RTB-18 – Landlord’s Request to Join Applications for Dispute Resolution in British Columbia

Dispute Resolution in British Columbia (BC), Canada, refers to a range of methods available for resolving conflicts between parties without having to go to court. BC has been a pioneer in the development and use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation, among others. These methods can be highly effective in resolving disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner. A Notice of Dispute Resolution Proceeding is a formal document or communication that informs the involved parties about the initiation of a dispute resolution process. This can occur in various contexts, such as legal disputes, commercial conflicts, or any situation where there’s a disagreement that needs to be resolved through formal mechanisms.

The RTB-18 form, landlord’s request to join application for dispute resolution, is a legal document designed for landlords in British Columbia. It allows them to request the consolidation of multiple dispute resolution proceedings into a single hearing when the disputes are related, and it makes logical sense to do so. This request is governed by the provisions of the Residential Tenancy Act and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act. The form requires detailed information about the RTB dispute, including the address of the property in question, details about the landlord or agent making the request, and information about each respondent involved in the applications. Additionally, it mandates that each case must concern the same landlord, involve the same property, and be filed under the same sections of the applicable acts. The form also includes contact information for further assistance and notes about the collection of personal information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of administering the Residential Tenancy Act.

On the other hand, the “Tenant’s Request to Join Applications for Dispute Resolution in British Columbia” (RTB-19) form is designed to facilitate the process where tenants can request to have multiple dispute resolution proceedings heard together. The form requires tenants to affirm that their applications share common disputes with the same landlord, concern the same property, and are being filed under the same sections of the relevant Acts.

To assist landlords and agents in filling out the RTB-18 form, here is a step-by-step guide to ensure accurate completion:

1. Personal and Property Information

• Dispute Address: Begin by entering the full address of the rental property involved in the dispute, including the site/unit number, street number and name, city, province, and postal code.

2. Landlord/Agent Statement

• Statement Acknowledgement: Confirm your understanding that all applications to be joined have the same matters in dispute, the filing fee for each has been paid (or a fee waiver granted), and that each dispute involves the same landlord and property.
• Related Applications: Indicate that the applications you wish to join concern the same section(s) of the Residential Tenancy Act or the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act and relate to the same building, residential property, or manufactured home park.

3. Applicant and Respondent Details

• Applicant (Landlord/Agent): Provide the first, middle, and last names of the applicant (landlord or agent) requesting the join. Include the parent file number associated with the main application.
• Signature and Date: The applicant must sign and date the form, indicating their request formally.

4. Respondent(s) Information

For each application you wish to join, provide the following details for all respondents involved:

• Respondent Name: Enter the first, middle, and last name of each respondent.
• Unit/Site #: Specify the unit or site number associated with each respondent’s residence.
• File #: Include the file number for each respondent’s application that is being requested to join.

5. Contact Information

For further assistance, the form lists contact numbers, and a website. Utilize these resources if you have questions or need additional information about the process.

6. Privacy Notice

Review the notice regarding the collection of personal information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This section explains why your information is collected and how it will be used.

Final Steps:

• Double-check: Review all entered information for accuracy and completeness.
• Submission: Follow the specified submission guidelines provided by the Residential Tenancy Branch for the RTB-18 form. This might involve mailing, faxing, or submitting the form through an online portal, depending on the options available.

Completing the RTB-18 form accurately is crucial for the successful processing of your request to join applications for RTB dispute resolution.