Helping mobile home communities resolve disputes

If passed, the Mobile Home Sites Tenancies Amendment Act, 2020 would give mobile home site tenants and landlords access to the government’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), which currently helps resolve landlord/tenant disputes for Albertans renting apartments or houses. Without these changes, the only recourse for dispute resolution between a landlord and resident of a mobile home site is through the courts, which can be costly and time-consuming.

“Over the past nine months and especially during my summer tour, I heard loud and clear from mobile home residents that they want access to our dispute resolution service. Our government is taking action to make life better for Albertans who live in mobile home communities. This bill is a big step forward to address their concerns and deliver on their priorities.”

Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

The RTDRS is a faster, less formal and less expensive alternative to the court system. The service allows landlords and residents to file applications for remedies of up to $50,000. Once an application is filed and a hearing is scheduled, a tenancy dispute officer will conduct the hearing, make a decision, and issue a binding order that is enforceable by the courts.

“At long last we are being treated the same as other Alberta residents. I am so encouraged to know that we’ll have easier access to dispute resolution services.”

“Along with our residents, we support this move to enable access to dispute resolution services as a way to help all parties clarify and resolve issues of responsibility in manufactured home communities.”

Issues beyond tenancy disputes

Beyond making this immediate change, the government will engage with people in mobile home communities about ongoing issues that cannot be addressed through the RTDRS.

“It’s fantastic to see the province move forward on this and I look forward to working with the provincial government on this and next steps. Community members have been waiting for this for years and it’s good to see that their concerns are finally being addressed.”

Quick facts

• The RTDRS was launched in 2006 and now receives more than 10,000 applications annually.
• Urgent disputes are heard within 25 business days; non-urgent disputes may take several months to be heard.
• The RTDRS application fee is $75, while court fees can range from $100 to $200.
• The RTDRS application fee can be waived if it would cause financial hardship to the applicant.