How to Apply for a BC Residential Tenancy Fee Waiver and File a Dispute

BC residential tenancy fee waivers and dispute filing fees are the procedural rules that determine whether a landlord or tenant must pay the Residential Tenancy Branch RTB filing fee to begin a dispute resolution proceeding, or whether that fee can be waived or later reimbursed so the case can proceed. In British Columbia, starting an RTB dispute requires submitting the correct approved form, providing full particulars of the claim, and paying the prescribed filing fee unless a waiver request is approved.

In practice, the filing fee is more than an administrative step. An application may be rejected or treated as incomplete if the fee or a valid waiver request is not included with the filing. This issue becomes especially important when strict statutory timelines apply. A tenant disputing an eviction notice must file within a limited time period, and an incomplete filing can prevent the dispute from being processed. Under current BC rules, most RTB applications require a one-hundred-dollar filing fee, while certain review consideration requests require a fifty-dollar fee.

Residential tenancy procedures differ significantly across jurisdictions, even when the underlying dispute involves housing rights between landlords and tenants. For example:

  • Ontario processes most residential tenancy disputes through the Landlord and Tenant Board, where parties requesting relief from filing costs must submit a Fee Waiver Request form with their application materials.
  • Alberta often uses the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service RTDRS which has different filing fees and a separate waiver process governed by RTDRS practice and procedure rules.
  • California commonly handles housing disputes through court systems, where fee waiver requests rely on judicial forms, including FW 001 and financial eligibility requirements.
  • Québec processes residential tenancy disputes through the Tribunal administratif du logement TAL where application costs vary depending on the type of proceeding and certain exemptions tied to eligibility for public assistance.

In British Columbia, selecting the correct RTB dispute pathway, including direct request proceedings, facilitated dispute resolution, participatory hearings, or expedited hearings, is the first critical procedural decision. Filing under the wrong process or submitting incomplete documents can result in rejection, delay, or unnecessary expense.

What You Will Learn:

  • When RTB filing fees apply and when they may be waived or reimbursed
  • How to complete and submit the RTB 17 Application to Waive Filing Fee
  • How to properly file a dispute using RTB 12T CT Tenant Application for Dispute Resolution or RTB 12L CT for landlords
  • When a Monetary Order Worksheet RTB 37 must be prepared and included with a claim
  • How to properly document service using RTB 50 Proof of Service
  • Key filing timelines and notice requirements under BC residential tenancy law
  • What occurs after filing, including hearings, decisions, enforcement of monetary orders, and compliance obligations

Need the correct BC Residential Tenancy forms before filing your dispute? Access structured RTB form templates and step-by-step filing guidance with RunSensible Forms. Get your up-to-date form now.

How Filing Fees and Fee Waivers Work in BC Tenancy Disputes

Residential tenancy dispute systems must balance two competing objectives. On the one hand, tribunals require administrative funding and structured procedures in order to process claims efficiently. On the other hand, access to dispute resolution must remain available to individuals who cannot afford filing costs.

The Residential Tenancy Branch RTB in British Columbia addresses this balance through a combined filing fee and waiver framework. The filing fee supports the operation of the tribunal process, while the waiver mechanism protects access to justice for applicants experiencing financial hardship. 

How to Apply for a BC Residential Tenancy Fee Waiver and File a Dispute

Filing Fees as a Procedural Requirement for Starting a Tenancy Dispute

Under the Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia, a dispute resolution application must contain three core elements before the Residential Tenancy Branch will process the claim.

These elements include:

  • The approved dispute resolution application form
  • a clear description of the claim with full particulars
  • payment of the prescribed filing fee unless a waiver request is approved

If any of these requirements are missing, the RTB may refuse to accept the application. In this way, the filing fee operates as a procedural condition that must be satisfied before the tribunal will begin adjudicating the dispute.

Fee Waiver Rules That Preserve Access to the RTB Process

BC law recognizes that financial hardship should not prevent legitimate tenancy disputes from being heard. The RTB, therefore, allows applicants to request a waiver of the filing fee when they cannot reasonably afford the payment. Applicants may qualify for a waiver when they demonstrate financial eligibility based on criteria recognized by the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Typical eligibility factors include:

  • income below Statistics Canada Low Income Cut Off thresholds
  • participation in certain income assistance or disability benefit programs
  • financial hardship caused by exceptional living expenses or circumstances

When a waiver request is approved, the applicant can proceed with the dispute resolution application without paying the filing fee at the time of filing.

