RTB-47 – Tenant’s Notice of Forwarding Address for the Return of Security and/or Pet Damage Deposit

Jurisdiction: Canada | Province or State: British Columbia

What is an RTB-47 – Tenant Notice of Forwarding Address?

The RTB-47 is a Residential Tenancy Branch notice you use to give your landlord your forwarding address after your tenancy ends. It is a simple, formal way to tell the landlord where to send your security deposit and pet deposit. It also tells them where to send any post-tenancy mail tied to your rental.

You use this form when you are moving out or have already moved. The Residential Tenancy Act requires you to give a forwarding address in writing. The landlord’s legal deadline to return your deposit starts only after they receive your address in writing. The RTB-47 lets you do that cleanly, with a clear record.

You will typically use this form if you were on a residential tenancy agreement in British Columbia. That includes apartments, houses, basement suites, secondary suites, townhomes, and manufactured home sites. If more than one tenant is named on the tenancy, each tenant should be listed. You can provide one shared forwarding address, or you can each provide your own. If you want the deposit paid to one tenant only, each tenant should confirm that in writing.

You need this form to protect your deposit. Without a written forwarding address, the landlord is not required to send the deposit. If you do not provide an address within one year after the tenancy ends, you may lose the right to claim the deposit. The RTB-47 avoids that risk. It also creates a timestamped paper trail that you can use if a dispute arises.

Common usage scenarios include a tenant moving to a new city, a student leaving a shared rental, or a family who will not have a stable address right away. You can list a PO Box or a trusted “care of” address if you are in transition. You can also use this form to update your address if you move again within months of ending the tenancy. The most important point is that the landlord receives a clear written address for you.

When Would You Use an RTB-47 – Tenant Notice of Forwarding Address?

You use it at move-out, or any time after, to trigger the deposit return clock. The best practice is to hand the landlord this form at the move-out inspection. That gives you a date-stamped handoff and avoids delay. If you do not have your new address yet, send the form as soon as you do. You can send an updated notice later if your address changes.

You will also use it if your landlord asks for a forwarding address or says they cannot return the deposit without one. Put your address on the RTB-47, sign it, and serve it properly. That shifts the next step back to the landlord. They then have a specific number of days to return the funds or file for dispute resolution if they claim deductions.

If the landlord and you disagree about deductions, you still send the RTB-47. The forwarding address does not mean you agree to deductions. It only tells the landlord where to send money or documents. If the landlord files a dispute, the forwarding address ensures you get notice of the hearing.

If there were multiple tenants and some moved to different places, the RTB-47 is even more important. The landlord often issues one cheque payable to all named tenants by default. If you want the landlord to send separate cheques or pay one tenant on behalf of all, you should spell that out. That instruction should be in writing and signed by everyone named on the tenancy.

If the landlord used a property manager, you serve the property manager with the RTB-47. They are the landlord’s agent. The same service rules and deadlines apply. If the property manager changes, send the notice to the service address you were given during the tenancy. If you are unsure, send it to both the old manager and the owner’s service address listed on your tenancy agreement.

Finally, if you moved abroad, you still use the RTB-47. Provide an international mailing address or a Canadian address you trust, such as a friend or family member. You can also authorize an electronic transfer in writing if the landlord is willing to pay that way. The law requires return within a set time after proper notice, regardless of where you live.

Legal Characteristics of the RTB-47 – Tenant Notice of Forwarding Address

The RTB-47 is a statutory notice. It is not a contract. Its legal function is to satisfy the requirement that you provide your forwarding address in writing. Once properly served, it triggers the landlord’s legal deadline to return the security deposit and any pet damage deposit. It also fixes where official post-tenancy documents should be sent to you.

The notice is legally effective because it meets a requirement under the Residential Tenancy Act. The law ties the landlord’s duty to return the deposit to the later of two events: the end of the tenancy, or the tenant giving a forwarding address in writing. If the landlord believes they can claim deductions, they must either get your written consent or apply for dispute resolution within the deadline. They cannot hold the deposit indefinitely while they decide.

