What does signing RTB-51 mean?
By providing an email address for service on this signed form and delivering a copy to the other party, you are agreeing that tenancy-related legal documents may be served there. The form applies to both residential rental tenancies and manufactured home park tenancies. A normal email conversation by itself does not necessarily show that a party agreed to formal legal service at that address. Only provide an email address that you can check regularly, including during travel or periods away from home.
Complete the four parts of the prescribed form
- Landlord information: Enter first and middle names, surname or business name, full postal address, phone number and email address for service. The form directs businesses to enter the business name in the surname field.
- Tenant information: Enter all relevant tenant names, complete address, telephone numbers and the email address or addresses for service.
- Date: Use the date field in DD/MM/YYYY format.
- Signatures: Obtain the landlord's and tenant's signatures as shown. Give a copy to each other party so everyone has a record of the service addresses agreed to.
What happens when an email address changes?
The official RTB-51 says a party whose designated email changes, or who no longer wishes to receive legal service at that address, must notify the other party in writing as soon as possible. Preserve proof the update was delivered. Otherwise, important notices may continue to be sent to an address that is no longer monitored. Do not rely on updating your personal contacts or changing an email signature as adequate notification.
Service methods and response deadlines still matter
RTB-51 records consent to email service; it does not automatically make any method lawful for every kind of document or extend the deadline to dispute a notice. Use the service rules applicable to that document, including legally deemed receipt where relevant. Keep the sent email, attachments and proof the recipient had designated that address for service. If legal email service was not authorized, check other permitted methods or request substituted service using RTB-13.
Common mistakes
Confusing a casual contact email with an address for legal service, sending RTB-51 to the RTB instead of the other party, leaving a signature blank, failing to notify the other party of a change, or assuming a notice is harmless because it arrived by email.