RTB-17 – Application to Waive Filing Fee in British Columbia

To “waive fee” means to remove or not enforce a charge or payment that would normally be required. In legal and administrative contexts, waive fees often refer to an institution (like a court or government agency) deciding not to charge an individual or entity for a particular service, filing, or procedure that typically has an associated cost.

The form RTB-17 is designed for applicants seeking a waiver for the filing fee associated with a Dispute Resolution application under the Residential Tenancy Act. This waiver is aimed at individuals with limited income or who are facing extraordinary expenses that render the payment of the filing fee a financial hardship. It is required to file some documents at the court registry.

Key Features and Instructions

• Application Mode: Applicants have the option to apply for waive a fee online along with their Application for Dispute Resolution or submit a paper application in person at a Service BC Centre or the Burnaby Residential Tenancy Branch office.
• Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the waiver, applicants must demonstrate financial hardship due to limited income or recent extraordinary expenses. Supporting documentation for income and expenses is required.
• Required Information: Applicants must provide details about household size, total monthly income before deductions, proof of income, and any extraordinary expenses within the last eight weeks.

Form Sections:

1. Applicant Information: Collects personal information of the applicant.
2. Household and Income Information: Requires details about the household’s size, income, and rental income (for landlords).
3. Declaration and Signature: Applicants must certify the accuracy of the information provided and acknowledge the legal implications of submitting false information.

How to Fill the Form

1. Select the Reason for Applying: Indicate whether the application is due to extraordinary expenses or limited income.
2. Fill Out Personal and Contact Information: Complete the section with your name, contact details, and address.
3. Provide Household and Income Details: Include information about the number of people in the household, total monthly income, and select the size of your community.
4. Submit Proof of Income and Expenses: Attach necessary documents like income statements, pay stubs, bank statements, and documentation of extraordinary expenses.
5. Declaration: Read and sign the declaration, certifying that all provided information is true and correct.

Contact Information and Submission

Form 17 also includes contact information for the Residential Tenancy Branch, including email, website, phone numbers, and physical office locations for in-person submission.

This application plays a critical role in ensuring access to dispute resolution services for individuals who may not afford the filing fee, upholding the principles of fairness and accessibility in the landlord-tenant relationship.