Filing a Group Tenant Complaint in British Columbia

If you and your fellow tenants are facing the same issue with your landlord—such as repeated maintenance delays, improper rent increases, or unresolved health and safety concerns—you may benefit from filing a group complaint. In British Columbia, tenants have the option to file a joint application for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). This streamlined process helps multiple tenants seek a fair solution efficiently and can carry greater weight than individual complaints.

Understanding Tenant Group Complaints in BC

When several tenants are dealing with the same problem in their rental building or complex, working together can save time and ensure consistency in outcomes. Issues commonly addressed include unauthorized rent increases, repairs not being completed, or building-wide health and safety problems.

What Is a Group Complaint?

A group (joint) complaint is when two or more tenants who have similar or identical issues submit a single application to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). The branch is responsible for dispute resolution related to residential tenancies under the Residential Tenancy Act¹.

Group applications can be used for disputes such as:

• Major repair delays affecting several units
• Unlawful rent increases given to multiple tenants
• Health and safety issues affecting common areas

When and Why to File a Group Complaint

Before taking action, tenants should discuss the issue with their landlord to seek an informal solution. If the problem is widespread or not resolved, a joint application increases your collective voice.

Filing as a group may result in faster resolution and can help all affected tenants receive consistent remedies.

Examples of When Group Complaints Are Appropriate

• Several apartments experience heating outages, and the landlord does not respond
• A landlord applies an improper rent increase to multiple tenants in the same building
• Common area hazards, such as broken fire alarms, remain unfixed for everyone

For more on repairs and common problems, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

How to File a Group (Joint) Application for Dispute Resolution

In British Columbia, tenants use the RTB's dispute resolution process. The correct form is:

• Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12)

• Access the official RTB-12 Application for Dispute Resolution form (PDF)
• Read the government's guide to applying for dispute resolution

Steps to File a Joint Application

Here's how you and your neighbours can file together:

1. Meet with affected tenants to agree on the main issues to include in the complaint.
2. Collect supporting documents (letters to landlord, photos, notices, etc.).
3. Download and fill out the RTB-12 form—be sure to include details and signatures for all tenants joining.
4. Submit the form and required fees to the RTB, either online, by mail, or in-person.
5. Wait for the RTB to schedule a hearing, and prepare your case together.

For a full breakdown on resolving tenant concerns, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

Preparing For Your Hearing

Once your application is submitted, the RTB will provide a hearing date and instructions. All tenants who filed jointly should attend, present evidence, and speak about how the issue has affected them. The RTB decision will apply to everyone who filed.

Know Your Rights and Legislation

All tenants in BC are protected by the Residential Tenancy Act. For a summary of key rights and further guidance, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

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1. Can tenants file a complaint together in BC?
   Yes. Tenants facing a common issue can submit a group (joint) application for dispute resolution to the Residential Tenancy Branch.
2. What form do BC tenants use to file a group complaint?
   Tenants must use the RTB-12 Application for Dispute Resolution form and ensure all group members are listed and sign it.
3. Does one hearing cover all group members?
   Yes. The Residential Tenancy Branch hearing will consider the evidence and circumstances for all tenants named in the application.
4. What are some examples of group complaints?
   Examples include building-wide repairs ignored by the landlord, illegal rent increases to several tenants, or shared health and safety hazards.
5. How can tenants prepare for a group hearing?
   Gather documentation from each tenant, agree on key points, and attend the hearing together for a unified presentation.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB): Guidance, dispute resolution, and official forms
• RTB Inquiry Line: 1-800-665-8779 (toll-free in BC)
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): Advocacy, information, and support for BC tenants
• For quick reference: Tenant Rights in British Columbia

1. See the Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia).
2. For the main tribunal and process: Residential Tenancy Branch – How to Apply for Dispute Resolution.
3. RTB-12 official form: Application for Dispute Resolution (PDF).