding on the parties for the purposes of that filing fee. If approved, the Branch processes your application without payment. If denied, you must pay the fee by the deadline given. Otherwise, your application may not proceed. The RTB’s authority to set and waive fees comes from the legislative framework that governs the Branch. You do not need to cite the law on the form. You only need to provide accurate facts.

What ensures enforceability? The RTB controls access to its dispute resolution process. Your application is not complete until the fee is paid or waived. The Branch can approve a waiver, refuse it, or ask for more information. The RTB may also revoke a waiver if it later learns the information was false or incomplete. False statements can lead to serious consequences, including dismissal of your application and possible penalties allowed by law.

General legal considerations:

• A fee waiver does not change the legal deadlines for your tenancy application. You must still file your application on time.
• A fee waiver does not affect the merits of your dispute. The arbitrator decides your case based on the evidence and the law, not your waiver status.
• The RTB may require proof of income, assets, and expenses. It may verify information with documents you provide.
• Personal information on the RTB-17 is collected for the purpose of assessing eligibility for the waiver and administering your file. The Branch protects personal information in line with the laws that apply to public bodies.
• A fee waiver usually applies to a single application. If you have multiple applications, you must request a waiver for each.
• If your waiver is denied, you can still proceed by paying the fee by the deadline the Branch gives you. If you do not pay, your application may be treated as not filed.

How to Fill Out an RTB-17 – Application to Waive Filing Fee in British Columbia

Follow these steps to complete the form accurately and increase your chance of approval. Prepare before you start. Gather your documents. You will need proof of your income, assets, and essential expenses.

Step 1: Confirm your application type

Decide what you are filing with the RTB. Common types include dispute resolution applications and requests for review consideration. The RTB-17 must match the application you are filing. If you are filing more than one application, you need a waiver request for each file.

Step 2: Complete applicant information

Provide your full legal name. Use your personal details if you are an individual tenant or landlord. If you are a business landlord, provide the legal business name and a contact person. Include:

• Mailing address and the address of the rental unit or park site, if different.
• Phone number and email address for contact.
• Your role in the tenancy: tenant, landlord, or manufactured home park party.
• Any RTB file number if the waiver relates to a specific existing file.

If there are joint applicants, list all applicants. One application typically has one filing fee. Still, you must disclose the household income of adult applicants where requested. The RTB looks at the ability to pay, not the number of applicants.

Step 3: Identify your request

State that you are applying for a fee waiver. Indicate the fee you seek to waive. This is usually the dispute resolution filing fee or a review consideration fee. If the form asks why you need the waiver, select the reason that fits. Common reasons include:

• You receive income assistance or disability assistance.
• You are low-income and cannot afford the fee.
• You face exceptional hardship this month.

Provide a short explanation. Keep it factual and clear. For example: “I receive disability assistance and have $0 left after rent and essentials.”

Step 4: Provide household information

List the number of people in your household. Include all adults and dependents who live with you. The RTB may assess your situation based on household size. If you share a home with adults who do not share finances, explain that. State your share of rent and expenses. Be precise.

Step 5: Disclose income

Report your gross monthly income from all sources. If you have no income, state $0. Common income sources include:

• Employment and self-employment income.
• Employment Insurance, CPP, OAS, GIS, or other benefits.
• Provincial income assistance or disability assistance.
• Child or spousal support.
• Pensions, RRSP/RRIF withdrawals, or investment income.
• Roommate contributions or boarder income, if applicable.

Attach documents to prove income. Suitable documents include pay stubs, benefit statements, bank statements showing deposits, or a recent tax notice of assessment. If your income changed recently, explain the change and attach proof (for example, a layoff notice).

If there are other adult members of your household, include their income. If they do not contribute, explain why and include any supporting documents.

Step 6: List assets

Provide details of liquid assets. List cash on hand, bank balances, and accessible savings. Include investments, vehicles, and property if the form asks. The RTB considers whether you have assets you can reasonably use to pay the fee. If an asset is not accessible, explain why. For example, “Funds are held in trust and not available to me.”

