Expedited dispute resolution hearings
Last updated on January 31, 2024Some applications for dispute resolution are very urgent and it would be unfair for the applicant to wait for a regular hearing. The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) has an expedited hearing process for these applications.
On this page
- Expedited hearings are for emergency matters
- Requesting an expedited hearing
- How to apply
- Serve notice of the hearing
- After serving the hearing package
- Rescheduling the hearing
- Resources
- I need help
Expedited hearings are for emergency matters
Expedited hearings are limited to urgent dispute resolution applications for:
- An early end to a tenancy for very serious breaches by the tenant
- An order of possession for a tenant when there has been an illegal lockout
- Emergency repairs for safety and security
- Mould does not qualify as an expedited hearing for repairs
Urgent cases may require shorter service and response time limits
The RTB tries to schedule expedited hearings within 12 days from the date the application is made.
The RTB may schedule a hearing within 6 days if:
- There is evidence that violence has occurred
- Health and safety are at risk
- There is an immediate danger or threat
The RTB may contact you to confirm dispute details before scheduling the matter for an expedited hearing. If your application does not qualify for an expedited hearing, the RTB will notify you and often make suggestions.
If required, you can resubmit your application following the regular participatory hearing process.
Requesting an expedited hearing
When requesting an expedited hearing, you must submit all of your evidence when applying.
How to apply
Landlords and tenants can apply for dispute resolution if they can’t resolve a problem related to a tenancy. The decision made after a dispute resolution hearing is final and binding.
If the RTB is satisfied that the matter should be scheduled for an expedited hearing, they will prepare a Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding package along with instructions about how to prepare for a participatory hearing.
You need a BCeID
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You may already have a BCeID if you access services like:
Serve notice of dispute resolution hearing
If the RTB accepts your application and provides you with a Notice of Dispute Resolution Package, you will only have one day to serve the respondent with the following hearing package:
- The Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding: A letter that provides the names of all applicant(s) and respondent(s) as well as the hearing date, time and conference call details
- The Application for Dispute Resolution:
- Landlord Application for Dispute Resolution - Expedited Hearing (PDF, 1030KB) - Form RTB-12L-EXH
- Tenant Application for Dispute Resolution - Expedited Hearing (PDF, 1030KB) - Form RTB-12T-EXH
- The Respondent's Instructions for Dispute Resolution (the form will be provided, but not available until you have applied)
- An Order of the Director Respecting Service (the form will be provided, but not available until you have applied)
- The Expedited Dispute Resolution Process Fact Sheet (PDF, 132KB) - Form RTB-114E
- All evidence submitted to the RTB
How to serve the hearing package
If the hearing date is between 6 and 11 days after the date the application is made, you must serve the package:
- By leaving a copy with the person
- If the person is a landlord, leave a copy with an agent of the landlord
- If the person is a tenant, leave a copy at the tenant's residence with an adult who apparently resides with the tenant
If the hearing date is between 12 and 16 days after the date the application is made you can also use these methods:
- Attaching a copy to a door or other conspicuous place at the address at which the person resides
- Attaching a copy to a door or other conspicuous place at the address at which the person conducts business as a landlord
- Emailing a copy to an email address provided as an address for service by the person
Find out how you should gather proof that you served the notice of dispute resolution package.
After serving the hearing package
The applicant must submit the Proof of Service - Notice of Expedited Hearing (PDF, 62KB) - Form RTB-9 one day after serving the hearing package, and at least 2 days before the hearing. If you don't do this, your hearing might be rescheduled.
Once the respondent receives the hearing package, they must serve their own evidence in a single complete package to the RTB and applicant as soon as possible, at least 2 days before the hearing.
Rescheduling the hearing
The application may be considered abandoned and the hearing cancelled if you don't pick up the Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding Package within the one-day window.
The filing fee will not be refunded.
You can request to have the package sent via email if you are unable to pick it up.
To reschedule a hearing, you must:
- Provide written consent from both the applicant and the respondent
- Contact the RTB or a Service BC office at least 3 days prior to the scheduled hearing
The hearing will start as scheduled if the parties cannot agree to reschedule before the deadline or they do not inform the RTB prior. At the hearing both parties will have the opportunity to share their views and the arbitrator will decide whether to adjourn the hearing.
Resources
For information on serving the package:
For information about acceptable service methods and timelines for service:
For information about requesting an alternate hearing format:
- Request for Alternate Hearing Format (PDF, 770KB) - Form RTB-36