More topics

Amend or update an application for dispute resolution

Last updated on December 7, 2023

An applicant may be able to update their dispute resolution application while waiting for a hearing. Learn the requirements for amending an application. 

You may wish to update your application for dispute resolution if there have been further related disputes or if the monetary claim has changed.

You can amend your application if the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) and all respondents receive the required documentation not less than 14 days before the hearing. Follow the steps below to update your application.

Step 1. Calculate the submission deadline

Before compiling documentation to change or update your application, you should make sure that the submission deadline has not passed. TheRTB and all respondents must receive all documentation not less than 14 days before the hearing. 

When calculating the due date, do not count: 

  • The day that the respondent or the RTB receives the documentation
  • The day of the hearing

If you serve documents on a business, and the day the business and the RTB received the documentation falls on a day they are closed:

  • The last day becomes the next day the business and the RTB are open

Submission deadline example

If the hearing date is April 20, respondents must receive documentation by April 5:

  • Fourteen days before the hearing
  • One day for the respondent or the RTB to receive the documentation
  • One day for the day of the hearing

If April 5 falls on a Sunday, the deadline is April 6.

2. Complete the form

Complete the Request to Amend an Application for Dispute Resolution form.
 
There are different forms for tenants and landlords, so make sure you complete the correct one:

Step 3: Submit the form and evidence

Submit the completed form and any supporting evidence.

Step 4: Serve all respondents with the form and evidence

You must provide all other respondents with a copy of your submitted form and any supporting evidence submitted.

It is important to note:

  • You must serve respondents in the same way as their application for dispute resolution
  • You must document (keep a record of) how you served each respondent. During the hearing, you may need to provide proof that you have served each respondent

Learn more about how to serve documents correctly.

Reasonably anticipated changes can be amended at hearing

Completing a request to Amend an Application for Dispute Resolution is not required for changes or updates that can reasonably be anticipated. In these cases, the application may be amended at the hearing.

Reasonably anticipated example

Situation

A landlord applied for dispute resolution for unpaid rent. At the time of submission, the tenant had not paid rent for 3 months and owed the landlord $3,000.

At the time of the hearing, the owed rent had increased to 6 months and $6,000.

Outcome

It is reasonable to anticipate that the tenant will not start paying rent. 

The landlord can amend the application at the hearing. 

Resources

Procedural rules:

I need help