About this Service
You can submit an online Application for Dispute Resolution online to request a hearing resolve a dispute. The filing fee must be paid by credit card online. Your application will not be considered until you have made your payment.
The Residential Tenancy Branch will then send you information by e-mail about how and when the hearing will be held, how to prepare the hearing packages that you must give to the respondent(s), and other information related to the dispute resolution process.
Submitting evidence to RTB?
There are time limits for submitting evidence for your hearing. Help us ensure your documents are in your file before your Hearing.
To submit evidence to RTB, use one of the following methods:
- Regular or registered mail or courier to a RTB office
- Personally deliver your documents at a RTB office or a Service BC Centre
- Fax to 1-866-341-1269
Evidence cannot be submitted by email.
For further information about forms and fees, see the Resources listed at the left. For information about the dispute resolution process, see Fact Sheet RTB-114: The Dispute Resolution Process (PDF)
Before You Start
Do NOT use the online application if any of these apply:
- The deadline for submitting your application is less than 5 days away.
- Your application is urgent.
- You will be using a Hotmail e-mail account.
- You do not check your e-mail account every day.
- You do not have a valid Visa, MasterCard or American Express to pay online.
- You will be applying for a fee waiver.
More Information:
Important Information for Online Applicants (PDF)
If you do not qualify for online application, please submit a paper application in person at one of these locations:
Getting Started
Before completing an Application for Dispute Resolution form over the web, you will need:
- A government user name and password. Individuals can apply for a Basic BCeID user name and password, and businesses can apply for a Business BCeID user name and password. Your Basic BCeID or Business BCeID will allow you to access many government services over the web.
- An e-mail address that is not a Hotmail e-mail address.
- A Visa, MasterCard or American Express so you can submit payment online.
- A printer capable of printing documents sent to your e-mail address by RTB. You must print and prepare a hearing package for each Respondent, then serve each hearing package in a manner that complies with the relevant Act.
To create a new Application for Dispute Resolution, click the "Start" button below.
Start
What to expect after you've completed your online Application for Dispute Resolution
After you have completed the online form and corrected any errors, click the "Pay and submit button to send the form to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). If you do not choose Pay and Submit, your application will not be saved or processed.
Staff at the RTB will review the application, usually within one or two business days. If more information is required, you will be contacted. You may also need to submit evidence to support your claim. Evidence can be submitted by fax, mail or in person at a Residential Tenancy Branch or a Government Agent office. The 4-digit reference number from your online application must be on the front page of the evidence package.
When the application is complete and all required documentation has been submitted, the RTB will schedule hearing, either by conference call or in-person, usually within 14 days. The exception is for monetary claims, which usually take 6 to 8 weeks. The RTB will prepare hearing documents, which will be sent to you by e-mail. This e-mail gives notification of the hearing date, time and place and provides other information relevant to the hearing.
You must prepare a hearing package to serve each respondent, according to the methods and within the time frames specified under the Residential Tenancy Act or Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act, as applicable. As well, a copy of all evidence must be served to each respondent. Please review the documents and information the RTB sends by e-mail for complete details.
Please note: Online applicants for dispute resolution are not eligible for fee waivers.
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