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The direct request process

Last updated on January 31, 2024

A direct request is a resolution process for disputes between tenants and landlords. The process is for specific issues, such as returning a security deposit or recovering overdue rent or utilities.

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Direct requests are for specific circumstances

Direct requests are different than a participatory hearing as the adjudicator relies only on the applicant's written submission. Direct requests have no hearing to attend and verbal testimony is not included.

That means your application needs to be filled out completely and clearly.

With a direct request, a tenant or landlord submits the applicable application form and evidence to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). An adjudicator reviews the written evidence, makes a decision and sends the decision to both parties. 

With a direct request, your issue is resolved faster, however it must fit within specific circumstances. 

Tenants apply if a landlord has not returned a deposit

Allow your landlord 20 days to:

  • Return your security or pet deposit, or
  • Apply to keep all or part of the deposit

If they have not done either of these things, you can apply for a direct request for:

  • A monetary order for the return of your deposit
    • You are eligible for double the amount
  • The cost of the direct request application fee

Check the eligibility requirements

Tenants are eligible to apply for a direct request if:

  • Twenty days have passed since your tenancy ended
  • You have provided a forwarding address to your landlord in writing within one year of your tenancy
  • Your landlord has not applied to the RTB to keep the deposit
  • There must be no outstanding order from the RTB director allowing the landlord to retain the deposit(s) or a portion of the deposit(s)

Prior agreements 

You cannot apply for a direct request for the return of deposit money if you have agreed to let the landlord keep the deposit.

  • For example: If you have given a $500 security deposit to the landlord and agreed in writing to allow the landlord to keep $100, you’re only eligible to ask for the return of the remaining $400

Find out if the landlord has applied to keep your deposit or if there is an outstanding director order

Your landlord can keep part or all of the deposits for damage to the rental unit if they apply and are granted permission from the RTB.

Before applying, you can check if your landlord has applied to keep part or all of your deposit(s) or if the RTB director has issued an outstanding order.

To find out:

Cross applications

If the landlord has applied to retain part or all of the deposit(s), you can also file an application and the RTB may cross the applications and review them together. 

Landlords apply for notices to end tenancy and monetary orders

Landlords can apply for a direct request for:

Direct requests can only be submitted when the tenant does not dispute the notice to end tenancy.

Ten day notice to end tenancy

When a tenant receives a Ten day notice to end tenancy, they have 5 days to either pay the overdue amount or dispute it. 

If your tenant has not paid the overdue amount or disputed the notice within 5 days, you can apply for a direct request for one or all of the following:

  • An order of possession
  • A monetary order for unpaid rent and/or utilities
  • A monetary order for the tenant to pay the filing fee

Check the eligibility requirements 

Before applying, make sure your tenant has not:

  • Paid all overdue rent and/or utilities within 5 days of receiving the notice
  • Applied for dispute resolution within 5 days of receiving the notice

Contact the RTB to check if the tenant has applied for dispute resolution.

Landlords are not eligible if:

You're not eligible if you're:

  • Seeking an order to keep the deposit
  • Seeking an order for compensation for damages
  • Applying for an Order of Possession (section 55) for the landlord’s use of property
  • A strata corporation applying for an eviction for cause

Other notices to end tenancy

Check the eligibility requirements

Before applying for a direct request for the other types of notices to end tenancy, make sure your tenant has not applied for dispute resolution within the required time frames of receiving the notice:

  • One month notice: within 10 days
  • Two month notice: within 15 days
  • Four month notice: within 30 days

Contact the RTB to check if the tenant has applied for dispute resolution.

Cross applications

If your tenant has applied, you can file a cross-application for dispute resolution.

Application methods

You need a BCeID

You need a basic BCeID account to access the Online Application for Direct Requests. Getting a basic BCeID account is a simple process and provides secure access to online government services.

You only need to provide your first and last name and an email address. You'll be able to choose a user ID and a password. 

Register for a basic BCeID 

You may already have a BCeID if you access services like:

Tenants

You can apply for a direct request online or in person with a paper application.

Learn how to complete and serve the direct request application.

Apply online

Landlords

You can apply for a direct request online or in person with a paper application for a:

You must apply online for a:

Learn how to complete and serve the direct request application.

Apply online

Complete the application in full 

Document your case. The adjudicator relies on written submissions only. 

Submit all needed documents 

A direct request application must include many required documents. You have to submit all of them completely and accurately. 

Without these documents, the application is not considered complete and won't be accepted. If this happens, the application may be dismissed or scheduled for a regular dispute resolution hearing. 

Provide strong evidence 

Make sure your written submission has strong evidence to prove your case. Landlords and tenants need to provide specific evidence, depending on the application. 

Examples of proof: 

If you are a tenant asking for a security deposit back: 

  • Provide proof you paid the deposit 

If you are a landlord requesting an order of possession for demolition or conversion:

  • Provide proof of permits

 Learn about submitting evidence. 

Filing fee

The fee to apply for a direct request is $100. You can pay the filing fee at a Service BC Office or the Residential Tenancy Branch office.

Apply to waive the filing fee

Applicants who have very low income, or extraordinary expenses that would make paying the filing fee a hardship, can apply to have the fee waived.

You can ask for the filing fee back on the application itself.

If you're unsure if you are eligible for a fee waiver, you can apply and the RTB will evaluate your eligibility.

Possible outcomes

Once you've submitted the application, the Residential Tenancy Branch reviews the application, makes a decision, and prepares a proceeding package.  

You must print or pick it up and serve the package to the other party no more than 3 days after it is ready.  

If the orders are served and the other party does not comply, you may enforce the order through the court system.

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