Enforceability depends on proper service and proof of service. Use an accepted service method, and keep your proof. In British Columbia, common service options include personal delivery, leaving it with the landlord’s agent, delivering to a management office, faxing to a known fax number, or mailing to the landlord’s service address. Email service is valid only if the landlord agreed in writing to accept service by email. If you mail the notice, delivery is deemed to occur a set number of days after mailing. If you hand-deliver it, delivery is usually effective the same day. These “deemed receipt” timelines matter because they start the landlord’s 15-day countdown.

There is also a one-year limit. If you do not give a forwarding address in writing within one year after the tenancy ends, you may forfeit the deposit. The landlord can then keep it. Sending the RTB-47 on time preserves your rights.

If the landlord fails to return the deposit within the legal deadline and does not file for dispute resolution in time, they risk monetary penalties. You can apply for an order requiring the return of the deposit and, in some cases, an additional amount because of the missed deadline. The written RTB-47 and proof of service are key evidence in that application.

If several tenants are on the agreement, the deposit belongs to them jointly unless they agree otherwise. The landlord often issues a cheque payable to all tenants. If you want the funds paid to one tenant or split between tenants, provide clear, signed instructions. The landlord needs that to pay out appropriately without risk.

Finally, the RTB-47 does not waive your rights. It does not give the landlord permission to deduct from the deposit. Any consent to deductions must be explicit and in writing. If you do not agree with the proposed deductions, say so in writing. The landlord then must apply for dispute resolution if they want to keep some or all of the deposit.

How to Fill Out an RTB-47 – Tenant Notice of Forwarding Address

You can complete this form in a few minutes. Accuracy and proof of service matter most. Follow these steps to prepare, complete, and serve it properly.

Step 1: Gather your information

Have your tenancy agreement, the landlord or agent’s service address, and any move-out documents handy. Confirm the exact names of all tenants on the agreement and the correct legal name of the landlord. If a property manager handled the tenancy, use their office address for service unless the landlord gave another address for service.

If you do not yet have a stable mailing address, decide on a reliable alternative. A PO Box, a work address that accepts mail, or a trusted friend’s address are all fine. Ensure you can actually receive a cheque or letter at that address.

Step 2: Identify the parties

Enter your full legal name as it appears on the tenancy agreement. If there are multiple tenants, list each name. This ensures the notice links clearly to the correct tenancy. Enter the landlord’s name. If a company owns the property, use the company’s legal name. If a property manager handled rent and inspections, include the management company’s name as the agent for the landlord.

Be consistent. Spelling differences can cause confusion or delays in processing the deposit.

Step 3: Describe the tenancy

Write the full rental unit address as it appears on the tenancy agreement. Include unit number, street address, city, and postal code. Add the tenancy start date and the date the tenancy ended. If you gave notice to end tenancy, the end date is the date you moved out and returned the keys under that notice. If the tenancy ended by mutual agreement or order, use that date.

This information connects your notice to a specific unit and timeframe. It helps the landlord confirm the correct file quickly.

Step 4: Provide your forwarding address

Enter your complete forwarding mailing address. Include the unit or suite number, street, city, province or state, country, and postal or ZIP code. This is where the landlord will send your deposit and any post-tenancy documents.

If you prefer electronic payment, state that preference and provide the needed details. For example, you can write that you authorize an e-transfer to a specific email address. The landlord is not required to use a specific electronic method, but many will if you authorize it in writing.

Add your phone number and email address. These are optional but useful. They give the landlord a quick way to confirm details or resolve minor issues that could delay payment.

If you expect to move again within weeks, note that you will provide an updated forwarding address if it changes. You can send a second RTB-47 later to update the record.

Step 5: Address multiple tenants and payment instructions

If more than one tenant is named on the agreement, confirm how you want the deposit paid. By default, many landlords issue a single cheque payable to all named tenants. If you want a single cheque payable to one tenant, include a short statement signed by all tenants authorizing payment to that person. If you want separate payments to each tenant, state the amounts or percentages and provide each recipient’s address. Each tenant should sign to confirm.

