Apply Online - Fast and Easy!
Try to solve the problem yourself, first.
Know my issues
Only related issues can be combined into one application for dispute resolution.
Check my deadlines and calculations
Different types of disputes can have different application deadlines. Make sure you meet important deadlines and that your calculations are correct. Use the calculators to help you figure out timelines to file for dispute or how much the rent can be increase… and more!
If it's close to the deadline for applying, it's best to submit your application and complete payment online or submit your application in person to a Service BC Office or the Burnaby Residential Tenancy Branch Office.
Note: Your application is not considered to be made until you have submitted your application and paid the filing fee or submitted documents for a fee waiver.
Register for a Basic BCeID
You will need a Basic BCeID account to access the Online Application for Dispute Resolution. A Basic BCeID account provides secure access to online government services.
Register for a Basic BCeID Now (External Link)
- BCeID Privacy Policy (External Link)
- More about BCeID (External Link)
Collect the right evidence
Not sure what evidence you need to support your claim? Use the Online Application for Dispute Resolution--the Online Application will suggest important evidence to support your claim.
- Learn more about preparing evidence
- Check out restrictions on evidence size and format
Digitize my evidence
The best way to submit evidence to the Residential Tenancy Branch is online.
- Save your evidence on your computer or mobile device
- Clearly name each file so it’s easy to identify
- If you need to submit emails as evidence, or supporting documentation, make sure they are not in one of the following file formats as they are not allowed: msg, eml, html and htm
- Files with these formats must be converted into an acceptable format such as: text, PDF, Word or a photo
- Learn more about preparing evidence
Upload evidence in the right format
You can submit digital evidence to the Residential Tenancy Branch in the most commonly used formats, but there are restrictions on the format, size and amount of evidence you may submit.
- Check out restrictions on evidence size and format
Submit my evidence
You can upload evidence by submitting it directly into your Online Application for Dispute Resolution.
Don’t have all of your digital evidence ready but still want to apply? When you submit an application, you will receive a unique Dispute Access Code. This code will allow you to upload evidence after you have submitted your application.
Don’t forget, you must also provide copies of your evidence to the other party--either on paper or digitally.
- Learn more about requirements for digital evidence
Filing fee
The filing fee for an Application for Dispute Resolution is $100. Be ready to pay!
Online
You may pay the filing fee online by:
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express )
- Visa Debit
- MasterCard Debit
In person
Service BC Office or Residential Tenancy Branch Office
You may pay the filing fee in person at a Service BC Office or Residential Tenancy Branch Office by:
- Cash
- Debit
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express )
- Visa Debit
- MasterCard Debit
- Certified cheque payable to the Minister of Finance
- Residential Tenancy Branch Office only: Money order payable to the Minister of Finance
Make sure to bring your file number and your Dispute Access Code.
Fee Waiver for tenants with low income
If you are a tenant with a low income or have extraordinary expenses that would make paying the filing fee a hardship, you may qualify for a fee waiver. You can apply for a fee waiver online at the time of submission or in person at any Service BC Office or the Residential Tenancy Branch Office in Burnaby.
- You must submit proof of income when applying for a fee waiver
Request to waive filing fee due to extraordinary expenses
If you are requesting a fee waiver because you have had extraordinary expenses that would make paying the filing fee a hardship, you must complete a paper Application to Waive Filing Fee (PDF) and submit it in person to any Service BC Office or the Residential Tenancy Branch Office in Burnaby.
- You must provide proof of eligible hardship expenses such as:
- extraordinary medical expenses
- transportation costs for medically necessary procedures not available in your community
- funeral expenses
- costs associated with an emergency such as a fire, flood, earthquake, landslide or avalanche
- Learn more about fee waivers
Want to know the status of your application? Check any time on the Dispute Access Site. All you need is your Dispute Access Code and your name.
- View existing applications
If you submitted an online application before September 23, 2017, you can contact the Residential Tenancy Branch for questions, changes or to receive a copy of your application.
