Burnaby Tenant Eviction Process - City & RTB Guide

Housing and Building Standards British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Burnaby, British Columbia, tenants and landlords use a mix of municipal bylaw enforcement and the provincial Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) to resolve eviction disputes and housing-standard complaints. This guide explains how to report problems, the agencies involved, likely steps, and practical actions tenants can take when facing eviction or unlawful landlord conduct.

Penalties & Enforcement

Eviction decisions (orders to end a tenancy) and monetary awards for tenancy disputes are issued by the provincial RTB; municipal enforcement by the City of Burnaby focuses on property standards, nuisance bylaws, and related compliance orders. For municipal enforcement contact and complaint pathways, see the City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement pages City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement[1]. For how evictions are issued at the provincial level, see the Residential Tenancy Branch guidance on ending a tenancy Ending a tenancy - BC Gov[3].

Municipal bylaws do not directly terminate tenancies; the RTB issues eviction orders.
  • Enforcer: Residential Tenancy Branch for eviction orders and monetary awards; City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement for property standards and nuisance bylaws.
  • Fines and monetary penalties: amounts for municipal bylaw breaches (e.g., property standards) are not specified on the cited municipal complaint page; RTB monetary awards are issued case-by-case by the branch and specific amounts are determined in decisions and orders on file.
  • Escalation: municipal enforcement typically begins with an order to comply and can escalate to ticketing or prosecution; RTB escalation proceeds via application, hearing, and written order.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: file a municipal bylaw complaint with Burnaby By-law Enforcement or submit an RTB application for dispute resolution for tenancy matters.

Applications & Forms

To pursue eviction or dispute outcomes you must apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch using the RTB dispute-resolution application process; see the RTB application instructions and online filing options Apply for dispute resolution - BC Gov[2]. Municipal bylaw complaints to Burnaby typically use an online form or phone complaint intake on the City site; specific bylaw form numbers or fixed fees are not specified on the cited municipal page.

Keep detailed records and copies of all notices, rent receipts, photos and correspondence before applying.

Common Violations and Typical Responses

  • Unlawful lockout or changing locks: report to RTB and consider immediate application for dispute resolution.
  • Failure to maintain safe/secure premises: file a municipal property-standards complaint with Burnaby and an RTB application if tenancy-specific remedies are required.
  • Illegal eviction attempts or threats: document incidents, contact Burnaby By-law Enforcement for bylaw issues and apply to RTB for urgent remedies.
An RTB order is required to legally evict a tenant; municipal bylaws cannot replace the RTB process.

Action Steps (Practical)

  • Gather evidence: photos, communications, rent records and notices.
  • Contact the City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement for property-standards or nuisance issues via their official intake page.[1]
  • Apply to the RTB for dispute resolution to challenge an eviction or seek an order; follow the online application steps on the provincial site.[2]
  • Attend the RTB hearing (in person or by phone) and submit evidence; comply with any timelines communicated by the RTB as part of the process.

FAQ

How quickly can a landlord evict a tenant in Burnaby?
Evictions require an RTB order; timing depends on the grounds and hearing schedule—there is no automatic immediate eviction without RTB process.
Where do I file a complaint about unsafe housing or illegal lockout?
File a municipal complaint with Burnaby By-law Enforcement for property standards and apply to the RTB for tenancy-specific remedies.
Are there fees to apply to the RTB?
The RTB application process and any applicable filing details are on the provincial RTB pages; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited RTB application page.

How-To

  1. Collect documentation: photos, messages, notices and rent records.
  2. Attempt written communication with your landlord requesting a remedy and keep copies.
  3. File a municipal bylaw complaint with Burnaby if the issue involves property standards or public-nuisance bylaws.[1]
  4. Submit an RTB application for dispute resolution via the provincial online process.[2]
  5. Attend the RTB hearing, present evidence, and if successful, obtain the written RTB order for enforcement.

Key Takeaways

  • Eviction orders come from the RTB; municipal bylaws address standards and nuisances.
  • Document everything and apply to the RTB promptly for tenancy remedies.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - By-law Enforcement
  2. [2] BC Gov - Apply for dispute resolution
  3. [3] BC Gov - Ending a tenancy

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