Clarity here prevents delays. Landlords are cautious about paying one tenant without consent from the others.

Step 6: Optional consent to deductions

If you have already agreed to specific deductions, list them clearly. For example, you might write that you consent to $100 for carpet cleaning and $50 for key replacement, and authorize the landlord to deduct those amounts from the deposit. Only include deductions you actually agree to. Do not sign a blank or vague consent.

If you do not agree to any deductions, say nothing about deductions. The forwarding address notice stands on its own. The landlord must return the full deposit or file for dispute resolution.

Step 7: Sign and date the notice

Sign and date the form. If multiple tenants are listed, each tenant should sign. Your signature confirms that you gave the forwarding address in writing on that date. The date is important because it links to the landlord’s 15-day deadline. If you are serving by mail, the deadline is measured from the deemed delivery date, not the signature date, but the signature date helps validate your record.

Step 8: Serve the notice properly

Choose a service method that creates proof and fits your timeline. Hand delivery to the landlord or property manager is fast and gives you same-day service. Ask them to acknowledge receipt on a copy, or take a photo of the handoff if appropriate. If you deliver to a management office, note the name of the person who accepted it.

If you fax it, keep the transmission confirmation sheet. If you mail it, use a trackable service and keep the receipt. Mailing adds a few days before the notice is deemed received. If the landlord agreed in writing to accept service by email, you can email a signed scan and keep the sent email with a timestamp. If you are unsure about email, do not rely on it alone. Use a method that the law recognizes without question.

Remember that the landlord’s 15-day clock starts after they are deemed to have received your notice. If you need faster action, avoid mail. If you are near the one-year limit, use a same-day method to protect your rights.

Step 9: Create and keep your proof of service file

Make a complete file in case you need to enforce your rights. Keep a copy of the signed RTB-47, the envelope and mailing receipt, the courier tracking page, the fax confirmation, or the written acknowledgment of receipt. Note the date, time, and method of service. If you posted it through a management office drop slot, take a photo and note the address and time.

Store this file until you have received the deposit and any issues are resolved. If a dispute arises, this file is your evidence that you met the written notice requirement.

Step 10: Follow up on the timeline

After proper service, the landlord has a set number of days to return the deposit or file for dispute resolution. If you agreed in writing to specific deductions, the landlord must return the balance within that deadline. If you do not hear back within a reasonable time, reach out to confirm receipt and status. Use email or text so you have a written record of the follow-up.

If the landlord misses the deadline and has not filed a dispute, you can apply for a monetary order. Your RTB-47, your proof of service, and your tenancy documents will support your claim. The law can require the landlord to pay more than the deposit if they breached the deadline, so timelines matter.

Step 11: Update your address if it changes

If you move again within months after moving out, send a new RTB-47 with your updated address. State that it replaces your prior forwarding address. Serve it the same way and keep proof. This ensures you receive any late mail, such as a dispute resolution decision or a cheque reissued due to a stale date.

Step 12: Practical examples to guide you

If you are a student leaving a shared rental, list all roommates on the notice. Agree in writing that one person will receive and distribute the deposit, and sign that instruction together. Provide that person’s address as the forwarding address. That prevents the landlord from holding the cheque because they do not know who should receive it.

If you are relocating and will not have an address for two months, use a P.O. Box or a trusted family member’s address. Write that you authorize the landlord to mail the deposit to that address. If you prefer e-transfer, state the email you use for e-transfers and that you consent to receiving the deposit that way.

If your landlord is a corporation and you dealt only with a property manager, serve the property manager at their office. Include the rental unit address on the notice so they can match it to your file. Ask for a stamped “received” copy if delivering in person.