Recovery or Reimbursement of Filing Fees After a Decision

Filing fees also play a role after the dispute has been decided. The Residential Tenancy Branch may order one party to reimburse the filing fee to the successful applicant.

This reimbursement is not automatic. The party requesting reimbursement must include the filing fee as part of the claim when submitting the dispute resolution application. If the request is omitted, the RTB may not include the fee in the final order. For this reason, applicants should always review their application carefully to ensure that the filing fee reimbursement is requested when appropriate.

Dispute Resolution Pathways That Affect Filing Requirements

The filing fee and waiver process operates within the broader dispute resolution structure administered by the Residential Tenancy Branch. Each dispute pathway has different procedural characteristics, timelines, and documentation requirements.

The RTB currently administers four primary dispute resolution processes.

  • Direct request proceedings involve written submissions reviewed by an adjudicator without a hearing and apply to limited categories of claims.
  • Facilitation is a settlement-oriented process where parties work with an RTB facilitator to reach a voluntary agreement that can become legally enforceable.
  • Participatory hearings represent the standard dispute resolution process where both parties present evidence and testimony before an arbitrator.
  • Expedited hearings address urgent matters involving significant property damage, serious safety concerns, or other severe breaches of tenancy obligations.

Each pathway involves different rules for evidence, document service, and hearing preparation. As a result, filing fee issues should always be considered within the broader procedural route selected for the dispute.

Find the correct RTB forms, dispute pathways, and filing guidance for your tenancy situation before submitting your application with RunSensible Form Finder. Find the right legal form with one click. 

Procedural Roadmap for RTB Dispute in British Columbia

Filing a dispute with the Residential Tenancy Branch RTB involves more than completing a single form. The process requires selecting the correct forum, choosing the proper dispute pathway, addressing filing fees or waiver eligibility, and complying with service and evidence rules. Each stage carries procedural requirements under the Residential Tenancy Act, the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act, and the RTB Rules of Procedure.

The following sequence outlines the typical process used to initiate and advance a residential tenancy dispute in British Columbia while properly addressing filing fees and waiver eligibility.

Step 1: Confirm That the Residential Tenancy Branch Has Jurisdiction

Verify that the dispute falls within the authority of the Residential Tenancy Branch before preparing an application.
The RTB has jurisdiction over disputes governed by the Residential Tenancy Act and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act. These statutes regulate most landlord-tenant relationships in British Columbia, including rent disputes, eviction notices, damage claims, and deposit issues.

Certain housing disputes fall outside RTB jurisdiction. Examples include:

  • discrimination complaints related to housing, which are handled by the BC Human Rights Tribunal
  • disputes between roommates where no tenancy agreement exists with the landlord, which may be addressed through the Civil Resolution Tribunal or the courts
  • very high-value claims or complex matters that proceed through the Supreme Court of British Columbia

 If a dispute is filed with the wrong forum, the application may be dismissed or declined. The applicant may need to start again in the correct tribunal or court, which can create delay, additional fees, or limitation issues.

Step 2: Identify the Appropriate RTB Dispute Resolution Process

 Select the dispute resolution pathway that corresponds to the legal issue and the type of evidence required. The Residential Tenancy Branch administers four dispute resolution processes.

  • Direct request proceedings rely on written submissions and are limited to specific claims where documentary evidence alone is sufficient.
  • Facilitation is a settlement-focused process where parties work with an RTB facilitator to reach an agreement that can be converted into an enforceable order.
  • Participatory hearings represent the standard dispute resolution process in which both parties attend a hearing and present evidence before an arbitrator.
  • Expedited hearings address urgent matters involving significant property damage, safety risks, or serious breaches of tenancy obligations.

Each process involves different expectations for documentation, service, and scheduling.
Applications submitted under an ineligible process may be rejected or redirected by the RTB. Selecting the wrong process can delay scheduling and increase procedural complexity.

Step 3: Determine How the Filing Fee Will Be Addressed

 Ensure that the filing fee requirement does not prevent a dispute application from being accepted. Under the Residential Tenancy Regulation, most RTB dispute applications require a 100 dollar filing fee. Applicants have three options when preparing the application:

  • Pay the filing fee at the time of filing
  • Apply for a waiver using RTB Form RTB 17 Application to Waive Filing Fee
  • Request reimbursement of the filing fee in the dispute application if the claim is successful

Fee waivers may be granted where the applicant meets financial eligibility criteria. These include household income below Statistics Canada Low Income Cut Off thresholds, participation in certain income assistance programs, or financial hardship caused by extraordinary expenses.
If the filing fee is not paid and no valid waiver application is submitted, the RTB may decline to process the application. In addition, failing to request reimbursement in the original application may prevent recovery of the fee after the dispute is decided.

