RTB-51 – Address for Service

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

What is an RTB-51 – Address for Service?

The RTB-51 is a simple but important notice form. You use it to name where and how you want to receive tenancy documents. It records an “address for service” for you, your business, or your authorized agent. It can include a mailing address, email, fax, or a combination. Once filed and shared, others can serve tenancy notices and dispute documents using those details.

This form does not change your tenancy agreement. It does not create new rights or duties. It tells the other side and the decision-maker how to reach you for official documents. That can include notices, applications, evidence, and decisions.

You can file it at any time during or after a tenancy. You can also update it when your contact details change. If you do not keep it current, you risk missing important documents.

Who Typically Uses This Form?

Both sides use this form:

• Tenants use it to confirm how to receive notices and dispute papers. This includes co-tenants and former tenants who still have an ongoing issue.
• Landlords use it to set a business address for service. This includes property managers, agents, and company landlords.
• Manufactured home park landlords and tenants use it as well.
• Sublessors, subtenants, and assignees can use it when a dispute involves them.

If a party uses an agent, the agent’s information can appear as the address for service. Service on the agent counts as service on the party.

Why would you need this form?

You need this form to control where documents go. It avoids service at a place you do not check. It also helps the other party serve you in a valid way. Proper service matters. If the service is valid and you miss it, you may miss deadlines or hearings.

This form lets you:

• Designate a reliable mailing address.
• Consent to service by email or fax if you want faster delivery.
• Appoint a property manager or lawyer to receive documents.
• Update service details after you move or change providers.
• Keep your home address private by using a business address.

If you do not provide an address for service, the other party may use an older address. That can lead to problems if you have moved or changed emails.

Typical usage scenarios

You are a tenant moving to a new city. You still have a bond refund or a damages claim. You file RTB-51 with your new mailing address and email. The landlord can then serve any papers properly. You get them on time.

You are a landlord who hires a property manager. You complete RTB-51 to name the manager as your agent for service. The tenant can serve the manager. The manager forwards documents to you and responds on your behalf.

You are a tenant who prefers email. You consent to service by email and list an inbox you check daily. You receive notices quickly and can meet deadlines.

You are a corporate landlord. You name your registered office or head office as your address for service. You also list a dedicated email for tenancy matters. Your staff can route documents to the right team.

You are a manufactured home park tenant. You want all dispute papers served at a mailing address different from the site pad. You file RTB-51 to make that clear.

You are a former tenant with an active dispute. You moved out, but still need to receive evidence and decisions. You update your service details so nothing is missed.

When Would You Use an RTB-51 – Address for Service?

You use this form any time your service details are unclear or outdated. You also use it to switch to a faster method like email. It is useful at the start of a tenancy, during a dispute, and after a tenancy ends.

If you signed a tenancy agreement years ago, the address in that agreement may no longer work. You may have changed units, managers, or email domains. RTB-51 lets you correct the record.

If you start or defend a dispute, service becomes critical. You want the other side to serve you at a monitored address. If you represent a company, you want staff who handle tenancy matters to receive documents. The form sets that up.

If you appoint a property manager or lawyer, you should update your address for service. Doing so allows a valid service on your agent. Your agent can accept and respond without delay.

If you withdraw consent to email or fax service, you file a new RTB-51. That stops electronic service going forward. It does not undo documents already served.

If a tenant leaves the rental unit, that tenant should still provide an address for service for any later claims. Security deposit issues and damage claims often arise after move-out. RTB-51 keeps communication clear.

If co-tenants split up, each co-tenant can file their own RTB-51. That ensures each person gets their own documents. Joint service to one co-tenant may not reach the other reliably.

If you operate many rental properties, you want one central address for service. The form allows that. You can direct all services to your office or agent. Staff can log, track, and act on documents.

If you manage a manufactured home park, you likely prefer a business address. Residents can serve you there. You can also use an email set aside for service. This improves consistency and audit trails.

Legal Characteristics of the RTB-51 – Address for Service

This form is not a contract. It is an official notice that records contact details for the service. It is legally significant because service to that address is treated as valid. Valid service triggers deadlines and hearings. It can lead to binding orders if you do not respond.

Enforceability rests on proper service rules. If you provide an address for service, the other side can rely on it. They can serve you by the methods you listed. You cannot claim later that you were not served if they used those details. You control what you list. That is why accuracy matters.

