When does a clarification request fit?
Use RTB-38 when the wording of a decision or order, or the reasons given by the arbitrator, are difficult to understand or appear ambiguous. Identify the specific passage or instruction needing explanation and why the uncertainty matters. An unfavourable finding or disagreement about evidence does not, by itself, qualify for clarification.
Complete the two sections
- Section 1 — Requester information: Indicate whether you are the landlord, tenant or authorized representative; include the RTB file number, dispute access code, name, contact phone and service/contact address.
- Identify whether clarification is requested for the decision, order of possession or monetary order. Enter the date the document was issued and the date you received it; describe precisely what is unclear.
- Section 2 — Declaration: The requester or authorized agent signs and dates the statement confirming the information is accurate and the requester is authorized to make the request.
- Attach a copy of the decision or order for which clarification is requested; compare the reference date carefully with the document you received.
15-day deadline, submission and fee
The Province directs parties to submit within 15 calendar days of receipt, not 15 days from the printed decision date. The government's online dispute-access service can accept clarification requests, and the prescribed paper RTB-38 provides instructions for filing at the Burnaby RTB office or a participating Service BC office. There is no filing fee. The other party usually does not need advance notice unless an arbitrator directs otherwise. Keep confirmation of submission.
Clarification is different from correction or review
Use RTB-6 to request correction of obvious errors, typographical mistakes or inadvertent omissions. Some small clerical corrections have no time limit, but that exception does not extend the 15-day clarification deadline. Use RTB-2 for the separate review-consideration process, which has limited grounds, a filing fee and deadlines of as little as two days for certain orders.
Common mistakes
Using RTB-38 to reargue the merits, calculating 15 days from the decision's issue date rather than receipt, requesting a new outcome instead of an explanation, or failing to include the decision/order. If enforcement is urgent, do not assume a clarification request automatically pauses an order.