RTB‑13 Application for Substituted Service (Fillable PDF)

The RTB‑13 Application for Substituted Service is the official form used by the British Columbia Residential Tenancy Branch when a party needs the arbitrator to order an alternative method of serving documents. This form is required when the usual service methods under the Residential Tenancy Act cannot be used.

What Is the RTB‑13 Form?

RTB‑13 is a government‑issued, fillable PDF that captures details such as:

• Parties involved (landlord, tenant, arbitrator)
• Reason for requesting substituted service
• Proposed method of service (email, courier, posting, etc.)
• Supporting evidence or affidavits

When Should You Use RTB‑13?

Use this form if you have tried the standard service methods (personal delivery, registered mail, etc.) and they have failed, or if the other party’s location makes normal service impractical. Common scenarios include:

• Tenant has moved without leaving a forwarding address.
• Landlord cannot locate the tenant after multiple attempts.
• Documents need to be served to a corporate entity that only accepts electronic delivery.

How to Complete the RTB‑13 Online

Instead of downloading the PDF to a desktop editor, simply click the "Fill out this form" button below. The Formize PDF Filler app will load in your browser, allowing you to:

1. Navigate field‑by‑field using the Tab key.
2. Enter required information directly into each box.
3. Attach supporting documents or affidavits.
4. Save a copy for your records.
5. Submit the completed form to the Residential Tenancy Branch via email or upload.

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Missing signatures: The form is invalid without the landlord’s and tenant’s signatures.
• Incorrect dates: Use the exact date you attempted the standard service.
• Insufficient detail: Clearly describe why normal service failed and propose a realistic alternative.
• File size limits: Keep attached PDFs under 5 MB to avoid upload errors.

Download the Fillable PDF

If you prefer to work offline, you can still download the official RTB‑13 PDF using the link below. Open it with the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader for full fillable functionality.