Consent to electronic service is important. If you list an email or fax, you are usually consenting to service by that method. If you no longer agree, you must update the form. Until you do, electronic service at the listed address is typically valid.

Designating an agent has consequences. When you name an agent, service on that agent counts as service on you. You should only list an agent who agrees to accept service and who will forward documents. You should also set internal procedures for time-sensitive materials.

This form does not override other service methods allowed by law. The other party may still use permitted methods. Your form simply gives them clear, reliable details. You cannot force service only by one method. You can, however, choose not to enable email or fax by leaving those fields blank.

Timelines for service depend on the method used. Some methods are deemed to serve later than others. Mail may take longer than personal delivery or email. If you choose email, you often receive documents faster. That can help you prepare responses within short deadlines.

Privacy matters. The information you provide will be used for tenancy proceedings. Do not list an email you share with someone who should not see your case. Use a secure inbox. If you are a company, use a role-based email monitored by staff.

This form does not change liability or parties. It does not add or remove a landlord or tenant. It only states where service must occur. If parties change, address that through the proper process. Then update the address for service to match.

If you fail to update your address for service, you accept the risk. Orders may be issued without your input if you misserved documents. Reopening an order due to service errors is hard if the other side used your listed details. Keep your information current.

How to Fill Out an RTB-51 – Address for Service

Follow these steps. Keep your answers accurate and complete. Use block letters if you handwrite.

1) Confirm your role

• Identify if you are a landlord, tenant, subtenant, sublessor, or agent.
• If you are an agent, confirm you have the authority to accept service.
• If you are a company, identify the legal entity that is the party.

2) Provide the party’s legal name

• For an individual, use your full legal name.
• For a company, use the exact registered name. Include “Inc.” or “Ltd.” if applicable.
• For a partnership, list the business name and partners if requested.
• Match the name used in the tenancy agreement or dispute file.

3) Identify the rental unit or site

• Enter the rental unit address linked to the tenancy. Include unit, street, city, and postal code.
• For manufactured home parks, use the pad number and park name if requested.
• This links your service address to the correct tenancy or dispute.

4) Enter your mailing address for service

• Provide a reliable mailing address where you can receive documents.
• Include unit, street, city, province, and postal code.
• A PO Box is acceptable if you check it often.
• This address will be used for mail service.

5) Add your email address for service (optional but recommended)

• List a dedicated email you check daily.
• Use a professional or role-based inbox if you are a business.
• By listing an email, you usually consent to service by email.
• Do not list a personal email you rarely check.

6) Add your fax number for service (optional)

• Provide a fax number only if you maintain the line.
• Confirm that the machine or service saves incoming faxes.
• If you do not monitor fax, leave this blank.

7) Indicate any agent for service

• If a property manager or lawyer will accept service, list their details.
• Provide the agent’s legal name, mailing address, email, and phone.
• Confirm the agent agrees to accept service for you.
• Remember that service on the agent is service on you.

8) Choose the methods of service you accept

• The form may list methods such as mail, email, fax, or agent.
• You cannot block other permitted methods. You can withhold consent for email or fax by not listing them.
• Check any consent boxes as required by the form.

9) Provide contact phone numbers

• List a phone number that staff or you will answer during business hours.
• This is not a service method unless the form states otherwise.
• It helps resolve delivery issues and confirms receipt.

10) Link to any active files

• If you already have a dispute file number, add it.
• If you manage many tenancies, explain coverage. For example, “All tenancies of ABC Properties Ltd.”
• This ensures your address for service is applied correctly.

11) Add other parties if needed

• If there are multiple tenants, each should complete a form. If the form allows, attach a list of co-tenants and signatures.
• If there are multiple landlords, each legal entity should complete a form. Do not combine unrelated entities.
• Use a separate page if the form’s space is not enough.

12) Set the effective date if the form allows

• Some forms take effect when processed.
• If an effective date field exists, use a date at least a few days ahead if needed.
• Until the new date, the old service details remain in place.

13) Read the declarations and privacy notice

• Confirm you understand that the listed methods are valid for the service.
• Confirm you have the authority to list an agent if applicable.
• Confirm that information may be shared for tenancy matters.

14) Sign and date the form

• An individual signs for themselves.
• A company’s authorized signatory signs and adds their title.
• An agent can sign only if the form allows and the authority is clear.
• Print the signer’s name below the signature.

15) Keep copies

• Keep a full copy for your records.
• Share a copy with the other party so they can use it for service.
• If you update later, keep all versions and dates.