Step 4: Draft the Dispute Application With Complete Particulars

 Provide sufficient information for the RTB arbitrator to understand the claim and grant the requested remedies. RTB dispute applications must include full particulars of the claim. This means clearly describing the dispute, identifying the legal issues involved, and specifying the remedies requested.

Applicants should ensure that:

  • The dispute issues selected on the application form match the claims being made
  • Supporting evidence is identified and organized
  • Monetary claims are documented using a structured calculation

For financial claims, the RTB 37 Monetary Order Worksheet is commonly used to calculate amounts owed. Incomplete descriptions or unclear requests may delay processing or restrict the remedies that the arbitrator is able to grant.

Step 5-Submit the Correct RTB Application Form

 Ensure that the dispute application corresponds to the status of the tenancy and the role of the applicant. The RTB uses different forms depending on the party bringing the application.

  • RTB 12T CT Tenant Application for Dispute Resolution Current Tenancy is used when a tenant files a dispute during an ongoing tenancy.
  • RTB 12L CT Landlord Application for Dispute Resolution Current Tenancy is used by landlords for disputes arising during a current tenancy.

These forms are not intended for disputes where the tenancy has already ended. Using an incorrect application form may result in rejection or processing delays, particularly where statutory deadlines apply.

Step 6-Submit the Fee Waiver Application Properly

 Allow the dispute to proceed when paying the filing fee would create financial hardship. Applicants seeking relief from the filing fee must submit RTB Form RTB 17 Application to Waive Filing Fee. Supporting documentation may be required to demonstrate income eligibility or extraordinary expenses.

When an application is submitted online, but the waiver form is delivered separately, the RTB generally requires the waiver materials to be received within three days.
If the waiver request is incomplete or submitted late, the dispute application may be treated as unpaid and may not proceed until the issue is corrected.

Step 7-Serve the Notice of Proceeding and Preserve Proof of Service

 Ensure that the respondent receives formal notice of the dispute and has an opportunity to respond. After the RTB accepts an application, it issues a Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding. The applicant must serve this notice on the other party within the timeframe set by the RTB.

Applicants must also document service using an approved method and record proof of delivery. In certain proceedings, RTB 50 Proof of Service Tenant Notice of Direct Request Proceeding is used to confirm that service requirements have been met.

BC service rules include deemed service provisions, meaning that documents sent by registered mail are considered received five days after mailing. Failure to properly serve the notice or provide proof of service can result in the application being dismissed or treated as withdrawn.

Step 8-Exchange Evidence According to RTB Timelines

 Ensure that evidence is admissible and available to both parties before the hearing.

 Under the RTB Rules of Procedure:

  • Applicant evidence must generally be received by both the RTB and the respondent at least fourteen days before the hearing
  • respondent evidence must generally be received at least seven days before the hearing

Evidence may include written statements, photographs, receipts, tenancy agreements, and other relevant documentation. Digital evidence can be provided through file hosting links when properly served on the other party, although formal submission to the RTB must follow approved methods. Late evidence may be excluded if it prejudices the other party or fails to meet the procedural rules.

How to Apply for a BC Residential Tenancy Fee Waiver and File a Dispute

Step 9-Attend the Hearing and Prepare for Enforcement of the Decision

 Participate in the dispute resolution process and ensure that the final decision can be enforced if necessary.
RTB hearings are quasi-judicial proceedings. After reviewing the evidence and hearing the parties, the arbitrator issues a written decision and may grant orders, including monetary awards or orders of possession.

The RTB itself does not enforce orders. The successful party must serve the decision and may need to register the order with the appropriate court to enforce it.

Examples include:

  • monetary orders enforced through the Small Claims Court process within applicable limits
  • Orders of possession are enforced through the Supreme Court of British Columbia

 Missing review consideration deadlines or failing to follow proper enforcement procedures can delay compliance or weaken the enforceability of the decision.

<<photo>>

Core RTB Forms and Documents

Residential tenancy disputes in British Columbia are form-based proceedings. The Residential Tenancy Branch relies on standardized forms to identify the parties, define the dispute, calculate monetary claims, request fee relief, and confirm service of documents. Using the correct form and completing it accurately is essential because incomplete or incorrect filings may prevent the dispute from being processed.

