The five permitted grounds for review
The process is not a new hearing just because you disagree with the penalty. You must identify at least one of these grounds and explain how it materially affects the original penalty determination:
- You could not make submissions because of circumstances that were unanticipated and beyond your control.
- You have new and relevant evidence that was unavailable before the penalty was imposed and materially affects the result.
- The RTB made a procedural error that materially affected the decision or amount.
- A technical irregularity or error materially affected the decision or amount.
- The director failed to determine an issue they were required to decide.
Complete the three required sections
- Section 1 — Key file information: Indicate landlord, tenant or authorized representative; enter the CEU file number, requester contact information, the date shown on the administrative penalty decision and the date you received it.
- Section 2 — Review grounds: Check every applicable ground and provide particulars of the facts, documents and impact of each error or new item of evidence. Attach relevant supporting documents rather than just repeating your disagreement with the penalty.
- Section 3 — Declaration: Read the declaration, print the authorized applicant's name, sign and date the completed request.
15-day deadline and possible extension
Count 15 calendar days from receipt of the administrative penalty decision or order, including weekends. If you need an extension, the prescribed form has a separate Request for Extension of Time to Apply for Review where you must describe the exceptional circumstances preventing timely filing and attach supporting evidence. An extension is discretionary; do not assume that asking for one preserves a late application.
How and where to submit
The RTB directs you to file in person at the Burnaby RTB office or a Service BC centre that accepts RTB forms, or by mail to the Burnaby office. The form warns that a mailed request must be postmarked by Canada Post within the 15-day period. Pay the $50 fee or obtain an approved waiver; the application will not be processed until one of those conditions is met. For a waiver based on low income or extraordinary expenses, ask staff about the administrative-penalty review waiver procedure: the provincial guidance says RTB-17 is not required for this particular type of review.
What happens after filing?
The RTB considers the written application and evidence to decide whether review should be granted. It may dismiss an unsupported request or consider it for further review; a request does not automatically cancel the original penalty. Avoid attaching the same evidence already submitted during the original opportunity to be heard unless necessary to explain the specific review ground. Keep your complete filing, payment receipt and proof of filing date.
Common mistakes
Using RTB-56 to challenge a regular eviction or deposit decision, filing after 15 days without evidence of exceptional circumstances, paying no fee without securing a waiver, or listing a review ground without explaining its material effect on the penalty.