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Manage tenancy matters during Canada Post labour dispute 2024

Last updated on December 18, 2024

Canada Post resumed operations on December 17, 2024, but has suspended service guarantees until further notice. This 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 to other parties during the Canada Post service disruption

During the Canada Post service disruption, you should use methods of service other than mail. Arbitrators may determine that records sent by mail were not sufficiently served and dismiss any related applications for dispute resolution, with or without leave to reapply.

Serving records by courier

Until Canada Post reinstates on-time service guarantees, the Residential Tenancy Branch has continued an Order allowing you to serve records by courier.

There are special rules for serving records by courier:

Paying rent during the Canada Post service disruption

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 service disruption, 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 service disruption

During the Canada Post service disruption, 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 service disruption, 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.