Is this the right application?
Use RTB-12T-CT while the tenancy continues and the tenant remains in the unit. After moving out, use RTB-12T-PT. To recover qualifying security or pet damage deposits after leaving through the document-only process, check RTB-12T-DR and its required worksheets. If an immediate serious threat may qualify for an urgent hearing, consult RTB-12T-EXH.
Complete the seven sections of the current form
- Section 1 — Key dispute information: Confirm you still live in the unit, identify the rental type, active dispute number (if any), security or pet damage deposits, rental address, full applicant information, and how you want to receive the hearing package.
- Section 2 — Respondent information: Name the actual landlord or landlord business and enter a valid service address. Use RTB-26 for additional parties or mailing addresses and RTB-13 if you need authorization for substituted service.
- Section 3 — Common notices to end tenancy: Select a 10 Day Notice, One Month Notice for Cause, landlord- or purchaser-use notice, or caretaker-use notice as applicable. Record how and when you received it, the Notice ID where supplied, and facts explaining why it should be cancelled. If late, explain the exceptional reason for requesting additional time.
- Section 4 — Other issues: Select orders for landlord compliance, compensation, rent reduction, repairs, access restrictions on the landlord, or restoration of an agreed service or facility. Identify specific events, requested amounts and supporting records; include a monetary worksheet when requested.
- Section 5 — General issues: Covers tenant access, return of property, permission to change locks, unreasonably refused assignment/sublet, emergency repair reimbursement and improper rent increases. Describe the actual facts.
- Section 6 — Other notices to end tenancy: Includes specified employment-related, subsidized-housing, demolition or conversion and manufactured-home-park notices. Record the actual service/receipt information and any reason an application is late.
- Section 7 — Declaration: The primary applicant or authorized agent prints their name, signs and dates the statement. False or misleading information may have legal consequences.
Check the eviction dispute deadline before preparing evidence
For a 10 Day Notice (RTB-30), a tenant generally has just five days after legal receipt to dispute. A One Month Notice for Cause generally provides 10 days. Current landlord- or purchaser-use notices generally provide 21 days; caretaker-use notices generally provide 30 days. Other notice types have different deadlines and transitional rules. The form allows you to request more time only on limited grounds; do not assume a late application will be accepted.
Filing fee, evidence and service
The RTB says paper applications must be filed in person at the Burnaby office or a participating Service BC centre, while an online application is also available. Pay the $100 fee or obtain a fee waiver. Attach or prepare the relevant notice, tenancy agreement, messages, rent records, photos, repair requests, invoices and an appropriate monetary worksheet. After the RTB issues the proceeding package, serve each landlord respondent by an authorized method before the deadline in the package and retain proof of service.
Common mistakes
Using a past-tenancy form while still living in the unit; naming the wrong landlord; assuming an email address is approved for formal service; forgetting an eviction receipt date or Notice ID; selecting compensation without a dollar amount or supporting worksheet; or filing after a short eviction deadline believing the $100 payment extends it.