BC Residential Tenancy Branch Dispute Letter

Having issues with your landlord in British Columbia? Before filing with the BC Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), you need a formal written complaint to your landlord. This tool generates a professional dispute letter tailored to BC tenant rights and RTB requirements.

What This Letter Is

A BC RTB-ready dispute letter is a formal written notice to your landlord documenting an issue with your rental property. Under the BC Residential Tenancy Act, tenants must generally attempt to resolve disputes directly with their landlord before the RTB will accept an application for dispute resolution. This letter creates the required paper trail, clearly states the issue, references relevant sections of BC tenancy law, and sets a deadline for response. Having this documentation is essential if you later need to escalate to the RTB.

How This Works

1
Describe your situation
Enter your rental address, landlord details, and the issue you're facing.
2
Generate your letter
A structured letter is created based on your inputs with BC-specific legal references.
3
Deliver and document
Send to your landlord and keep a dated copy for RTB if needed.
Generate Your Letter

Designed for BC tenants preparing for RTB dispute resolution.

When This Letter Works

  • Your landlord has not made necessary repairs after verbal requests
  • You have health or safety concerns (mold, pests, heating issues)
  • Your landlord entered without proper 24-hour written notice
  • You disagree with a rent increase or believe it exceeds the allowable amount
  • Your landlord is withholding your security deposit without valid reason
  • You want to formally document ongoing maintenance issues before filing with RTB

When It May Not Be Enough

  • You have received an eviction notice (contact RTB or a legal clinic immediately)
  • Your landlord has illegally locked you out (apply for emergency RTB hearing)
  • You are experiencing discrimination (contact BC Human Rights Tribunal)
  • There is an immediate safety emergency (contact local fire department or bylaw enforcement)

What to Include

  • Your full name and rental property address
  • Your landlord's name and contact information
  • Date your tenancy began and current lease status
  • Clear description of the issue (specific, factual, dated)
  • Reference to relevant sections of BC Residential Tenancy Act if known
  • What action you expect the landlord to take
  • A reasonable deadline for response (typically 7-14 days)
  • Statement that you will escalate to RTB if unresolved

Legal Context (British Columbia)

The BC Residential Tenancy Act governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in British Columbia. It requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a reasonable state of repair, comply with health and safety standards, and follow specific procedures for rent increases, entry, and evictions.

The BC Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) is the provincial tribunal that handles disputes between landlords and tenants. Before the RTB will hear most disputes, tenants must demonstrate they attempted to resolve the issue directly with their landlord. A written complaint letter is the standard way to document this attempt.

RTB decisions are legally binding and can order landlords to make repairs, return deposits, pay compensation, or take other remedial action. The RTB can also authorize rent reductions for ongoing maintenance failures. Filing fees apply, but fee waivers are available for tenants facing financial hardship. This information is general in nature and does not replace legal advice specific to your situation.

BC RTB Escalation Process

If your landlord does not respond to your written complaint, you may escalate to the BC Residential Tenancy Branch:

  • Step 1: Gather your written complaint letter and any landlord response (or proof of no response)
  • Step 2: Apply for dispute resolution through the RTB online portal or by mail
  • Step 3: Pay the $100 application fee (fee waiver available if needed)
  • Step 4: Serve your landlord with a copy of the application
  • Step 5: Attend your hearing (by phone or video conference)

Additional BC Tenant Resources

  • BC Residential Tenancy Branch: gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant
  • Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): Free legal information for BC tenants
  • Access Pro Bono: Free legal clinics in BC
  • Local tenant associations: Community support and advocacy

Frequently Asked Questions

To file a dispute with BC RTB, first attempt to resolve the issue directly with your landlord in writing. If unresolved, apply for dispute resolution through the RTB online portal or by mail. The application fee is $100, though fee waivers are available for financial hardship.

BC RTB handles disputes about repairs and maintenance, rent increases, security deposits, evictions, lease violations, and other tenancy issues. The RTB cannot handle disputes about discrimination (contact BC Human Rights Tribunal) or criminal matters.

No. Under BC's Residential Tenancy Act, landlords cannot evict tenants or take retaliatory action for exercising their legal rights, including filing RTB disputes. If you experience retaliation, you can file an additional complaint with the RTB.

Under BC's Residential Tenancy Act, landlords must maintain rental units to health and safety standards, including working plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. They must make repairs within a reasonable time after being notified. Urgent repairs affecting health or safety should be addressed within 24-48 hours.

BC RTB aims to schedule hearings within 4-6 weeks of receiving a complete application. Emergency hearings for urgent matters like illegal lockouts may be scheduled within days. The entire process from application to decision typically takes 2-3 months.
Create Your BC Landlord Dispute Letter

Free letter generator for BC tenants