When will the RTB release a recording?
BC says dispute hearings are recorded for operational purposes and parties may request copies only after the proceeding has concluded and the final decision has been issued. The RTB reviews each completed request and sends further instructions by email. The audio is not needed for routine review consideration, correction or clarification applications: the RTB already has its recording. Requesting audio does not extend the statutory deadlines for those processes or for judicial review.
Fill in all three sections of the current form
- Section 1 — Requester information: Select tenant, landlord or authorized agent, enter full legal name, the email address to receive the recording, telephone number, contact address and dispute rental-unit address.
- Section 2 — Hearing information: Give the RTB file number, hearing date or dates, hearing time or times and teleconference access code, as requested.
- Section 3 — Declaration: Confirm your authority to request the recording, certify the information is complete and accurate, and acknowledge the restrictions on permitted use. Print your name or authorized agent's name, sign and date the form.
Submit RTB-54 by email
Send the completed and signed RTB-54 to HSRTO@gov.bc.ca with the subject line “Request for a Hearing Recording – RTB File #”, replacing the placeholder with your file number. The March 2025 form says only completed requests will be accepted and the RTB will respond by email. Do not simply upload RTB-54 as hearing evidence or submit it before your final decision arrives.
Recording privacy and permitted use
The RTB generally supplies a recording with a director's order restricting its use. Its purpose is to let parties and their authorized representatives understand the hearing and assess or pursue judicial review. Unless specifically authorized in writing, do not modify, publish or share the recording. Breaching a director's order may result in an administrative monetary penalty. The audio may help understand the hearing, but is not an official written transcript.
Common mistakes
Requesting a recording before the case is complete, leaving out the file number, failing to sign, sending the wrong subject line, distributing the recording publicly, or assuming that asking for audio pauses an order or restarts an appeal deadline.