Step 7: Itemize essential monthly expenses

Show your monthly expenses with amounts and proof. Focus on essentials:

• Rent or pad rent.
• Utilities, phone, and internet are needed for work or communication.
• Groceries and basic household items.
• Transportation and insurance.
• Medical, disability-related, or caregiving costs.
• Childcare, school, or dependent support costs.
• Minimum debt payments.

Attach supporting documents where possible. Examples include a tenancy agreement, rent receipts, utility bills, insurance statements, and medical invoices. If the current month is unusual due to an emergency expense, explain and attach proof.

Step 8: Write your hardship statement

Use a short paragraph to explain why you cannot pay the fee now. Be direct and specific. Include any urgent factors, such as:

• Imminent risk of losing housing or essential utilities.
• A recent job loss or work hours cut.
• A medical crisis or caregiving emergency.
• Domestic violence or safety concerns impacting finances.

Tie your explanation to the numbers you provided. For example: “After rent ($1,200) and utilities ($180), my income assistance leaves $65 for food and transport. I cannot pay the fee.”

Step 9: Representative information (if any)

If an advocate, family member, or agent helps you, add their contact details. The RTB may require written authorization when someone acts for you. If you already filed an authorization, reference it. Otherwise, include a signed authorization with your application. Your representative can complete the form, but you should review and sign it.

Step 10: Read the declaration and sign

Review everything carefully. Ensure amounts are correct and documents match your entries. Read the declaration. You confirm the information is true, and you understand the RTB may verify details. Sign and date the form. If filing online, follow the instructions for electronic declarations. If you are a business, the authorized signing officer should sign and include their title.

Step 11: Attach your supporting documents

Make a simple attachment checklist. Include:

• Proof of income for all adults in the household.
• Proof of assets, including recent bank statements.
• Proof of essential expenses, including rent and utilities.
• Any documents that explain sudden changes or emergencies.

Label each document clearly. For example, “Smith_Jan Bank Statement.pdf” or “Jones_DisabilityStatement_May.pdf.” Avoid sending originals. Use copies or scans.

Step 12: Submit the RTB-17 with your application

File the RTB-17 at the same time as your RTB application. Keep copies of everything. If you are filing multiple applications, include a separate RTB-17 for each application unless the Branch instructs otherwise. If you file by fax or in person, place the RTB-17 directly behind the related application so they stay together.

What happens after you file

The RTB reviews your request. You may get a request for more information. Respond quickly. The Branch will tell you if the waiver is approved or denied.

• If approved: Your application proceeds without payment. You will receive a notice of hearing or the next steps for your file.
• If denied: The RTB will set a deadline for you to pay the fee. Pay by the deadline to avoid delays or dismissal. If you cannot pay even after denial, you can submit new information for reconsideration, but do not count on more time. Deadlines are firm.

Practical tips to avoid delays

• • File early if possible. Do not wait until the last day.
  • Total the numbers you report. Make sure they add up.
  • Use consistent figures across the form and documents.
  • Explain any missing documents. For example, “I will receive my benefit statement on the 28th. I attached last month’s statement.”
  • If your income or expenses vary, show an average and include notes. Attach several months of statements for context if you have them.
  • If your household members are not financially connected, say so and show your share of costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving sections blank. Use $0 or “Not applicable” rather than gaps.
• Forgetting to sign and date the form.
• Not including proof for income or rent.
• Listing net income in one place and gross income elsewhere without notes.
• Providing bank statements that hide balances or key entries.

Special situations

• Joint applicants: If you and a co-tenant file together, disclose both incomes unless there is a clear separation of finances. Explain how you split expenses.
• Corporate landlords: Provide financial statements or bank records showing cash constraints. The RTB will look at the organization’s ability to pay, not the owner’s personal finances.
• Students: Include proof of student status, funding, and living costs. If you rely on family support, explain amounts and regularity.
• No fixed address: Explain your current situation. Provide any available mail address and a reliable phone or email. Show income and expenses you do have.
• Emergencies: If you need urgent relief, emphasize the emergency in your hardship statement and include proof.

