Residential Tenancy Branch – Burnaby, BC

Residential Tenancy Branch Overview

The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) is a specialized administrative tribunal operating under the Ministry of Attorney General. Located in Burnaby at 5021 Kingsway, this office serves as the central hub for landlord-tenant dispute resolution in British Columbia. The Branch administers the Residential Tenancy Act and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act, providing a quasi-judicial process to resolve conflicts without the need for court intervention. While the majority of hearings are conducted via teleconference or digital platforms, the Burnaby office provides essential in-person counter services for the Lower Mainland region.

Dispute Resolution Services

The primary function of the RTB is to adjudicate disputes between landlords and tenants. This process is mandatory for most residential tenancy issues unless the claim exceeds the monetary limit of the Small Claims Court. The Branch handles a wide array of cases, including:

• Eviction Notices: Reviewing Orders of Possession and Notices to End Tenancy.
• Monetary Claims: Resolving disputes over security deposits, unpaid rent, and damages.
• Repairs and Services: Addressing requests for emergency repairs or reduction in rent due to loss of services.

Office Services and Access

The Burnaby location accepts in-person visits for specific administrative tasks. Visitors can access the office to pay filing fees, submit evidence packages, and drop off applications for dispute resolution. It is important to note that Dispute Resolution Officers (arbitrators) do not hear cases in person at this counter; hearings are scheduled separately and conducted remotely. The office also provides information sheets and forms, though staff cannot offer legal advice or advocacy. For complex inquiries, the Branch operates a dedicated information line.

Filing and Fees

To initiate a dispute resolution process, an application must be filed alongside a standard filing fee. Low-income applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver, which can be processed at the counter with appropriate proof of income. The Branch strongly encourages the use of the Online Service Portal for faster processing, but the Burnaby office remains a critical access point for those unable to use digital tools or requiring assistance with physical document submission.

Operational Notes

Security screening may be in place for visitors. The office experiences high volumes of inquiries, so wait times can vary. While the standard operating hours are weekdays, the office opens late (at 11:00 AM) on the last Wednesday of every month for staff training. Public transit access is excellent, with the office located near the Royal Oak and Metrotown areas, making it accessible for residents across the Metro Vancouver Regional District.