RTB 12T CT and RTB 12L CT Dispute Applications

These forms begin the dispute resolution process and establish the core information the Residential Tenancy Branch needs to open the file.

Tenants filing a dispute during an active tenancy use RTB 12T CT Tenant Application for Dispute Resolution Current Tenancy. Landlords use RTB 12L CT Landlord Application for Dispute Resolution Current Tenancy for disputes arising during an ongoing tenancy.

Both forms require the applicant to identify the respondent, provide a valid service address, select the dispute issues being raised, and sign the application. The application must also include the filing fee or a valid fee waiver request before the RTB will process the claim.

These forms implement the statutory requirement under the Residential Tenancy Act that a dispute must be submitted using the approved form and must include full particulars describing the claim.

RTB 17 Application to Waive Filing Fee

This form allows an applicant to request relief from the RTB filing fee when paying the fee would create financial hardship.

The applicant must provide financial information showing eligibility for a waiver. The Residential Tenancy Branch may grant a waiver when the applicant meets income eligibility criteria or demonstrates financial hardship caused by extraordinary expenses.

If approved, the dispute can proceed without payment of the filing fee at the time of filing.

RTB 37 Monetary Order Worksheet

The RTB 37 Monetary Order Worksheet is used when a dispute involves a financial claim.

The worksheet organizes monetary requests by category and amount. Applicants typically use it to calculate claims involving unpaid rent, damage compensation, or other financial losses. Presenting the claim through the worksheet helps the arbitrator evaluate the amount requested and the evidence supporting the calculation.

RTB 50 Proof of Service

Service of documents is a mandatory step in the RTB process because the responding party must receive notice of the dispute.

The RTB 50 Proof of Service Tenant Notice of Direct Request Proceeding is used in tenant direct request proceedings. The form confirms how and when the tenant delivered the notice package to the respondent and must be submitted to allow the written adjudication process to continue. Accurate proof of service is critical because failure to properly serve documents can prevent the dispute from proceeding.

Use structured RTB filing and evidence templates to organize your dispute, meet service requirements, and avoid common procedural errors.

Get the exact legal forms and court documents you need with the RunSensible Forms library. Search by issue or jurisdiction, answer a few guided questions, and generate a ready-to-file document in minutes with built-in assistance and customization tools.

How RTB Documents and Procedures Work Together From Filing to Decision

A Residential Tenancy Branch dispute in British Columbia is structured around a sequence of procedural steps supported by specific documents and forms. The dispute application establishes the legal claim, compliance requirements ensure the tribunal can administer the file, and service rules confirm that the responding party receives proper notice of the proceeding. When these elements are completed correctly, the dispute can move from initial filing through hearing and final determination in an orderly manner.

Understanding how these components interact is essential because the RTB process is procedural. Each stage depends on the previous one being completed properly. A missing form, improper service, or failure to meet a deadline can interrupt the progression of the case or prevent the tribunal from issuing enforceable orders.

The Foundational Filing Establishes the Dispute

The process begins with the primary dispute application submitted using the approved RTB form. This filing identifies the parties, outlines the dispute, and states the orders being requested.

The application must contain full particulars describing the facts of the dispute and the remedies sought. It must also include the required filing fee or an approved fee waiver request. Without these elements, the Residential Tenancy Branch may decline to process the application. Once the application is accepted, the RTB opens the case file and prepares the documentation that governs the next stage of the dispute.

Administrative Review and Process Assignment

After the application is received, the Residential Tenancy Branch conducts a completeness review. This screening confirms that the application contains all required information, that the parties are properly identified, and that the filing fee requirement has been satisfied or waived.

If the application meets these requirements, the RTB assigns the dispute to the appropriate dispute resolution process. Depending on the nature of the claim and the urgency of the matter, the file may proceed through a direct request process, a facilitation process, a participatory hearing, or an expedited hearing.

This administrative step determines how the dispute will move forward and what procedural expectations will apply to the parties.

Notice of Proceeding and Service Requirements

After the file is accepted and assigned, the RTB issues the Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding package. This document identifies the parties involved in the dispute, confirms the type of proceeding that will occur, and provides scheduling information for the hearing or conference.

The applicant must then serve this package to the responding party within the timeframe required by RTB rules. Service ensures that the respondent has notice of the claim and the opportunity to participate in the proceeding.

Service must follow the delivery methods authorized under the Residential Tenancy Act and the Residential Tenancy Regulation. These rules include deemed receipt provisions that determine when documents are considered delivered. For example, documents sent by mail are generally deemed received five days after mailing, while documents posted on a door are deemed received three days after posting.

