Resources

You can submit an online Application for Dispute Resolution form over the web to request a hearing before a dispute resolution officer to resolve a dispute. The filing fee must be paid by credit card over the web. 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 serve on the respondent(s), and other information related to the dispute resolution process.

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 or MasterCard to pay online.
• You will also be applying for a fee waiver.

More Information:
Important Information for Online Applicants (PDF)

Instead, you must submit a paper application in person at one of these locations:

• 400 - 5021 Kingsway BURNABY
• 1st Flr, 1019 Wharf Street VICTORIA
• 101 - 2141 Springfield Road KELOWNA
• Any B.C. Government Agent Office or BC Access Centre

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 or MasterCard 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.

After you have completed the online form and corrected any errors, click the "Submit for Approval" button to send the form to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).

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 contact you by phone or e-mail to let you know the filing fee can be paid online. When your payment is received, the RTB will schedule either a conference call or in-person hearing, usually within 9-14 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 information 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.