In Vancouver and across British Columbia, when rental disagreements arise between tenants and landlords, the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) offers a formal dispute resolution process—an alternative to court proceedings. It’s a legally binding and accessible system designed to resolve rental disputes efficiently, fairly, and without the need for expensive legal representation.
Whether you’re a tenant contesting an unfair eviction or a landlord seeking compensation for damages, understanding how the RTB’s dispute resolution system works can save time, stress, and money.
What Is the Residential Tenancy Branch Dispute Resolution Process?
The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) oversees the implementation of the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) in British Columbia. Its Dispute Resolution Office offers a tribunal-style hearing process, where a neutral arbitrator reviews evidence and issues a legally binding decision.
This process is used to resolve a wide range of disputes between landlords and tenants. It’s similar to a small claims court but more specialized and streamlined for tenancy issues.
Common Types of Disputes Covered
The RTB dispute resolution process handles nearly all common rental issues. Below are examples of disputes that can be filed:
For Tenants:
- Improper or illegal eviction notices
- Unreturned security or pet damage deposits
- Disagreements over repair and maintenance responsibilities
- Rent increases that don’t follow RTA rules
- Landlord’s failure to provide essential services (heat, water, electricity)
- Unauthorized entry by landlord
For Landlords:
- Unpaid rent or utilities
- Damages beyond normal wear and tear
- Breach of tenancy agreement (e.g., unauthorized pets or subletting)
- Tenant refusal to vacate after proper notice
- Illegal activity on the premises
Not all issues qualify for RTB resolution—for example, personal injury claims or criminal behavior must be dealt with through the civil courts or law enforcement.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Dispute
1. Determine Eligibility
Check that your issue falls under the jurisdiction of the RTB and is covered by the Residential Tenancy Act.
2. Submit an Application
Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a Service BC location.
- Online portal: Residential Tenancy Online
- Application fee: Typically $100–$125, though low-income applicants may request a fee waiver.
3. Serve Notice to the Other Party
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding (NDRP) and a hearing package. You must serve this package to the other party within three days of receiving it—either in person, by mail, or as otherwise allowed under the RTA.
Failing to serve notice correctly can result in your application being dismissed.
4. Prepare Your Evidence
Start gathering documents, photos, emails, text messages, inspection reports, receipts, or witness statements that support your case. All evidence must be submitted to both the RTB and the other party at least seven days before the hearing.
5. Attend the Hearing
Hearings are typically held via telephone or Microsoft Teams, and both parties present their evidence and answer questions from the arbitrator. Each side may make opening and closing statements.
If you miss the hearing, you forfeit your right to present your case and may automatically lose the dispute.
Timelines: How Long Does It Take?
Dispute resolution timelines vary depending on the urgency and type of case.
| Dispute Type | Typical Hearing Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Eviction for unpaid rent | 5 to 10 business days |
| Return of deposit | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Repairs, rent increases | 4 to 10 weeks |
| Urgent applications (e.g. threat to safety) | As soon as possible |
You can check the current wait times on the RTB’s website.
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Outcomes: What Can the RTB Order?
Once the arbitrator reviews the evidence and testimony, they issue a written decision (called an “Order”), typically within a few days to two weeks.
Possible orders include:
- Dismissal of the claim
- Return of security or pet deposit
- Compensation for damages or unpaid rent
- Permission to end a tenancy early
- An official Order of Possession (used to evict a tenant with legal grounds)
- Requirement to perform repairs or restore services
All decisions are legally binding. Orders of Possession, for instance, can be enforced by the BC Supreme Court or Bailiffs if a tenant does not vacate after the deadline.
Appealing a Decision: Is It Possible?
There is no formal appeal process through the RTB itself. However, a party can apply for a Review Consideration if they believe there was:
- A serious procedural error
- New evidence that wasn’t reasonably available during the hearing
- A fraudulent claim or misrepresentation
This must be submitted within two days (for possession orders) or within five days (for most other decisions).
Outside of the RTB, parties can apply for judicial review in BC Supreme Court, but this is expensive and usually only considered in extreme cases.
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Tips for a Successful Dispute Resolution
1. Be Prepared
Don’t wait until the last minute to gather evidence. Clear, organized documentation gives your claim credibility.
2. Know the Law
Familiarize yourself with the Residential Tenancy Act and how it applies to your situation. The RTB website has guides for common disputes.
3. Be Professional
Stay calm and respectful during the hearing. Aggression or hostility can undermine your case.
4. Keep Records
Always communicate in writing (email or text), and document every interaction, repair request, or agreement during the tenancy.
5. Meet Deadlines
Missing a deadline—whether for serving documents, submitting evidence, or requesting a review—can automatically result in losing the case.
Where to Get Help
Tenants and landlords can access free resources to help navigate the dispute resolution process:
- RTB Phone Line: 1-800-665-8779
- TRAC (Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre): https://tenants.bc.ca
Offers legal education, support, and even a dispute resolution prep tool. - Legal Aid BC: https://legalaid.bc.ca
May assist eligible low-income individuals with legal representation.
Final Thoughts
The RTB’s dispute resolution process offers a fair and accessible way to resolve tenancy conflicts without going to court. But success requires knowing your rights, submitting complete documentation, and meeting all deadlines.
Whether you’re a tenant trying to recover your deposit or a landlord seeking unpaid rent, following the proper procedures through the RTB is your best path toward a legally enforceable resolution.
My name is Jay, a longtime Metro Vancouverite sharing local real estate tips and my own photos of the city’s homes and neighbourhoods here on Vancouver Home Hub. Hope you find my blog useful! Feel free to reach out anytime at vancouverhomehub@gmail.com if you have questions.
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