Apply Online - Fast and Easy!
Online application services will be unavailable between 4 P.M. on February 7 and 12 P.M. (PST) on February 18
You may continue to make payments and submit paper applications and documents in person at a Service BC Centre or Residential Tenancy Branch
Try to solve the problem yourself, first.
Know My Issues
Only related issues can be combined into one application for dispute resolution. Want more information on your issue before you apply for dispute resolution? Use the Solution Explorer to learn about what you can do to resolve your problem or better prepare for a formal dispute.
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 Solution Explorer or apply using 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
- 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.
What Does My Dispute Status Mean?
|
Application Status |
What Does it Mean? |
| Abandoned | The filing fee or fee waiver proof of income was not made provided within the deadline – application is no longer available |
| Cancelled or withdrawn | No dispute resolution hearing will take place |
| Closed | You can no longer access your dispute resolution file |
| Data transfer | Your application information is being transferred to the Case Management System |
| Deleted | Your application has been deleted – no hearing will be held |
| Hearing scheduled | Your dispute resolution hearing has been scheduled |
| Needs update | Your application needs updating - log back in and make a change |
| Ready for decision | Your Direct Request application is under review |
| Re-opened for clarification | The application is open for clarification |
| Review consideration | An application for review consideration has been submitted |
| Saved, not submitted | Your application has been started but not submitted |
| Submitted and paid | You have paid the filing fee or have submitted fee waiver proof of income – your dispute will be scheduled for a hearing soon |
| Submitted, not paid | Your application has been submitted but payment or fee waiver proof of income is required |
| Waiting for Proof of Service | You must upload your Direct Request Proof of Service document before your application can move forward |
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: May 8, 2018.
