Here’s a clear breakdown of the legal steps and required RTB forms to evict a tenant in British Columbia:

🔑 1. Determine the Legal Reason & Notice Period

Under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), valid reasons fall into these main categories (and notice periods):

• Non-payment of rent/utilities – 10‑Day Notice using RTB Form 30

• Tenant has 5 days to pay or dispute; if not, landlord may apply for an Order of Possession by direct request .

• Cause (e.g., damage, disturbance, breach) – 1-Month Notice via RTB Form 33; tenant has 10 days to dispute .

• Subsidized housing ineligibility – 2-Month Notice via RTB Form 32Q; disputable within 15 days .

• Landlord or purchaser’s personal or family occupancy – 3-Month Notice using the RTB web portal (Form 32L for landlord use or Form 32P for purchaser use); tenant has 21 days to dispute .

• Demolition, conversion, caretaker use, major renovations – 4-Month Notice via RTB Form 29, or – for major renovations – landlord must apply for dispute resolution rather than serve notice; tenant has 30 days to respond .

• Manufactured home park conversion – 12-Month Notice using RTB Form 31; tenant has 15 days to dispute .

📝 2. Serve Notice Properly & Keep Proof

• Notice must be in writing, using the correct RTB form, including: sign/date, rental address, effective date, and clear legal reason .

• Served via: personal delivery, mail, mail slot, or provincial announcement; email only if tenant consented. Save proof — use RTB Form 34: Proof of Service .

👥 3. Dispute Resolution & Direct Request Process

• Tenants must file for dispute resolution before the deadline (varies by notice type).

• For 10‑Day Notices, if tenant doesn’t pay or dispute, the landlord can use RTB’s Direct Request to seek an Order of Possession without a hearing .

⚖️ 4. Obtaining & Enforcing an Order of Possession

• If the tenant doesn’t dispute or loses the hearing, RTB grants an Order of Possession.

• Serve the order to tenant, wait 2 days (for review request window), then apply for a Writ of Possession through BC Supreme Court .

• Hire a court bailiff to physically enforce eviction .

📋 5. RTB Forms You’ll Need

Purpose Form

10‑Day notice (rent/utilities) RTB Form 30

1‑Month notice (cause) RTB Form 33

2‑Month notice (subsidized ineligibility) RTB Form 32Q

3‑Month notice (landlord/purchaser occupancy) Form 32L / 32P via RTB web portal

4‑Month notice (demolition/renovation/etc.) RTB Form 29 (or portal for caretaker)

12‑Month notice (manufactured home conversion) RTB Form 31

Proof of service RTB Form 34

(Optional) Tenant’s Form 28 to exercise Right of First Refusal after renovations 

✅ Quick Summary of Key Steps:

1. Pick the correct eviction reason and corresponding notice type.

2. Serve the appropriate RTB form and retain Proof of Service.

3. Wait for tenant dispute window.

4. If unresolved, landlord applies for Order of Possession (or uses Direct Request for 10‑Day cases).

5. Once obtained, serve the Order, wait 2 days, get a Writ, hire a bailiff.

📌 Important Notes:

• Notices must use official RTB forms or portal notices — anything else may be invalid.

• Always include Proof of Service (Form 34).

• For major renovations, landlord must apply for permission through RTB — they can’t simply issue a notice without a hearing.

• If tenant disputes, attend the RTB hearing and present evidence; only then will Order of Possession be issued.

Consult with Vancouver Lawyers and Immigration Consultants