Dispute resolution service for mobile home communities

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Residents and tenants of mobile home communities now have a new path to recourse if a dispute arises.

Alberta has extended the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) to mobile homes. The system was first launched in 2006 and receives more than 11,000 applications annually. The service was made available for mobile homeowners and tenants by Bill 3, The Mobile Home Sites Tenancies Amendment Act, passed in May 2020.

Mobile homes, of which there are 24,000 sites across the province, are seen as an important affordable housing option for Albertans. But much like in apartments, disputes between residents and landlords may arise for a variety of reasons.

The RTDRS is now accepting applications for mobile home tenancy-related disputes. Tenants can apply to the service to get their security deposit returned, end the tenancy due to a break of rental agreement, claim financial damages, get their rent reduced for loss of benefit of a rental agreement and receive compensation for performing the landlord’s obligations.

Landlords can apply to resolve unpaid rent or utility payments, end the tenancy and take possession of the site, order a tenant to vacate the mobile home site, claim financial damages, receiving compensation for losses when a tenant has not vacated the site on time.

This system has been described by the government as a faster, less formal and less expensive alternative to the court system for Albertans renting residential properties and mobile home sites. Applying to the service costs $75, compared to $100 to $200 for provincial court fees.

Landlords and tenants can file applications for compensation of up to $50,000 through the system. But they still have the option of resolving disputes valued over $50,000 or other issues outside its scope through the court system.

Urgent applications, relating to eviction and ending tenancies, are heard within 10 to 15 business days, while other applications, such as for security deposits or damages, are heard in about 30 to 45 business days.

The Alberta government is also providing a survey for residents and landlords of mobile home communities about other issues and concerns. The survey, which closes Dec. 13, 2020, can be completed online (www.alberta.ca/mobile-home-site-issues-engagement.aspx). It covers site maintenance, mobile home community infrastructure, health and safety, affordability, and safety and security.

Leela Aheer, MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore, encourages residents to participate in the online survey to provide important feedback. 

“Allowing residents and landlords of mobile home communities to settle disputes can provide speedier resolutions and ensures that they have access to the same tools as renters in apartments or single-family homes,” she said.