We won everything! No increase for the sewer. (Posted February 10, 2015)

Hello everyone.
So, let the bells ring out.  The Residential Tenancy Branch has ruled in our favour.  It’s a long, six page ruling but it came down to one issue and that is the savings accruing to the owner because of the shift from septic to city sewer.

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Here is the final quote from the RTB Arbitrator, Mr. Maddia:

“I find, from the landlord’s submission that while the landlord did invest a large capital amount to convert sewage disposal services from septic service to municipal sewers in the amount of $1,179,329, that landlord will now, as a result, enjoy an operating cost reduction in the amount of at least $26.26 per month per site or $50,419 per year.

Residential tenancy policy guideline #37 states that where expenditure incurred on the repair or renovation has been, is anticipated to be, or will be reimbursed or otherwise recovered, a rent increase will not be ordered.  As such and pursuant to section 33 (3) (d) of the Manufactured Home Park Regulation, I find the landlord will be able to recover the cost of renovations completed to convert from septic to municipal sewers.

Conclusion

Based on the above, I dismiss the landlord’s application for additional rent increase.”

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For me, this shows the importance of working together.  Had we not had a local committee, chances are we’d be paying an additional half million dollars over the next few years.

Cheers
Wally Schmidt on behalf of your Hidden Valley Neighbourhood Committee