VICTORIA—The Campbell government has quietly passed a new policy that may lead to steep rent increases for British Columbians living in manufactured homes, New Democrat Housing Critic Diane Thorne said today.

“Last week, Housing Minister Rich Coleman quietly changed the rules for landlords of manufactured homes, allowing them to raise the rent at a steeper rate,” said Thorne. “This will be a tremendous burden for tenants of manufactured homes, many of whom are seniors and families with low-incomes.”

On July 18 a new policy was implemented by cabinet order, empowering landlords of manufactured homes to increase rents above and beyond the four percent per year that is currently allowed. Under the new rules, landlords can pass along any increases in property taxes or utility fees directly to tenants in addition to the four percent.



Thorne noted that there is no burden of proof in the new regulations, which means landlords don't have to show where increased costs have come from. She added that tenants may see their rents increase significantly in September, when rate increase statements go out.

“I would like to know if the Housing Minister even spoke with tenants of manufactured homes or their representatives before plowing ahead with this policy,” said Thorne. “Or will they only find out about the increase when they get a notice in the mail?”

“This change in policy is another nail in the coffin for affordable housing in the manufactured home sector. And it shows that the Campbell government just doesn’t care about addressing the crisis facing renters in this province,” said Thorne.

There are approximately 100,000 manufactured homes in B.C