RTB vs. Court in British Columbia
Most tenancy disputes go through the RTB, not a courtroom. Here is the general structure.
Last updated: September 2026
The RTB Is the Primary Forum
For most disputes between landlords and tenants in British Columbia, deposit questions, rent arrears, evictions, repairs, and illegal entry, the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) is the tribunal that hears the case, not a court. The RTB is not a court, but it can issue binding orders under the Residential Tenancy Act.
When Provincial or Supreme Court Comes In
Some claims fall outside what the RTB is set up to handle and are instead dealt with by Provincial Court (Small Claims) or the Supreme Court of British Columbia. As a general structural principle, larger or more complex claims, or matters outside the RTB's jurisdiction, may need to go to court instead. If you are unsure which forum applies to your specific situation, the RTB can generally tell you whether your claim is one it can hear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all BC tenancy disputes go to court?
No. Most go to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), which is a tribunal, not a court. Some claims outside the RTB's scope may go to Provincial or Supreme Court instead.
Is the RTB the same as a court?
No. The RTB is a tribunal that adjudicates tenancy disputes under the Residential Tenancy Act, but it can still issue binding orders.
Sources
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