Step 1: Choosing an application

There are 4 steps in the application process: 

• Step 1: Choosing an application
• Step 2: Filing an Application
• Step 3: The Hearing
• Step 4: The Order

This is Step 1: Choosing an Application.

Before choosing an application

If a landlord and a tenant have a problem with their tenancy, the first thing they can do is talk to each other.  In many situations, the problem can be resolved quickly and easily without filing an application with the Board.

How to get information about rights and responsibilities

Landlords and tenants can get information about their rights and responsibilities from the Landlord and Tenant Board. You can read our Brochures and Frequently Asked Questions online.  You can also go to The Law for a direct link to the text of the Residential Tenancies Act.

In addition to this website, you can Contact Us by phone or visit one of our Office Locations to get information.  Our customer service representatives can provide you with information; they cannot provide advice. 

You can also access our Other Help section to get links to legal clinics and other websites that may give you the information you need.

Who files an application?

Most applications are filed by a landlord or a tenant.  However, some applications may also be filed by a group of tenants, a former tenant, or by someone who paid certain fees or charges for a rental unit, but who never moved in.

Deciding which application to file

If you cannot resolve the problem, you may want to file an application with the Board.  The Board has many different applications that can be filed by landlords or tenants.  You should select the application that best reflects your situation.   

If you are not sure which application to file and:

• you are a landlord, go to Help for Landlords to help you decide.
• you are a tenant, go to Help for Tenants to help you decide.

If you are still not sure which application to file, you can Contact Us.  Our Customer Service Representatives will not tell you which application to file, but they may be able to give you enough information to help you choose.

After you have chosen the correct application, it is important that you check to see if there are other steps you must complete before you file your application.

How to get a copy of the application form

Landlords can download a blank copy of an application form by going to the Landlord Applications section and clicking on the application they want.  A link to the instructions for each type of application is available on the right hand side of that page. 

In most situations if a landlord is applying to terminate a tenancy, they must give the tenant the correct notice of termination a specific number of days before applying.  These notices can be downloaded from the Notices of Termination section.  

Tenants can download a blank copy of an application form by going to the Tenant  Applications section and clicking on the application they want.   A link to the instructions for each application type is available on the right hand side of that page.

Landlords and tenants may also need copies of Other Forms during the application process.  These can also be downloaded from our website.

You can also Contact Us if you want a blank copy of a form mailed to you.  Or you can visit any of our Office Locations to get a blank copy of a form.

Fees

There is a fee to file most types of applications.  Your application fee must be paid at the time you file your application.  See Landlord and Tenant Board Fees.

Go to Step 2: Filing an Application