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Complete and serve the direct request application

Last updated on September 6, 2024

A direct request is for specific circumstances such as returning a security deposit or recovering overdue rent or utilities. It's different than a participatory hearing as there is no hearing to attend and the adjudicator relies only on the applicant's written submission. Verbal testimony is not included in the decision process.

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Direct request steps

When applying for a direct request, document your case clearly as the adjudicator relies only on written submissions. Make sure everything you provide is complete and accurate and that no documents are missing.

If there are issues with the documents, the application may be dismissed or scheduled for a participatory hearing which is a longer process.

Tenant’s application process

Step 1: Determine if you are applying online or in person

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

Online

Apply online

In-person

Lower Mainland: 

  • Residential Tenancy Branch office: 
    • 400 - 5021 Kingsway, Burnaby, V5H 4A5

Elsewhere in B.C.:

Step 2: Complete the application in full with all required documents

​Required documents

Submit a copy of each of these documents:

Provide strong evidence

Make sure your written submission has strong evidence to prove your case with documents directly related to your application.

Step 3: Wait for the application review

 

The RTB reviews the application.

Step 4: Pick up or print the proceeding package

The RTB creates a Notice of Dispute Proceeding package, which explains the next steps you need to take.

It is sent to you by email or letter, depending on your requested communication method.

  • If you submit it online, your package will be sent by email
  • If you submit to a Service BC office, they will contact you

The Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding Package includes:

  • Information for the landlord
    • Details about your application
    • What the landlord needs to do 
  • A proof of service form

Step 5: Serve the proceeding package

Serve the package to the landlord within 3 days.

What to serve 

  • The Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding package
  • Copies of all the required documents you submitted to the RTB, including the supporting evidence

You can serve the package: 

  • In-person to the landlord or an agent of the landlord
  • By email 
    • If you want to serve by email, you must have the other party's written permission to do so.
    • For example, if both parties have a previous communication agreement or have signed an Address for Service - (PDF, 511KB) - Form RTB-51, you can serve by email
  • By registered mail to your landlord’s home address
  • By registered mail to the address where they carry on business as a landlord

If you don't know your landlord's legal name and address and are not comfortable asking them:

  • Check your rental agreement
  • Ask a neighbour who has the same landlord
  • Complete a land title search by visiting BC Land Title & Survey Authority Search for a Title
    • There is a fee for this search

Substituted service

If you can't serve a document using one of these methods, you can apply for a substituted service to request a different method of service.

This can be applied for online or in person.

Step 6: Submit the proof of service to RTB

After you serve the package to the landlord:

How to submit the proof of service

In-person:

Online:

Upload proof of service

Step 7: Wait for the adjudicator's decision

An adjudicator considers the application and documentation and makes a decision. The adjudicator's decision is final and binding.

There are several possible outcomes. They may:

  • Grant a monetary order to the tenant for the return of the deposit(s)
  • Schedule a participatory hearing to provide both parties with an opportunity to present evidence
  • Dismiss the application with or without an opportunity to reapply for dispute resolution

The decisions and any orders are sent to you via email or regular mail. The landlord is also sent a copy of the decision, but not the order.

  • If requested, the material can also be faxed

Step 8: Serve the order to the landlord

If the adjudicator grants the monetary order, you must serve the order to the landlord.

If the order is served and the landlord does not pay the money owed, you can enforce the order through the court system.

An order cannot be enforced until the review period has passed.

Step 9: Reviewing a decision

If the landlord has evidence that you obtained a monetary order by submitting false information, they can apply to have a decision reviewed. 

The landlord has to apply for this type of review within 15 days of receiving the order.

