Resources
Helpful links and resources
Resources for Homeowners
Access Pro Bono
Operates a free lawyer referral service and several pro bono programs. Access Pro Bono website ↗.
Additional Access Pro-Bono Options:
Access Pro Bono’s lists of other legal service providers and online legal resources that may provide legal advice or assistance regarding your matters. The following non-pro bono (fee-based) programs may also be of assistance:
LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE
604.687.3221 / 1.800.663.1919
- This is not for clients looking for pro bono legal help.
- Clients who are seeking to hire a private practising lawyer can receive a free initial consultation of up to 15-minutes but the lawyer’s fees will apply thereafter
- Access to a roster of practising lawyers in BC who have signed up for the service
- Great option for clients with higher income who are seeking to hire a private practising lawyer.
- Through LRS, clients can access a free initial consultation of up to 15 (previously $25 + tax with the CBA), but beyond that time and if the client chooses to hire the lawyer, the lawyer’s rates would apply
EVERYONE LEGAL CLINIC
www.everyonelegal.ca / 778.200.4478
- Low cost, fixed fee legal services. This is not for pro bono legal help.
- Legal services are provided by articling student clinicians who are supervised by clinic lawyers.
- Services are primarily provided virtually, however the ELC does have clinicians located in 16 communities all over the province.
Another resource that may be of assistance:
People’s Law School
BC Non-Profit dedicated to making law accessible. Provides free education and information for various legal needs. Beagle+ can quickly answer inquiries.
The Law Foundation of British Columbia
To advance and promote a just society governed by the rule of law, through leadership, innovation and collaboration. Law Foundation of British Columbia website ↗.
Povnet
Where to find a legal advocate. Povnet website ↗.
Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER)
Lower income seniors renting in the private market may be eligible for a rent supplement through SAFER. Visit SAFER website ↗ for more information.
TRAC – BC Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre
TRAC’s purpose is to promote the legal protection of residential tenants across British Columbia by providing information, education, support and research on residential tenancy matters. TRAC website ↗and other organizations page ↗.
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
CLAS is a non-profit law firm serving people in BC since 1971. They provide legal assistance and work to advance the law to address the critical needs of those who are disadvantaged or face discrimination. They participate in meetings with RTB. CLAS website ↗. They can help prepare and represent at higher BC court when RTB fails, see Losing your housing ↗. They produced a few informative reports, includingsome about rentals. See https://clasbc.net/resources/reports-and-publications/ ↗
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Privacy Guidelines for Landlords and Tenants
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner provides independent oversight and enforcement of B.C.’s access and privacy laws. These guidelines are intended to assist landlords and property managers in discharging their duties under the Residential Tenancy Act in a manner that respects the privacy of tenants and promotes transparency in the operation of landlord and tenant relationships
Looking to Sell?
Selling, buying and the RTB-10 Form
RTB Forms available to download ↗.
Additional information about selling your home ↗.
Information on buying & selling manufactured homes ↗.
The BCMHO has an excellent page on resources for RTB procedures.
Before selling your unit, to maintaining the established pad fee, consult the advice on Request for Consent to Assign a Tenancy agreement which involves filling out the RTB-10 form.
Looking to Buy?
There are steps to put in place for buyers and sellers of a manufactured home that sit on a rental pad that protects the new owners from pad rental fee increases BEFORE the sales transaction happens.
Buying and selling manufactured homes Did you know?
The Residential Tenancy Branch
A Guide for Manufactured Home Park Landlords and Tenants in BC
This guide provides general information about the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act and Regulation.
The Residential Tenancy Branch – Both tenants and landlords have specific rights and responsibilities in a tenancy. For answers to you tenancy questions or to apply for a dispute resolution visit the Residential Tenancy Branch website ↗ Or phone them with your questions at: 604-660-1020 (Lower Mainland) 250-387-1602 (Victoria) 1-800-665-8779 (Elsewhere in B.C.)
The Manufactured Home Park Tenancy ACT ↗. Between the ACT and the REGULATIONS, it has all the current information. Both documents refer back and forth to each other so basically one is no good without the other! It makes it clear what it applies to and what it does NOT apply to. Not to be confused with the Residential Tenancy Act ↗. Landlords and tenants may not avoid or contract out of these Acts or the Regulations. Any attempt to avoid or contract out of this Act or the regulations is of no effect. The law is the law.
Q & A
Question: Are their any rules regarding collecting annual fees from tenants and holding those fees in a bank account for park social events?
Answer: Since this involves homeowners turning over money it invites a lot of questions. The MHPTA and regulations only govern what is called a park committee which is composed of the landlord and homeowners. If enacted they usually fall apart as the landlord refuses to show up so nothing can be legally enacted. The next one is a homeowners park committee composed solely of homeowners. We have information on how to start one. Then there is the social committee. A social committee can function on it’s own, decide who it’s members are and can ask but not force homeowners for money as fees for socials, garage sales etc. Be very wary if the landlord starts his own committee, chosen by the landlord.
Question: Most sites in our park currently pay around $500 per month rent. The landlord has issued a notice that on sale new tenants must pay $800 per month, and will not agree to or allow assignment of tenancy agreements. Is this legal?
Answer: Maybe BUT Sec 28 (1) (a) of the Act states: If the proposed purchaser has obtained written consent or is deemed to have obtained that consent then assignment is allowed. RTB-10 form asks the consent of the landlord or is deemed to have obtained it. It is the buyers only assurance that current rent and current leases are guaranteed. Google RTB-10 to view the six reasons a landlord can say no. Landlords reasons can be challenged at arbitration.
Provincial Associations
Manufactured Home Owners
The Lower Mainland Manufactured Home Owners Association
The umbrella organisation for lower mainland communities including large cities, towns and villages along both banks of the Fraser River, from Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody on the north side and Surrey on the south side up to and including Hope and area. Lower Mainland Manufactured Home Owners Association website ↗.
The Penticton & District Manufactured Home Owners Association
Helping homeowners from Summerland to Osoyoos and Keremeos to Princeton. Penticton & District Manufactured Home Owners Association website ↗.
Manufactured Home Parks are a source of affordable housing in BC. On this website we provide timely and accurate information for our members in order to educate them about their rights and responsibilities. The material on this website does not constitute legal or professional advice and is presented as information only. Neither the Active Manufactured Home Owners Society (BCMHO.ca) or its directors, assume liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on this material. Appropriate legal advice or expert assistance should be sought from a competent professional.