Manage tenancy matters during Canada Post labour dispute 2025
Last updated on September 26, 2025The Canada Post work stoppage may affect how you serve records, pay rent, and return deposits. This page explains temporary measures and alternative methods you can use during this time.
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Serving records during the Canada Post work stoppage
If you serve records by mail during the Canada Post work stoppage, arbitrators may decide that the records were not sufficiently served and dismiss any related applications for dispute resolution.
During the Canada Post work stoppage, you should use other permitted methods of service.
Serving records by courier
As a temporary measure you may also serve records using a courier service. If you use a courier to serve records, you must request signature upon delivery, and one of the following conditions must be met:
- The recipient of the documents signs a document provided by the courier which acknowledges receipt
- The courier leaves a notice of attempted delivery in the mailbox or posted to the door
- If the courier is not able to leave the notice of attempted delivery in the mailbox or posted to the door, the courier leaves the notice of attempted delivery in a conspicuous place and you provide proof that you have attempted to contact the recipient by telephone or email to inform them of the attempted delivery
Records sent by courier during this period are deemed to have been received on the actual date of delivery if the recipient signs a document acknowledging receipt, or on the 5th day after the document or the delivery attempt notice is sent.
To record service by courier in the Dispute Access Site , select “Other” as the method of service. Upload the courier receipt and write the courier tracking number in the description box. If required, attach a Proof of Service form.
Residential Tenancy Branch temporary order allowing service by courier (PDF, 130KB)
Paying rent during the Canada Post work stoppage
Rent must be paid in full and on time – by midnight on the day it’s due. A landlord may issue a 10 Day Notice to End Tenancy for non-payment of rent if rent is not received on time, even if a cheque has been delayed in the mail.
During the Canada Post work stoppage, you should pay rent to the landlord in person, arrange for an e-Transfer or provide post-dated cheques to ensure payments are received on time. If you use e-Transfer, you are responsible for any related fees and must provide the landlord with a passcode to access the funds.
Returning deposits during the Canada Post work stoppage
During the Canada Post work stoppage, landlords must still return the deposit (plus any interest) to the tenant within 15 days after a tenant has moved out and given the landlord a forwarding address in writing, except if a tenant agrees in writing to allow the landlord to keep all or part of the deposit or an arbitrator decides that the landlord can keep the deposit.
During the Canada Post work stoppage, you should use methods of service other than mail to return a security deposit. You should return the deposit in person or arrange for the tenant to collect the deposit.