16) Submit the form as required

• Follow the filing instructions on the form.
• Make sure the form is legible if scanned or uploaded.
• Confirm receipt if possible. Track date and time of submission.

17) Update when details change

• File a new RTB-51 if your address, email, fax, or agent changes.
• Notify the other party of the update right away.
• Do not rely on mail forwarding or old agents to pass on documents.

18) Withdrawing consent to email or fax

• If you no longer want electronic service, file a new form that removes those details.
• The change applies going forward after it is filed and shared.
• You cannot undo a service already completed.

19) Tips for tenants

• Use an email you control, not a shared household email.
• If you move, file the update before or on your move-out day.
• If there are co-tenants, do not rely on one person’s email for all.
• If you end the tenancy, still keep a service address for any claims.

20) Tips for landlords and agents

• Use a central, monitored inbox such as “tenancy@company.ca.”
• Train staff to log, date-stamp, and escalate served documents.
• If you switch property managers, file an update the same day.
• Never list an agent without a written service agreement.

21) Common mistakes to avoid

• Listing an email you rarely check. Use one you monitor daily.
• Forgetting unit numbers or postal codes. That can delay mail.
• Naming an agent who is not authorized. That risks losing documents.
• Assuming you can restrict service to one method. You cannot.
• Failing to update after job or address changes. File an update at once.

22) Example entries

• Individual tenant: “Legal name: Priya Singh. Mailing address: Unit 305, 123 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B2. Email for service: priya.singh@email.ca. No fax.”
• Corporate landlord: “ABC Rentals Ltd. Address for service: 400–789 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K7. Email for service: tenancy@abcrentals.ca. Agent: Westside Property Mgmt Inc., attention Service Desk.”
• Agent for landlord: “Agent name: Westside Property Mgmt Inc. Consent to accept service on behalf of ABC Rentals Ltd is attached.”

23) After you file

• Expect the other side to use your listed details.
• Check your mail and email daily during any dispute.
• Save all envelopes and email headers to prove when you received documents.
• Bring a copy of your RTB-51 to any hearing if service is disputed.

24) If the service is contested

• If the other side served an address not on your form, collect proof.
• If your form was current and they used the wrong address, raise it quickly.
• If they used your listed details, the service is likely valid.

By completing RTB-51 with care, you reduce service risks. You set clear, reliable channels for official documents. That helps you meet deadlines, prepare your case, and protect your rights.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

Address for Service means the contact details where you agree to receive documents about your tenancy or dispute. On RTB‑51, you name the address, email, and other channels you will monitor.

Service means the act of delivering official documents to you or the other party. The form tells others how they can serve you and where those documents should go.

Deemed Service refers to the legal idea of when a document is considered delivered. Your chosen method on the form affects when delivery is treated as complete.

Method of Service is the channel allowed for delivery, such as mail, in‑person hand‑delivery, or electronic options. On RTB‑51, you indicate which methods you accept.

Consent to Email is your permission to receive documents by email. If you give consent on the form, the other party can serve you electronically at that address.

Authorized Representative is a person or business you appoint to receive documents for you. If you list a representative on RTB‑51, that becomes the service address for your file.

Proof of Service is the evidence that a document was delivered correctly. The information you provide on RTB‑51 helps the other party create that proof, such as mailing receipts or email confirmations.

Legal Name means the full, correct name of the person or organization involved. You should use the exact legal names on RTB‑51 so that served documents match the right party.

Dispute Resolution File Number identifies an active case. If your RTB‑51 relates to a dispute, include the file number so the address is linked to the right file.

Forwarding Address is the place you can receive mail after you move. You can update your address for service using RTB‑51 to avoid missed documents after a move.

FAQs

Do you have to use RTB‑51 if your tenancy agreement already lists an address?

Use the form if the address in your agreement is missing, outdated, or if you want to add email consent. If your agreement is current and complete, you can keep using it. RTB‑51 is the clean way to update or confirm service details for ongoing matters.

Do you need consent for the email service?

Yes. You decide whether to accept the email service. If you tick consent and list an email, you can be served by email at that address. If you do not consent, an email alone is not an approved method for serving you.

Can you list a P.O. Box as your address for service?

You can list a mailing address that you check regularly. If you use a PO Box, make sure you can access time‑sensitive documents and keep proof of delivery. You should also provide a secondary method, like email, if you will monitor it closely.

