[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Before applying to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) for dispute resolution, parties should verify that the living accommodation in dispute falls within the scope of the Residential Tenancy Act (the Act) as matters arising out of living accommodations that do not qualify as residential tenancies are outside the jurisdiction of [...]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Once an applicant has received their hearing package from the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), they must ensure that the respondent is served with both the hearing package and the applicant’s evidence within the prescribed deadlines. In turn, a respondent must submit to the RTB and serve the applicant with their [...]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Residential Tenancy Branch’s (RTB) Rules of Procedure provide that dispute resolution hearings may be held (1) by telephone conference call, (2) in person, (3) in writing, (4) by video conference or (5) by any combination of these formats. In practice, the default format is by way of a telephone [...]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Once an arbitrator’s written decision or order is received, a party to the dispute resolution hearing may apply to have the decision or order reviewed by the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). A party seeking to have the decision or order reviewed must do so: Within 2 days after a copy [...]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Supreme Court of British Columbia (the Court) has the power to review the decisions of tribunals that are subject to the Administrative Tribunals Act. The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) is one such tribunal, meaning that the Court can be asked to undertake a review of any decision that results [...]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) has no power to enforce its own orders. As such, a party seeking to enforce an order issued by the RTB must apply, depending on the nature of the order, to either the Supreme Court of British Columbia (Supreme Court) or the Provincial Court of [...]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On or after the day that the tenant ceases to occupy the rental unit or on any other day that the landlord and the tenant may agree upon (but in any event, prior to the start of any new tenancy), the landlord and the tenant must inspect the condition of [...]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Upon vacating, the tenant must leave the rental unit reasonably clean and undamaged except for reasonable wear and tear. The tenant must also return all keys or other means of access that in are in the possession or control of the tenant and that allow access to and within the [...]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In an attempt to resolve issues, the landlord and the tenant are always at liberty to mutually agree to put an end to the tenancy and, if necessary to reach an agreement, arrange for one party to monetarily compensate the other in exchange for their consent to end the tenancy. [...]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Where a tenancy renews on a month-to-month basis, the tenant may end the tenancy by giving the landlord a one-month notice. This notice is effective not earlier than one month after the date the landlord receives the notice and its effective date must be on the day before the day [...]
