RTB-51 – Address for Service in British Columbia

The form RTB-51 is designed to facilitate communication and document exchange between landlords and tenants. By signing it, parties agree to use the provided email addresses for serving tenancy-related documents, acknowledging the importance of regular email monitoring and the need to update each other promptly in case of any changes to their email addresses. This document emphasizes the necessity of understanding and acting within specific timeframes as per legislation, without the requirement to file it with the Residential Tenancy Branch. It includes sections for both landlord and tenant information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and signatures, along with contact details for further assistance from the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Proof of service RTB is essential in ensuring that the process is fair and that both parties are duly informed of any actions, claims, or defenses. It establishes a timeline for when certain actions need to be taken or responded to. For instance, a landlord who wishes to evict a tenant for non-payment of rent must serve a notice to end tenancy in a manner prescribed by the Act, and then, if disputing the eviction, the tenant has a specific period to respond by applying for dispute resolution with the RTB. Methods of service in British Columbia may include personal delivery, registered mail, leaving the document with an adult at the address, and other methods as specified by the Residential Tenancy Act. The appropriate method of service depends on the type of document being served and the circumstances. After serving the document, the person who served it must complete the “RTB Proof of Service” form, detailing how and when the document was served, to be kept as evidence of service.

Filling out RTB-51 form is an important step in formalizing the agreement between landlords and tenants to use email as a method for serving documents related to tenancy. Here is a guide to help you complete the form accurately:

1. Understanding the Form

Purpose: This form is designed to establish email communication for serving tenancy documents. Both parties must agree to this mode of communication and understand the responsibilities it entails, such as monitoring the email address regularly and updating each other on any changes to their email addresses promptly.

2. Completing the Form

Landlord Information

• First and Middle Name(s): Enter the first and middle names of the landlord. If the landlord is a business, use the last name field for the business name.
• Last Name(s): Enter the last name of the landlord or the business name if applicable.
• Landlord’s Address: Fill in the site/unit number, street number and name, city, province, and postal code.
• Main Phone: Provide a primary contact number for the landlord.
• Email Address for Service: Enter the email address that will be used to receive tenancy-related documents.

Tenant Information

• First and Middle Name(s): Enter the first and middle names of the tenant.
• Last Name(s): Enter the last name of the tenant.
• Tenant’s Address: If different from the landlord’s address, fill in the tenant’s site/unit number, street number and name, city, province, and postal code. If it’s the same as the rental property, you may indicate so.
• Main Phone: Provide a primary contact number for the tenant.
• Other Phone: (Optional) You can provide an alternative contact number.
• Email Address for Service: Enter the email address that the tenant will use to receive documents related to the tenancy.

3. Signatures

Both the landlord and the tenant(s) must sign and date the form. Ensure the date (DD/MM/YYYY) is correct.

4. Distribution

After signing, both parties should exchange copies of the form to ensure each has the other’s consent and information. It’s not necessary to file this form with the Residential Tenancy Branch but keep it for your records.

5. Note

Remember, this form signifies that you agree to receive important documents via email. Regularly check your email and notify the other party of any changes to your email address.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the RTB-51 form is filled out correctly and that both parties are informed about their rights and responsibilities regarding the use of email for service in British Columbia tenancies.

RTB-34 – Proof of Service Notice to End Tenancy and Written Demand to Pay Utilities in British Columbia

This proof of service notice to end tenancy serves as an official method for landlords in British Columbia to provide proof of service for various tenancy termination notices and demands for utility payments. It covers a range of notices including the 10 Day Notice to End Tenancy for Unpaid Rent or Utilities, One Month Notice to End Tenancy, Two Months’ Notice to End Tenancy, Four Months’ Notice to End Tenancy, Twelve Months’ Notice to End Tenancy, and a 30 Day Written Demand to Pay Utilities. Landlords must confirm the service of the relevant notice, especially when planning to complete an Application for Dispute Resolution. The form requires detailed information about the landlord, rental unit, method of service, and confirmation of service, ensuring a comprehensive approach to documenting the process of notice service under the Residential Tenancy Act.