Landlord’s application process

Step 1: Determine if you are applying online or in person

You can apply online or in person for:

  • Ten day Notice for Unpaid Rent or Utilities

You must apply online for:

  • One Month Notice to End Tenancy for Cause or End of Employment
  • Two Month Notice to End Tenancy Because the Tenant Does Not Qualify for Subsidized Rental Unit
  • Four Month Notice to End Tenancy for Demolition or Conversion of a Rental Unit

In-person

Lower Mainland: 

  • Residential Tenancy Branch office: 
    • 400 - 5021 Kingsway, Burnaby, V5H 4A5

Elsewhere in B.C.:

Online

Apply online

Step 2: Complete the application with all required documents

Direct requests are used for applications for:

  • Orders of possession notices:
    • Ten day
    • One month
    • Two month
    • Four month
  • Monetary orders for unpaid rent and/or utilities

Required documents

Submit a copy of each of these documents when applying online or in person:

General application form:

The relevant Notice to End Tenancy:

If seeking a monetary order for unpaid rent and/or utilities:

Documents showing changes to the tenancy agreement relevant to the application, for example:

  • If rent has increased since the tenancy began, a copy of all Notices of Rent Increase
  • Changes to the parties or their agents on the agreement

Proof that the landlord served the tenant with the relevant Notice to End Tenancy using:

If applicable, a copy of related utility bills

​Additional documents if claiming for unpaid utilities:

  • Copy of the written demand informing the tenant of the amount and due date
  • A copy of related utility bills
  • Other supporting documentation relevant to the notice to end tenancy

Any other documents that explain the situation

Step 3: Wait for the application review

The RTB reviews the application.

If your application is not complete or does not qualify as a direct request, they may ask you to re-apply or schedule a participatory hearing instead.

Step 4: Pick up or print the proceeding package

The RTB creates a Notice of Dispute Proceeding package, which explains the next steps you need to take.

It is sent to you by email or letter, depending on your requested communication method.

  • If you submit it online, your package will be sent by email
  • If you submit to a Service BC office, they will contact you

The Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding package includes:

  • Information for the landlord
    • Details about your application
    • What the tenant needs to do 
  • Proof of service form

Step 5: Serve the proceeding package

Serve the package to the tenant within 3 days.

What to serve 

  • The Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding package
  • Copies of all the required documents you submitted to the RTB, including the supporting evidence

You can serve the package:

  • In-person to the tenant
  • In person at the tenant's residence to an adult who resides with the tenant
  • By email 
    • If you want to serve by email, you must have the other party’s written permission to do so
    • For example, if both parties have a previous communication agreement or have signed an Address for Service - (PDF, 511KB) - Form RTB-51, you can serve by email
  • By attaching a copy to a door or other conspicuous place at the tenant's residence
  • By registered mail to your tenant's home address
  • As ordered by the director under the Residential Tenancy Act: Section 71 (1)
    • Review the substituted service below

Substituted service

If you can't serve a document using one of these methods, you can apply for a substituted service to request a different method of service.

This can be applied for online or in person.

Step 6: Submit the proof of service to the RTB

After you serve the package to the tenant:

How to submit proof of service

In-person:

Online

Upload proof of service

Step 7: Possible outcomes

The adjudicator receives all the evidence and reviews the case. There are several possible outcomes. They may:

  • Grant an order of possession
  • Grant a monetary order for unpaid rent and utilities if the landlord requests one
  • Grant the landlord a monetary order for the cost of filing for the direct request
  • Schedule a participatory hearing to give both parties a chance to present evidence
  • Dismiss the application with or without an opportunity to re-apply for dispute resolution under the same notice to end tenancy

The decisions and any orders are sent to you by email or regular mail.

The tenant is also sent a copy of the decision, but not the order.

  • If requested, the material can also be faxed

Step 8: Serve the order to the tenant

If the adjudicator grants the monetary order or order of possession, you must serve the order to the tenant. 

If the order is served and the tenant does not pay the money owed or does not move out, you need to enforce the order through the court system.

An order cannot be enforced until the review period has passed.

Step 9: Reviewing a decision

If the tenant has evidence that you obtained a monetary order or an order of possession by submitting false information, they can apply to have a decision reviewed.

The review application must be made within 2 days of receiving the order.

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