RTB dispute resolution: A guide for your BC rental

What is RTB dispute resolution?

In British Columbia, RTB dispute resolution is the formal process used to resolve many residential tenancy issues under the Residential Tenancy Act or the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act. It is usually the last step after the parties have tried to work out the issue on their own.
 

Examples of RTB disputes

Common issues that may lead to RTB dispute resolution include:

• Security or pet damage deposits: A tenant may apply when a security or pet damage deposit has not been returned or the landlord has not applied to keep it within the required window, obtained the tenant’s written agreement, or otherwise had legal authority to retain it. Learn more in our guide to BC security deposit laws.
   
• Unpaid rent: A landlord may apply for an order of possession or monetary order when a tenant has neither paid the overdue amount nor disputed a 10 Day Notice to End Tenancy for Unpaid Rent or Utilities within five days.
   
• Evictions: A tenant may dispute a notice to end tenancy, or a landlord may apply for an order of possession. Learn more in our guide to tenant evictions in BC.
   
• Repairs and maintenance: A tenant may seek an order requiring repairs, especially when health or safety is involved.
   
• Access to the rental unit: Either party may raise concerns about entry, access, or refusal to allow lawful access.
   
• Monetary claims: A landlord or tenant may seek money related to damage, unpaid rent, overpaid rent, fees, or other tenancy-related costs.
   
• Emergency issues: Some urgent disputes may qualify for an expedited hearing if they fit the RTB’s limited urgent hearing categories.
   
• Manufactured home park tenancies: Certain disputes involving manufactured home park tenancies may also fall under RTB dispute resolution.

Explore our BC tenant rights article for more information.
 

Before applying for RTB dispute resolution

Before applying, landlords and tenants should confirm whether the issue is covered by the Residential Tenancy Act or the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act. For example, the RTB has a monetary claim limit of $35,000 for most debt or damages claims (though some specific tenant compensation claims have a higher limit).

Some issues may belong somewhere else, such as the BC Human Rights Tribunal, the Civil Resolution Tribunal, or the BC Supreme Court.
 

RTB dispute process

1. Try to resolve the issue first

   RTB dispute resolution is meant to be used when the landlord and tenant cannot work things out directly. Before applying, the parties should review the tenancy agreement, written notices, condition inspection reports, rent records, photos, emails, and any relevant RTB guidance. Clear communication may solve the issue without a formal claim, but landlords should always consult with qualified legal counsel before dealing with a tenant dispute.
    

2. Choose the right RTB process

   There are different RTB dispute resolution processes. The right one depends on the issue, urgency, and type of order being requested.
    
   • Participatory hearing: This is the standard RTB dispute resolution process for many landlord and tenant disputes. Both sides can participate, present evidence, answer questions, and respond to the other party before an arbitrator makes a decision.
      
   • Direct request: This is a faster, written-only process for specific issues where the required documents are clear and a standard hearing is not needed. For example, tenants may use it for some security or pet damage deposit claims. Landlords may use it for certain undisputed notices to end tenancy, including some unpaid rent or utilities cases after a 10 Day Notice.
      
   • Expedited hearing: This process is used for urgent disputes that need to be heard more quickly than a standard hearing. It may apply to an early end to a tenancy for very serious tenant breaches, a tenant’s order of possession after an illegal lockout, or emergency repairs for safety and security.
      
   • Facilitation: In some RTB dispute resolution cases, a facilitator may help the parties try to reach an agreement before a full decision is needed. If both sides agree to terms, the agreement may be recorded in a way that can be enforced.



3. Apply online or by paper

   A landlord or tenant can apply for RTB dispute resolution online or by paper, where paper filing is available for that application type. Online applications generally require a Basic BCeID. Paper applications may be filed through available RTB or Service BC options.
   
   The filing fee is generally $100, although low-income applicants or applicants facing extraordinary expenses may request a fee waiver. The application should clearly identify the issue, the requested outcome, and the evidence supporting the claim.
    

4. Serve the dispute package

   After an application is accepted, the applicant must serve the Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding package on the other party within the required timeline. Service rules matter because the other party needs proper notice and an opportunity to respond.
   
   Applicants should follow RTB instructions closely and keep proof of service, including delivery dates, methods, tracking details, or witness information.
    

5. Prepare and exchange evidence

   Evidence should be organized before the hearing or written review. Useful records might include things like the tenancy agreement, rent ledger, notices, inspection reports, repair requests, contractor invoices, photos, videos, text messages, emails, and witness statements. Each document should connect to the issue being decided.
    

6. Attend the hearing or submit written materials

   In a participatory hearing, both sides are invited to explain their position and respond to evidence. Hearings are commonly held by phone. In a direct request, there is no hearing; the adjudicator reviews the written evidence and issues a decision. During facilitation or arbitration, the parties may still reach a settlement if they agree on practical terms.
    

7. Receive the decision or order

   At the end of RTB dispute resolution, the arbitrator or adjudicator issues a decision. The decision may dismiss the application, confirm a settlement agreement, or include an enforceable order. Orders might require payment, possession of the rental unit, repairs, compliance with the tenancy agreement, or another action tied to the dispute. Both parties are expected to follow the decision.
    

8. Enforce the order if needed

   The successful party may need to enforce an RTB order through the courts if the other party does not comply. Winning an order is not always the final step, so parties should understand the enforcement process before applying.

Possible outcomes

Possible RTB dispute resolution outcomes include:

• Order of possession for a landlord: Gives the landlord possession of the rental unit.
   
• Order of possession for a tenant: Gives the tenant possession of the rental unit.
   
• Monetary order: Requires one party to pay the other a specific amount.
   
• Order of compliance: Requires a person to complete a specific task, such as making a repair.
   
• Settlement agreement: Records terms the landlord and tenant agreed to during facilitation or arbitration.
   
• Dismissal: The application may be dismissed, with or without instructions to reapply.

About FirstService Residential

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This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.