Understanding outcomes and next steps

• If you win your dispute: An arbitrator may order the other party to repay the filing fee you paid. If your fee was waived, there is no fee to recover.
• If your waiver is approved, it covers only the specific application listed. It does not cover future filings.
• If your waiver is denied and you later pay: Your case continues. The waiver decision does not affect how the arbitrator decides the dispute.
• If you need to withdraw your application: A waiver does not convert to a refund. There is no fee to refund if it was waived.

Time-sensitive filings

Some RTB applications have strict deadlines. For example, challenging certain notices requires filing within a set number of days. A waiver request does not extend those deadlines. File your application and RTB-17 together within the deadline. If time is extremely tight and you can afford the fee, paying at the time of filing is the safest option to avoid any processing lag. You can still seek reimbursement of the fee from the other party as part of your dispute.

How the RTB assesses hardship

The Branch looks at your whole picture:

• Monthly income compared to essential expenses.
• Availability of liquid assets to cover the fee.
• Household size and dependents.
• Recent changes like job loss, illness, or emergencies.
• Public benefits you receive and their amounts.

There is no single factor that guarantees approval. A clear, complete, and supported application helps the RTB make a quick and fair decision.

Final check before you submit

• Is every section complete?
• Did you sign and date the form?
• Do your totals make sense?
• Did you attach proof of income, rent, and key expenses?
• Did you include the RTB-17 with the correct application?

If you follow these steps, you put the RTB in the best position to assess your request quickly. That helps you move your tenancy application forward without delay.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

Applicant means the person asking to waive the filing fee. You complete and sign the form as the applicant. If you have a representative, you still remain the applicant.

Respondent means the other party in the tenancy dispute. You do not need their signature on this form. The form only deals with your finances.

Dispute resolution is the formal process to resolve tenancy issues. You submit this fee waiver with your dispute application so your case can move ahead.

Filing fee is the administrative cost to start dispute resolution. This form asks the decision-maker to excuse that payment.

Fee waiver means you ask not to pay the filing fee because of low income or hardship. Approval lets your dispute proceed without paying that fee.

Financial hardship means that paying the fee would cause significant difficulty. You show this through income, expenses, and supporting documents. The decision-maker weighs that information.

Household income means money coming into your home from all sources. Include your income and your spouse or partner’s income if you share a household. The form totals this to assess eligibility.

Income assistance refers to government income support programs. Proof of current assistance can support your waiver request. Attach recent statements or confirmation letters.

Disability assistance refers to disability income programs. Proof of enrollment or payment can support your request. Include recent statements if you receive such benefits.

Declaration means you swear the information is true. You sign and date this on the form. False or incomplete information can lead to refusal or penalties.

Consent to disclose means you allow the decision-maker to verify your information. You may authorize contact with an agency about your benefits. Read the consent carefully before signing.

FAQs

Do you have to submit this form with your dispute application?

Yes. File the fee waiver at the same time as your dispute application. If you file later, your dispute may not move forward. The decision-maker needs both to review your request and open your case.

Do you need to pay the fee first and ask for a refund?

No. Do not pay if you are seeking a waiver. Submit the waiver form and your dispute application together. If the waiver is denied, you will get a deadline to pay. If you miss that deadline, your dispute may be closed.

Do you qualify if you receive income or disability assistance?

You may qualify. Include recent proof of assistance and any other income in your household. The decision-maker will review all sources and your expenses. Approval is not automatic. Clear, current proof helps.

Do you need to include a spouse or partner’s income?

Yes, if you share a household. List your spouse or partner and their income. If you live together and share expenses, the household’s total income matters. If you do not share a household, explain that on the form.

Do you need to include roommate income?

Usually, no. Roommate income is not your household income if you do not share finances. Explain the arrangement if it might appear as shared income. Provide your share of rent and utilities to clarify expenses.

