RTB-24 – Notice Terminating or Restricting a Service or Facility in British Columbia
The “Notice Terminating or Restricting a Service or Facility” form, also known as form RTB-24, is a document used under the British Columbia Residential Tenancy Act and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act. It is designed for landlords to formally notify tenants about the termination or restriction of a service or facility provided as part of the rental agreement. Landlords are required to ensure that rental properties comply with health, safety, and housing standards as mandated by law.
This notice must be given 30 days in advance and should detail the service or facility affected, the nature of the termination or restriction, and any consequent reduction in rent. The form also outlines steps for tenants if they dispute the change or its impact on rent, providing avenues through which they can seek arbitration. It is important for both landlords and tenants to understand the implications of this form and the rights and responsibilities it entails in the context of their rental agreement.
Filling out this form is a crucial step for landlords in British Columbia when they need to formally notify tenants about changes to the services or facilities associated with BC tenancy agreement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete the form accurately:
Step 1: Fill Out Landlord and Tenant Information
- Tenant Information: Enter the first and middle names, last names, site/unit number, street name and number, city, province, and postal code of the tenant(s). If there are multiple tenants, include information for each.
- Landlord Information: Fill in your first and middle names, last name, city, province, and postal code. This identifies you as the landlord issuing the notice.
Step 2: Specify the Service or Facility Details
- Date of Notice: Enter the date when the notice is given to the tenant(s), ensuring it’s at least 30 days before the service or facility will be terminated or restricted.
- Description of Service/Facility: Clearly describe the service or facility being terminated or restricted. Be as specific as possible to avoid confusion.
- Details of Termination/Restriction: Explain how the service or facility will be terminated or restricted. Include any relevant dates and describe what the change entails.
Step 3: Rent Adjustment
- Reduction Amount: Specify the amount by which the rent will be reduced as a result of the termination or restriction. Indicate whether this is a weekly, monthly, or other frequency reduction.
- New Rent Amount: Calculate and state the new rent amount after the reduction takes effect. Again, specify the frequency (weekly, monthly, etc.).
- Effective Date: Indicate the date when the new rent amount will become effective.
Step 4: Landlord’s Signature
- Sign the Form: The landlord must sign the form to validate the notice. Include the date of signing next to the signature.
Step 5: Review and Distribute
- Review for Accuracy: Before printing or closing the document, review all entered information for accuracy and completeness.
- Print Copies: Print the required number of copies. You cannot save the completed form to your computer, so ensure you print enough copies for your records and for each tenant.
- Distribute to Tenant(s): Provide the tenant(s) with the notice, adhering to the legal requirements for service of notices under the Residential Tenancy Act BC.
Additional Information
- Tenant’s Rights: Inform tenants that if they have concerns regarding the essential nature of the service or facility or the adequacy of the rent reduction, they should first discuss these with the landlord. If an agreement cannot be reached, they have the right to apply for arbitration through the Residential Tenancy Branch.
Following these steps will help ensure that the RTB-24 form is completed comprehensively and in compliance with BC rental rules and the rental tenancy act, facilitating a clear and legal process for terminating or restricting services or facilities within a tenancy.