Can you use a representative’s address instead of your own?

Yes. You can name a lawyer, advocate, property manager, or trusted agent as your address for service. If you do, monitor their communication timelines and confirm how they will forward documents to you. You remain responsible for responding on time.

What if you move after submitting the form?

Submit a new RTB‑51 as soon as possible with your new address for service. Then notify the other party that your address has changed. Keep proof that you sent the update. Do not rely on a general postal redirect for legal documents.

Does RTB‑51 change the terms of your tenancy?

No. It only confirms where and how documents can be served for tenancy and dispute matters. It does not change rent, rules, term length, or other contract terms.

Do you need to send the form to the other party?

Yes. The point of the form is to tell the other side how to serve you. After you sign, deliver a copy to the other party and keep proof. If you have an active dispute file, also submit it to the file so it is recorded.

Can multiple tenants or co‑landlords use one RTB‑51?

Each legal party should complete and sign its own form. If there are co‑tenants or multiple owners, each person who will receive documents should submit their own address for service, unless you all appoint one representative and agree to use that one address.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the RTB‑51 – Address for Service

Before signing

• Confirm the exact legal name for each party.
• Gather the full rental unit address, including the unit number.
• Decide which service methods you accept and can monitor.
• If using email, ensure the inbox is reliable and accessible.
• If appointing a representative, get their written authorization and consent to act.
• If linked to a dispute, note the dispute resolution file number.
• Check your preferred phone number for follow‑up (not for service unless allowed).
• Plan how you will keep proof of delivering this form to the other party.

During signing

• Confirm your role: tenant, landlord, or agent.
• Fill in all contact fields you intend to use for service.
• If consenting to email, tick the correct box and print the email clearly.
• Add the representative’s details only if they will receive documents for you.
• Include the dispute file number if the form relates to a current case.
• Review spelling of names, unit numbers, and postal codes.
• Sign and date the form. Unsigned forms create disputes later.
• Double‑check that the address for service is complete and active today.

After signing

• Deliver a copy to the other party using a reliable method you can prove.
• If there is an active dispute, submit the form to that file as instructed.
• Ask the recipient to confirm receipt in writing. Keep that confirmation.
• Store a copy with your tenancy records and note the date you sent it.
• Update your calendar with how you must now serve and be served.
• If you change contact details later, file a new RTB‑51 and notify all parties.
• Tell any representative that they must forward documents to you promptly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid RTB‑51 – Address for Service

• Listing an address you do not monitor. If you rarely check that mailbox or inbox, you may miss deadlines. Don’t forget to use an address you will review several times a week.
• Using a work email that you might lose access to. If you change jobs, you can lose emails or access. Use a stable personal email and keep password recovery current.
• Forgetting the dispute file number. Without the file number, your update may not attach to the right case. Always add the number if a dispute is open.
• Leaving out the unit number or postal code. Incomplete addresses cause misdelivery and delay. Verify the full address down to the unit and postal code.
• Giving email consent by mistake. If you do not intend to accept email service, do not tick consent. Once you consent, you must monitor that inbox and respond on time.
• Assuming your representative will catch everything. If you name an agent but do not coordinate, documents can sit unread. Agree on a forwarding plan and check in regularly.
• Not sending the completed form to the other party. Filing it in your records is not enough. Serve the other party and keep proof you did so.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form RTB‑51 – Address for Service

• Send it to the other party. Deliver a copy promptly using a method you can prove. Keep a record of when and how you sent it.
• Update any active dispute file. Submit the form to the file so the decision‑maker and the other side see the new address.
• Start using the new address yourself. When you serve notices, use the other party’s most recent RTB‑51 or agreed address for service.
• Monitor your chosen channels. Check your mail and email often. Set alerts or calendar reminders so you do not miss deadlines.
• Confirm your representative’s process. If you named an agent, confirm how they will notify you of new documents the same day.
• Keep the form in your records. Store a copy with your tenancy agreement, notices, and proof of service documents.
• If anything changes, file an update. Submit a new RTB‑51 whenever you change your address, email, or representative. Notify the other party right away.
• Align your team. If you are a landlord with staff, tell your team which address is now official and how to process served documents.
• Resolve conflicts in writing. If the other party keeps using an old address, reply with your updated RTB‑51 and ask them to confirm. Keep that correspondence.
• Prepare proof of service. Save mailing receipts, delivery confirmations, email headers, or acknowledgments to show proper service if questioned.