Proper service and proof of delivery allow the tribunal to proceed with the dispute and later support enforcement of the resulting order.

Evidence Submission and Procedural Compliance

Once service is complete, both parties must exchange and submit evidence according to the timelines established by the RTB Rules of Procedure. Evidence must be delivered to the opposing party and submitted to the RTB using approved submission channels.

Applicants generally must ensure that their evidence is received not less than fourteen days before the hearing, while respondents generally must provide their evidence not less than seven days before the hearing. These timelines are designed to ensure procedural fairness by giving both parties adequate time to review the materials that will be relied upon.

Failure to meet these deadlines may result in evidence being excluded if the delay would prejudice the other party or disrupt the hearing process.

Interim Orders and Procedural Management

In certain cases, the Residential Tenancy Act allows the tribunal to address procedural issues or grant temporary relief before the final hearing. These interim steps may include procedural rulings about evidence, scheduling adjustments, or temporary orders that maintain fairness while the dispute is being resolved.

The RTB Rules of Procedure guide how these matters are handled so that the proceeding remains fair and efficient.

How to Apply for a BC Residential Tenancy Fee Waiver and File a Dispute

Final Determination and Tribunal Orders

Residential Tenancy Branch dispute resolution is a quasi-judicial process. After reviewing the evidence and hearing the parties, the arbitrator issues a written decision that resolves the dispute.

The decision may include enforceable orders depending on the issues raised in the application. These may include monetary orders requiring payment of money, orders of possession granting a landlord the right to recover a rental unit, compliance orders directing a party to meet tenancy obligations, or orders reflecting a settlement reached during facilitation.

Once issued, the decision and orders form the legal outcome of the dispute and may later be enforced through the appropriate court process if necessary.

Access the complete set of BC RTB dispute forms, fee waiver templates, and structured filing tools to prepare your application correctly with RunSensible Forms.

Final Thoughts

BC Residential Tenancy Branch disputes depend on both the strength of the legal claim and strict procedural compliance. Filing fees, fee waiver requests, approved forms, and proof of service are not minor administrative steps. They determine whether the RTB will accept the application, move the case forward, and issue a decision that can later be enforced through the courts.

The RTB offers several dispute mechanisms, including direct request proceedings, facilitation, participatory hearings, and expedited hearings. Each pathway carries different procedural expectations, document requirements, and evidence timelines. Choosing the wrong pathway can delay the case or prevent it from proceeding within statutory deadlines that may not be extended.

Successful RTB disputes are usually built on a small group of consistent documentation pillars:

  • The correct approved dispute application form, including RTB 12T CT or RTB 12L CT, with clear particulars describing the claim
  • a properly handled filing fee requirement, either through payment or submission of the RTB 17 Application to Waive Filing Fee

These documents establish the dispute and allow the RTB to open and manage the case. Financial claims should also be structured carefully, often with the assistance of the RTB 37 Monetary Order Worksheet, so the arbitrator can clearly assess the compensation being requested.

The Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding package must be served using approved methods under the Residential Tenancy Act, and proof of service must be preserved. Evidence must also be exchanged within the RTB timelines so that both parties can review the materials before the hearing.

Two practical habits help maintain procedural discipline:

  • maintain organized records of all filings, evidence, and service confirmations
  • Plan for enforcement early, including how a monetary order or possession order will be enforced if the other party does not comply

When the correct forms are used, deadlines are respected, and service is properly documented, the RTB can issue enforceable decisions that resolve tenancy disputes efficiently. 

FAQs

What is the RTB filing fee for most dispute applications in British Columbia?

Most dispute resolution applications filed with the Residential Tenancy Branch require a one-hundred-dollar filing fee under the Residential Tenancy Regulation. This fee applies to most landlord and tenant applications that start a dispute resolution proceeding.

The filing fee must be paid when the application is submitted unless the applicant receives approval for a fee waiver. If the fee or waiver request is missing, the RTB may refuse to process the application.

Applicants may also request reimbursement of the filing fee in the dispute application. If the applicant succeeds in the case, the arbitrator may order the opposing party to repay the filing fee as part of the final decision.

Who can qualify for a fee waiver with the BC Residential Tenancy Branch?

The RTB allows filing fee waivers for applicants who cannot reasonably afford to pay the dispute filing fee. Eligibility is generally based on financial hardship.

