- 3.1.1 Before you apply for a dispute resolution hearing
- 3.1.2 How to apply for a dispute resolution hearing
- 3.1.3 Where to find the Application for Dispute Resolution form
- 3.1.4 Who can file
- 3.1.5 Scheduling the dispute resolution hearing
- 3.1.6 Where to file
- 3.1.7 Requesting that applications be joined in one hearing
- 3.1.8 Fees
- 3.1.9 Ways to pay
- 3.1.10 Registered Landlord Designation
- 3.1.11 Other forms and fees
See also
To view PDF files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
3.1.1 Before you apply for a dispute resolution hearing
To avoid the time and expense of a dispute resolution hearing, landlords and tenants may wish to try to resolve their disagreement by talking to each other.
See also:
3.1.2 How to apply for a dispute resolution hearing
A landlord or tenant can request a dispute resolution hearing by:
- completing an Application for Dispute Resolution form,
- filing the form with the Residential Tenancy Branch, and
- paying the filing fee.
The Residential Tenancy Branch will then schedule the dispute for a hearing by a dispute resolution officer.
3.1.3 Where to find the Application for Dispute Resolution form
There are three different ways to submit an Application for Dispute Resolution:
3.1.4 Who can file
A landlord or tenant can complete and file the Application for Dispute Resolution form. The person or company who completes the form is called the Applicant. If the Applicant is a company, only an authorized representative of that company can complete the form.
"File the form" means that the Applicant must provide the completed form to the Residential Tenancy Branch, with any required supporting documentation and evidence, to get approval for a dispute resolution hearing.
Top
3.1.5 Scheduling the dispute resolution hearing
If the form is approved, the Applicant can pay the fee. When payment is received, the Residential Tenancy Branch will schedule the dispute resolution hearing and prepare Hearing Documents to notify the Applicant of the hearing date, time and place. The Hearing Documents will include information such as instructions on how to prepare for dispute resolution.
The Applicant will have to serve the Respondent(s) with their Hearing Documents according to the methods and within the time frames specified under the Residential Tenancy Act or Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act, as applicable. The Hearing Documents will have to be served within a very short time period (a few days).
See also
3.1.6 Where to file
The Applicant can file the Application for Dispute Resolution form and pay the filing fee:
3.1.7 Requesting that Applications be joined in one hearing
Where two or more Applications for Dispute Resolution name the same landlord and the matters are related and it is logical to do so, the Director of the Residential Tenancy Branch can join the Applications into one dispute resolution hearing by one dispute resolution officer.
See also
3.1.8 Fees
The filing fee is $50.00 for all applications for dispute resolution where the Applicant is not claiming a monetary amount, or is claiming an amount of $5,000 or less.
The filing fee is $100.00 for an Application for Dispute Resolution where the Applicant is claiming an amount greater than $5,000.
Where different applicants apply to have their Applications joined in one hearing, the lead applicant pays the full filing fee and each of the other applicants pays a fee of $25.00.
Top
3.1.9 Ways to pay
When you submit your Application for Dispute Resolution form, you have a number of convenient ways to pay:
| Application Submitted |
Payment method |
| In person to the Residential Tenancy Branch |
Credit card, debit card, cash, or money order |
| By mail or courier to the RTB |
Money order |
| Via RTB's online e-service |
Credit card |
The Residential Tenancy Branch does not accept personal cheques or certified cheques.
Applications submitted to a Government Agent or at a BC Access Centre can be paid by debit card, cash or cheque.
3.1.10 Registered Landlord Designation
What it is
Experienced employees of property management companies can apply for the Registered Landlord Designation which allows their Application for Dispute Resolution forms submitted over the web to be automatically edited and approved without any manual inspection by the Residential Tenancy Branch.
The benefits
Application for Dispute Resolution forms can be processed in minutes instead of hours for these high-volume clients who represent approximately 15% of the RTB's workload.
How to apply
See the Registered Landlord Designation information page for instructions about how to apply for the Designation.
3.1.11 Other forms and fees
The Residential Tenancy Branch has a number of forms to apply for different types of services. You can download them from our forms and fees page.