If your landlord claims deductions you do not accept, do not sign any deduction consent. Send the RTB-47 anyway. In a short cover note, state you do not consent to deductions and request the full return or a dispute resolution filing within the legal deadline. This keeps the process on track and protects your position.

Step 13: Common mistakes to avoid

Do not forget to sign and date the notice. An unsigned document may cause a delay. Do not rely on a verbal conversation or a text message alone. The law calls for a written forwarding address served by an accepted method. Do not use email unless the landlord has agreed in writing to accept service by email. Do not miss the one-year window. If you are close to that deadline, use same-day service and keep airtight proof.

Do not assume the landlord knows your new address because you mentioned it during the inspection. Put it in writing on the RTB-47 and serve it. Do not assume the landlord has to pay by your preferred method. Offer options, but plan for a cheque mailed to your forwarding address.

By completing and serving the RTB-47 carefully, you start the deposit return clock, create a clean paper trail, and set yourself up to resolve any issues quickly.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

A forwarding address is the new mailing address where you want to receive deposit refunds and notices. RTB-47 records this address so your landlord knows exactly where to send money or mail. A service address is any address you give for receiving official notices. The form lets you choose a mailing address for service to avoid missed delivery.

A landlord is the person or company that rents the unit to you. On the form, use the full legal name of the landlord or the agent who manages the tenancy. A tenant is anyone who signed the tenancy agreement. If more than one person signed, list every tenant so payment details match the deposit record.

Joint tenants are two or more tenants who share one agreement and one deposit. If you are joint tenants, decide how the deposit should be paid out and who will receive it. A security deposit is the money you paid at the start of the tenancy to cover potential damage or unpaid rent. The forwarding address you provide helps the landlord send this deposit back. A pet damage deposit is an extra deposit if you have a pet. If you paid it, include it when you note the deposit details.

The end of tenancy is the official move-out date. Timelines tied to the deposit often start after the tenancy ends and after you provide your forwarding address in writing. Proof of service is any record that shows you sent the form and the landlord received it. Delivery confirmation, email receipts, and a witness to hand-delivery can serve as proof.

Deemed receipt is the date the law treats a delivered document as received. This can depend on the delivery method. Mark the date you sent and the date it should be considered received. Dispute resolution is a formal process to resolve disagreements, such as the return of a deposit. If a dispute happens, your completed RTB-47 and proof of delivery help show that you provided a valid address.

Interest is the extra amount that can accrue on your deposit. The forwarding address helps the landlord pay any deposit and applicable interest correctly. An agent is someone the landlord authorizes to act on their behalf. If an agent manages your building, you can address and deliver the form to the agent as instructed in your tenancy paperwork.

FAQs

Do you have to use RTB-47, or can you just email your new address?

You can give your forwarding address in writing in more than one way. RTB-47 helps you include all key details in one place. It also creates a clear record that is easy to store and prove later. If you email, include the same information the form collects and keep a copy.

Do you need a physical mailing address, or can you use email only?

Provide a reliable mailing address. Many payments and notices are still sent by mail. You can add email and phone as extra contact methods. If you prefer electronic payment, note that preference, but still give a mailing address as backup.

When should you send your forwarding address?

Send it as soon as you know it, ideally at or before move-out. Timelines connected to the return of deposits often start when the landlord receives your address in writing. Do not wait until after you move if you already know the address.

What if you do not know your new address yet?

Use a stable address you trust. You can list a post office box, a work address with permission, or a trusted friend or family member. Update the landlord with your actual address once you have it. Send the update in writing and keep proof.

Do all tenants need to sign the form?

It depends on how your tenancy and deposit were set up. If the deposit was paid jointly, list all tenants on the form. To avoid delays, have all named tenants sign or provide written confirmation that one tenant can receive the payment. Keep that confirmation with your records.

Can you change your forwarding address after you send the form?

Yes. Send an updated notice as soon as your address changes. Label it “Updated Forwarding Address,” include the date, and keep proof of delivery. Confirm the landlord uses the most recent address for any payments or notices.

What if the landlord says they never received your notice?