Do you have to submit original documents?

No. Copies are fine. Make sure copies are clear and readable. Include your name and relevant dates on each page. Keep your originals in case verification is needed later.

Do you need to reapply each time you start a new dispute?

Yes. The waiver applies to one dispute application only. If you file a new dispute later, you must submit a new waiver request. Update your income and documents each time.

Do you get a decision on the same day?

Not always. Processing times vary by volume and submission method. You may get a decision before your hearing is scheduled. Watch your email and mail for updates. Respond quickly to any follow-up questions.

Checklist: Before, During, and After

Before signing: Information and documents to gather

• Your full legal name and contact details.
• Your dispute application details, including the file number if available.
• Proof of current income for you and your spouse or partner.
• Recent pay stubs, benefit statements, or pension slips.
• Bank statements that show regular deposits and key expenses.
• Rent or mortgage amount, utilities, and major monthly bills.
• Proof of extraordinary expenses, such as medical or caregiving costs.
• Identification to match your name on documents.
• A brief explanation of hardship if income is irregular or new.
• Representative authorization, if someone will file for you.

During signing: Sections to verify

• Names and addresses match your dispute application.
• Household members and income totals are accurate and complete.
• You checked the correct boxes for the income sources you receive.
• You explained any zero income or gaps in work.
• You added up the monthly amounts correctly and used the same time period.
• All supporting documents are attached and labeled.
• You signed and dated the declaration section.
• You initialed any consent to disclose information, if included.
• Your representative’s details and authority are recorded, if used.
• The form is readable and free of blank required fields.

After signing: Filing, notifying, and storing

• Submit the waiver with your dispute application in the same package.
• Keep a full copy of the completed form and all attachments.
• Note the date and method of submission in your records.
• Watch for a confirmation notice or a request for more information.
• If the waiver is denied, note the payment deadline immediately.
• If approved, confirm your hearing details and next steps.
• Store your documents until the dispute is fully resolved.
• Update your representative on all decisions and deadlines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to include household income. Leaving out a spouse or partner’s income often leads to refusal. Don’t forget to list all household sources.

• Using gross annual figures when the form asks for monthly amounts. Mismatched periods cause confusion and delays. Convert amounts to the requested time frame.

• Attaching outdated or unclear documents. Old statements or unreadable copies may trigger a follow-up. Use recent, legible documents that show your name and dates.

• Leaving required fields blank or missing a signature. Incomplete forms are often returned. Sign, date, and initial all places marked.

• Submitting the waiver after the dispute application. Separate or late filing can stall your case. File both together to avoid processing gaps.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

Submit the fee waiver with your dispute application. Keep all pages in order. Include your supporting documents behind the form. If you file online, attach clear scans as one bundle. If you file by mail or in person, include copies, not originals.

Track your submission. Note the date, time, and method used. Save any confirmation numbers. Create a folder for this dispute. Add your copies and your tracking details to it.

Watch for a decision. You may receive an approval or a request for more information. Respond within the stated timeline. If you need more time to gather documents, contact the office promptly.

If your waiver is approved, proceed with your dispute. Confirm your hearing date and time when you receive notice. Prepare your evidence for the dispute itself. The filing fee will not be required.

If your waiver is denied, act quickly. You will be given a deadline to pay the fee. Pay within that period to keep your dispute active. If you miss the deadline, your dispute may be closed.

If your circumstances change, update your request. For example, if you lost income after filing, you can submit new proof. Do this before the decision is made on the waiver. Clearly label the update with your file details.

If you made an error on the form, correct it. Submit an amended page or a new form. State what changed and why. Attach corrected documents. Act before a decision is issued to avoid delay.

Tell your representative about all updates. Share copies of decisions and notices. Confirm who will respond to any questions from the decision-maker.

Keep your records organized. Store your completed form, proof of submission, and all decisions. Do not discard documents until the dispute has fully ended. Retain records longer if an order is under review or enforcement.