When this process fits
This is not a general hearing for disputed repairs, rent reductions or damage claims. It is for a qualifying claim for return of security and/or pet damage deposits after the landlord did not comply with the required return/application period. When supporting records are incomplete or the facts require testimony, the RTB may refer the matter for a participatory hearing or dismiss the direct request. A tenant who still lives in the unit should use RTB-12T-CT for ongoing-tenancy matters.
Fill in all five sections
- Section 1 — Key dispute information: Confirm that the tenancy ended and identify the rental-unit or manufactured-home site address, deposit payments and related dispute file, if any.
- Section 2 — Applicant information: Provide the tenant's full legal name, mailing address, contact details and any second applicant. Use RTB-26 if additional party information is needed.
- Section 3 — Respondents: Provide the landlord's full legal and business name, lawful service address and any second respondent. Apply using RTB-13 if substituted service is necessary.
- Section 4 — Deposit-return request: Select return of security or pet deposits, or the legally permitted double-deposit remedy where applicable. Enter the exact monetary amounts, tenancy end date, date the forwarding address was served and the delivery method. These amounts must reconcile with RTB-40.
- Section 5 — Signature: The applicant or authorized agent signs and dates the declaration.
Submit the evidence at the same time
The form requires a signed tenancy agreement, RTB-40 direct request worksheet, RTB-41 proof of service of the forwarding address, and the actual written forwarding-address notice—for example RTB-47, a letter or move-out condition inspection report containing the forwarding address. Include deposit receipts, repayment evidence and other proof supporting the amount requested.
Apply, then serve the issued package
Use the RTB online application or file the completed paper form in person at the Burnaby RTB office or a Service BC location that accepts RTB forms. After the RTB issues the direct-request proceeding package, serve each respondent within the RTB's instructions (normally within three days of issue) and file RTB-50 proof of service. Only an actual RTB monetary order, properly served and enforced through the applicable process, establishes payment entitlement.
Common mistakes
Applying before the 20-day wait, providing only an email address instead of a written forwarding mailing address, omitting the RTB-41 service evidence, requesting double payment without checking eligibility, or assuming that filing RTB-12T-DR means the landlord was served.