Use a delivery method that gives you proof, such as a receipt or a witness. If you mailed it, keep the postal receipt. If you emailed it, save the sent email and any read receipt. Send a follow-up copy and note both delivery dates. Documentation helps if there is a dispute.

Can you include banking details for e-transfer or direct deposit?

You can note how you prefer to be paid. Only share banking details if you are comfortable. If you provide them, confirm they are correct and secure. Still provide a mailing address in case electronic payment is not possible or fails.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the RTB-47 – Tenant Notice of Forwarding Address

Before you sign

• Confirm the legal names of all tenants on the agreement.
• Confirm the landlord’s full legal name or the agent’s name.
• Gather the landlord’s address for service from your agreement.
• Note the tenancy address, including unit and building numbers.
• Confirm the move-out date and the date you will return keys.
• List your security deposit and any pet deposit paid.
• Decide who will receive the deposit if there are joint tenants.
• Choose a reliable mailing address for the forwarding address.
• If using a PO box or alternate contact, confirm permission.
• Decide on your preferred payment method and include clear details.
• Collect any inspection reports and deposit receipts for your records.
• Set a reminder to send the form and track delivery.

During signing

• Check the spelling of all names and addresses.
• Verify the forwarding address has a unit number and a postal code.
• Add an email and phone number for faster contact.
• Confirm the landlord or agent information matches your agreement.
• Make sure deposit amounts and types are accurate.
• Note if you authorize one tenant to receive the full payment.
• Enter the move-out date clearly in YYYY-MM-DD format.
• Sign and date the form. Have all required tenants sign as well.

After signing

• Make a digital copy and a paper copy for your files.
• Deliver the form using a method that gives proof of delivery.
• Note the date delivered and how it was delivered.
• Calendar a follow-up date to confirm receipt if needed.
• Watch for mail or e-transfer requests sent to your new address.
• If your address changes, send an updated notice right away.
• Keep all delivery receipts and correspondence together.
• Retain records for the period recommended for tenancy documents.

 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving out the unit number or postal code.

Consequence: Mail may be delayed or not delivered. Your deposit refund could be held while the landlord tries to confirm your address. Don’t forget to include every part of your address.

Using only email and no mailing address.

Consequence: If the landlord needs to send a cheque or official notice by mail, you may miss it. Provide a full mailing address, even if you prefer electronic payment.

Sending the form to the wrong person.

Consequence: Delays or missed timelines if the landlord never actually receives it. Check your agreement for the landlord’s or agent’s address for service. Deliver it there.

Not listing all tenants on a joint deposit.

Consequence: The landlord may hold payment until they know how to pay out the deposit. List all tenants and state who should receive payment, or attach written consent.

Failing to keep proof of delivery.

Consequence: Harder to show when the landlord received your notice if there is a dispute. Use delivery methods with receipts or witnesses and save copies.

Waiting to send the notice until after you move twice.

Consequence: Payment could go to an old or unstable address. Send your best available address early and update it as needed.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

• Deliver the form to the landlord or the authorized agent. Use the address for service from your tenancy agreement.
• Choose a delivery method that provides proof. Keep postal receipts, email records, or a delivery confirmation.
• Record the date delivered and, if applicable, the date it is deemed received. Note this in your calendar.
• Confirm receipt if you do not hear back. A short email or letter referencing the delivery date is enough.
• Monitor your mail and email for any requests, payments, or notices. Respond quickly if more details are needed.
• If your forwarding address changes, send an updated notice right away. Mark it as “Updated” and include the date.
• If payment arrives by cheque and the name or amount is wrong, notify the landlord in writing and keep a copy.
• If issues arise with payment or deductions, organize your records. That includes the form, proof of service, inspection reports, and deposit receipts.
• Consider formal resolution options if you cannot reach an agreement. Your completed form and delivery proof will support your position.
• Store all documents in one folder. Keep them for the period you normally retain tenancy records, or longer if a dispute is ongoing.