The Province says that changes being made to the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Regulation will make life easier for residents in mobile home parks.
Currently, some owners of manufactured homes have difficulty knowing what rules are in effect, because there is no limit to how often owners of parks can change park rules, says the Ministry of Housing.
The changes announced today were recommended in a 2018 report from the Rental Housing Task Force.
Once in effect, rules can only be changed once a year, and with three months notice. Under the current rules, owners only have to give two weeks notice.
Instating quiet hours, establishing a speed limit in the park and regulating the use of water are examples of park rules owners can make. Residents are required to comply with park rules. In some cases, failing to do so could result in the ending of their tenancy.
The ministry says that will improve clarity for tenants, and will ensure they have adequate time to comply with a park rule change or dispute it with the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).
Park owners will also need to give the notice using a form approved by the RTB, as opposed to just giving notice in writing.
"People shouldn't be subject to rules that can change every two weeks," said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing.
"Manufactured home parks are an important option for people in this province, often providing affordable housing. People living in manufactured home parks will benefit from the added stability these changes will bring to the park rules, which can be complicated and sometimes lead to preventable evictions if they are not complied with."
"The changes to the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Regulation pertaining to park rules are exactly what we have been asking for,” said Susan Belford, president, Active Manufactured Homeowners Association.
“They will ensure greater fairness throughout manufactured home communities in BC. Thank you for hearing and addressing our concerns."
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