Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) is now accepting applications from residents and landlords of mobile home communities for tenancy-related disputes, including return of security deposits and disputes over damages.
Access to the RTDRS was made possible for Albertans in these communities by government legislation passed in May.
Root Cause Issues
In addition to being granted full access to the RTDRS, residents and landlords of mobile home communities are invited to participate in an online survey about other issues and concerns they have. Albertans will have four weeks to complete the survey, closing December 13, 2020.
The survey can be found at: www.alberta.ca/mobile-home-site-issues-engagement.aspx
“I heard clearly last year, that access to dispute resolution services was only part of the solution for residents in mobile home communities. This survey will help Alberta’s government identify other concerns that are best addressed through other departments or levels of government.”
– Nate Glubish, Minister of Service Alberta
“Access to the RTDRS for resident in Alberta’s mobile home parks will allow for quicker and less expensive resolution to disputes. This puts these residents on the same playing field as other renters and landlords in the province and will free up valuable space in our court system. The changes to dispute resolution are a direct result of consultation with Albertans and I am pleased that the Minister is continuing to improve processes for mobile home residents with further consultation.”
– Roger Reid, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod
Results from the online survey will be reviewed by officials from the departments of Community and Social Services, Health, Municipal Affairs, and Seniors and Housing, with additional work as necessary by the departments of Infrastructure, Justice and Solicitor General, and Transportation. Service Alberta will provide assistance if needed.
Quick Facts
- The RTDRS is a faster, less formal and less expensive alternative to the court system that helps resolve tenancy disputes for Albertans renting residential properties and mobile home sites.
- The RTDRS was launched in 2006 and now receives more than 11,000 applications annually.
- Landlords and tenants can file applications for remedies of up to $50,000 through the RTDRS.
- Currently, urgent applications (related to eviction and ending tenancies) are being heard within 10 to 15 business days after filing, and other applications (e.g. security deposits, damages) are heard in about 30 to 45 business days.
- The RTDRS application fee is $75, while provincial court fees can range from $100 to $200.
Submitted by Mackenzie Blyth
780-913-5803
Mackenzie.blyth@assembly.ab.ca
