When to request substituted service
First check whether a legally permitted method is available: depending on the document, methods may include personal delivery, registered mail, posting a notice on a door, or email when an email address was specifically provided for service. If you cannot reasonably serve the particular documents by an authorized method, RTB-13 allows you to ask the RTB to approve a workable alternative, such as a verified email address, telephone text message or social-media account. The RTB considers whether the proposed method is likely to bring the documents to the other party's attention.
Complete the three sections
- Section 1 — Dispute information: Enter the RTB file number and dispute access code, your full name and contact details. A working telephone number is required on the paper form.
- Section 2 — Substituted service request: Specify which document or hearing package is being served and name the person you need to serve. Record the usual service methods you tried, explain why they did not work, and give precise details of the alternative you want to use (for example, the exact email address, phone number or social-media username).
- Section 3 — Declaration: Explain why the other party is likely to receive documents through the proposed method; then date and sign the declaration certifying your information is accurate.
One application for each party
The official form requires a separate substituted-service request for each person you need to serve. Naming two respondents on one application does not authorize substituted service on both of them.
Evidence that the proposed method will work
The RTB's substituted-service information sheet asks for evidence of recent contact, ideally within the previous six months, demonstrating that the person actively uses the proposed delivery method. For email, provide dated two-way messages showing the sender and recipient addresses, and a read receipt if available. A delivery receipt alone or an email address merely listed on a website is generally inadequate. For text or social media, keep dated screenshots showing the correct phone number or username and actual communication or activity. Explain failed conventional service attempts with dates and supporting records. The RTB may deny a request that lacks evidence the alternative will reach the recipient.
Where to submit and what happens next
Submit RTB-13 through the RTB Dispute Access service, or on paper at the Burnaby RTB office or a Service BC Centre. Do not send your supporting evidence to the RTB's general email address: the official form says evidence cannot be submitted by email. Wait for the RTB's order, follow the specific authorized service instructions, and keep proof that the documents were served as ordered. The original hearing or document deadlines do not automatically disappear merely because you have requested a different method.
Email service may not need this form
If the recipient already gave their email address specifically for service in the tenancy agreement, on RTB-51, or in another signed service agreement, email may already be an authorized method without a substituted-service order. A history of informal email exchanges alone does not necessarily constitute consent to legal service. Verify the applicable service rules before choosing a method.
Common mistakes
Trying an unauthorized service method before an order has been granted, providing only an address with no recent evidence of activity, applying once for several respondents, or overlooking the specific documents covered by the substituted-service order.