Common qualifying situations include:

  • household income below the Statistics Canada Low Income Cut Off thresholds
  • participation in certain government income assistance or disability support programs
  • extraordinary expenses that create financial hardship within a recent timeframe

Applicants must provide information about their financial situation when requesting a waiver. The RTB reviews the information and determines whether the waiver request meets the eligibility requirements.

Which form is used to request a waiver of the RTB filing fee?

The Residential Tenancy Branch uses the RTB 17 Application to Waive Filing Fee to request relief from the dispute filing fee.

This form requires the applicant to provide details about their financial situation. The form may include information about household income, participation in income assistance programs, or extraordinary expenses that create financial hardship. The applicant must also sign a declaration confirming that the information provided is accurate.

If the RTB approves the waiver request, the dispute application can proceed without payment of the filing fee.

What happens if I file my dispute but do not properly serve the other party?

Serving the notice of the dispute is a mandatory step in the RTB process. After an application is accepted, the applicant must deliver the Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding package to the responding party using one of the service methods allowed under the Residential Tenancy Act.

If the applicant does not complete service within the required timeframe or cannot provide proof of service, the RTB may treat the application as withdrawn or incomplete. In many cases, this means the applicant must file a new application and pay another filing fee.

Improper service may also prevent the arbitrator from considering the case because the responding party did not receive proper notice of the dispute.

What are the key evidence deadlines for standard RTB hearings?

The Residential Tenancy Branch sets strict deadlines for exchanging evidence before a participatory hearing.

General timelines include:

  • The applicant must ensure that evidence is received by both the RTB and the respondent at least fourteen days before the hearing
  • The respondent must provide evidence at least seven days before the hearing

These timelines help ensure procedural fairness by giving both parties enough time to review the evidence that will be presented during the hearing. Evidence submitted after these deadlines may be excluded unless the arbitrator determines that accepting the evidence would still be fair to both parties.

Can I email my evidence or application materials to the RTB?

No. The Residential Tenancy Branch does not accept dispute applications or evidence submissions by email.

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted through approved channels, including the RTB online dispute system or authorized Service BC intake methods. Evidence may be uploaded through the RTB evidence submission portal or delivered using approved physical media, depending on the circumstances.

Using the correct submission method ensures that the materials become part of the official dispute record.

How do I enforce an RTB monetary order if the other party does not pay?

When the RTB issues a monetary order, the order is legally binding, but the tribunal does not enforce the payment itself.

If the other party does not pay voluntarily, the successful party must enforce the order through the courts. The typical enforcement steps include:

  • serving the monetary order on the opposing party, along with a written demand for payment
  • filing the order in the appropriate court, usually the Small Claims Court, so it becomes enforceable as a court judgment
  • using court enforcement tools if payment still does not occur

These enforcement options may include wage garnishment, payment hearings, or other court-authorized collection methods.

What options exist if I think the RTB decision is wrong or unclear?

The Residential Tenancy Act provides limited mechanisms for challenging or clarifying an RTB decision.

One option is to apply for review consideration, which asks the RTB to reconsider the decision based on procedural errors, new evidence, or other qualifying circumstances. The deadlines for requesting review consideration are strict:

  • Two days for certain urgent matters, including some possession orders
  • Five days for many eviction notice disputes and service-related matters
  • Fifteen days for most other dispute resolution decisions

If review consideration is not available or unsuccessful, a party may pursue judicial review in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Judicial review is a more complex legal process that examines whether the RTB decision was made lawfully and within the tribunal’s authority.

Resources

  1. Residential Tenancy Act – BC Laws
    https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/02078_01
  2. Residential Tenancy Regulation – BC Laws
    https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/10_477_2003
  3. Residential Tenancy Branch Dispute Resolution – Government of British Columbia
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/solving-problems/dispute-resolution
  4. Residential Tenancy Branch Forms and Resources – Government of British Columbia
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/forms
  5. Application to Waive Filing Fee RTB-17 – Government of British Columbia
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/forms/rtb17.pdf
  6. Tenant Application for Dispute Resolution Current Tenancy RTB-12T-CT – Government of British Columbia
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/forms/rtb12t-ct.pdf
  7. Residential Tenancy Branch Rules of Procedure – Government of British Columbia
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl03.pdf
  8. Serving Documents in Residential Tenancy Disputes – Government of British Columbia
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/solving-problems/serving-documents
  9. BC Human Rights Tribunal Housing Complaints – Government of British Columbia
    https://www.bchrt.bc.ca/human-rights-duties/housing/

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.

Contents

Related forms

No related form was found.