Note: Your Dispute Access Code is provided to you when you submit your application or if you are the respondent, in the Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding served to you by the other party.
|
Application status |
What does it mean? |
|---|---|
|
Abandoned applicant inaction |
The applicant did not make a required update to their application |
|
Abandoned no payment |
The application has been abandoned because the application fee was not paid |
|
Assessing application |
The application has been received and is being assessed by the Residential Tenancy Branch |
|
Cancelled |
Dispute has been cancelled by the Residential Tenancy Branch |
|
Clarification pending |
A clarification to a decision or order is being made by an arbitrator or adjudicator |
|
Closed |
No further action on the file is required. The file is closed |
|
Closed for submissions |
Evidence submissions are no longer accepted from any party |
|
Confirming information |
The Residential Tenancy Branch is confirming important information with the applicant |
|
Correction pending |
A correction to a decision or order is being made by an arbitrator or adjudicator |
|
Decision pending |
A hearing has occurred, and the decision document is in progress |
|
Decision ready to send |
The Residential Tenancy Branch is preparing to send the decision document |
|
Deleted |
The file has been deleted by the applicant |
|
Dismissed |
The dispute has been dismissed by the Residential Tenancy Branch |
|
Documents ready to send |
The Residential Tenancy Branch notice of dispute resolution package is ready to send to the applicant |
|
Fee waiver proof required |
The applicant must provide proof of income to support a request to have the filing fee waived |
|
Hearing adjourned |
The hearing has been adjourned and another hearing will be scheduled |
|
Hearing assigned |
An arbitrator is viewing the application file |
|
Incomplete paper application |
A paper application was submitted at Service BC or the Residential Tenancy Branch office, but the required application form and/or evidence was not provided |
|
Interim decision pending |
A hearing has been adjourned and an interim decision is being written by the arbitrator |
|
Office payment required |
An application fee is required, and the applicant has chosen to pay in person |
|
Open for submissions |
Parties to a dispute can submit evidence to each other and the Residential Tenancy Branch |
|
Paper application - update required |
A paid paper application needs to be replaced with an updated paper application |
|
Partial proof of service |
The applicant has indicated the they have provided the notice of dispute resolution package to only some of the respondents |
|
Payment required |
An application fee is required |
|
Process decision required |
The application is on hold while the arbitrator makes a process decision |
|
Ready for scheduling |
The application is in the queue to be scheduled for a hearing |
|
Received |
The application is ready for the Residential Tenancy Branch to assess |
|
Saved not submitted |
An application has been started but not submitted |
|
Screening decision required |
The application requires review by a Senior Information Officer or Supervisor before it is processed |
|
Simple correction pending |
The Residential Tenancy Branch is correcting a simple error in the decision or order(s) (e.g., incorrect spelling of name) |
|
To be rescheduled |
The application is waiting to be rescheduled by the Residential Tenancy Branch |
|
Update required |
The applicant must make an update to their online application |
|
Waiting for dismissal decision |
Used to indicate that the applicant has not served the notice of dispute resolution package and the file requires a dismissal decision from an arbitrator or adjudicator |
|
Waiting for documents pick up |
The Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding package is ready to be picked up at the Residential Tenancy Branch or any Service BC Centre |
|
Waiting for proof of service |
The Direct Request application is waiting for the applicant to provide the Residential Tenancy Branch with the Proof of Service document |
|
Waiting for response |
Used to indicate that no response has been provided by at least one respondent |
|
Withdrawn |
The application for dispute resolution has been withdrawn by the applicant |
You will receive email notifications with status updates and reminders about your application.
If you don’t see these reminders:
- add donotreply@tenancydispute.gov.bc.ca to your contacts or safe senders
- check your junk mail folder
Don't forget! You will need a Basic BCeID account to access the Online Application for Dispute Resolution. Already have one? Click Apply Online.
Do you have everything ready to apply online? Let’s get started.
- IMPORTANT: before starting an application, please make sure your internet browser is up to date.
- View existing applications
If you submitted an online application before September 23, 2017, you can contact the Residential Tenancy Branch for questions, changes or to receive a copy of your application.
Are you a respondent? Add your evidence online!
You will need your Dispute Access Code - you can find it in the Notice of Dispute Resolution Hearing Package.
Complete a paper application
Not able to apply online? No problem.
While applying online is the fastest, easiest way to apply, you may complete a paper application and submit it in person at any Service BC Office or the Residential Tenancy Branch Office in Burnaby.
The content on this website is periodically reviewed and updated by the Province of British Columbia as per the date noted on each page: December 5, 2020.
