RTB-56A – Notice of Manufactured Home Park Rule Change – No Park Committee

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province or State: British Columbia

What is an RTB-56A – Notice of Manufactured Home Park Rule Change – No Park Committee?

RTB-56A is the Residential Tenancy Branch form that a manufactured home park landlord or agent uses to change park rules when the park does not have a park committee. It gives you a standardized way to set out the exact rule change, identify who it applies to, state when it will take effect, and prove you gave proper written notice.

This form is specific to manufactured home parks where residents rent a pad or site and usually own their homes. It falls under the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act, not the regular Residential Tenancy Act. If you rent out an entire manufactured home (not just the site), this is not the right form.

Who typically uses this form?

The park owner, property manager, or authorized agent completes and signs it. Tenants do not fill it out. Tenants receive it, read it, and decide whether to accept the change or challenge it through dispute resolution.

You need this form if you want to change an existing park rule or introduce a new one, and there is no park committee in place. It lets you deliver a rule change that is clear, dated, and enforceable after the proper notice period. You use it because park rules are binding terms of the tenancy once properly introduced, but only if the rules are reasonable, lawful, and clearly communicated.

Typical usage scenarios

• You want to set quiet hours in the park from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. because of repeated noise issues. You use RTB-56A to set the rule and provide written notice.
• You need to update parking rules to address oversize vehicles, guest parking limits, or fire lane access. You issue a revised parking rule with a clear effective date.
• You plan to set maintenance standards for yards and exterior storage to address safety and appearance. You list the standards and give notice to all tenants.
• You add a speed limit of 15 km/h with signage requirements to improve safety. You document the rule and when it will start.
• You align park rules with updated municipal bylaws (for example, prohibiting storage of certain materials). You give written notice through this form.

The RTB-56A is not used to increase rent, end a tenancy, or change a signed tenancy agreement term. It is strictly for park rules. If your park has an elected park committee, you must use the process that involves the committee, not this form.

When Would You Use an RTB-56A – Notice of Manufactured Home Park Rule Change – No Park Committee?

You use RTB-56A any time you plan to implement a new park rule or change an existing one, and no park committee exists. The rule must relate to the safe, orderly, and fair operation of the park, or to reasonable standards for the sites and common areas. It must be clear, reasonable, and consistent with the law and the tenancy agreements in your park.

Here are practical situations. You notice regular blocking of emergency access routes. Fire trucks would have trouble entering the park. You draft a rule that bans parking in designated fire lanes, requires vehicles to be within marked space lines, and authorizes towing after two written warnings. You choose an effective date far enough out to meet the minimum notice period. You serve RTB-56A on all tenants and post updated park rules on the community board.

Winter snow piles are creating slip hazards on common walkways. You want to clarify who clears what. You draft a rule that the landlord will clear common roadways within set time frames after snowfall, and each tenant will keep their own steps and driveways clear. You define acceptable de-icing materials and times for clearing. You use RTB-56A to issue the change with a 30‑day effective date.

Some tenants are storing tires, scrap, and fuel containers outdoors. You want a clear standard. You create a rule limiting outdoor storage to enclosed containers, banning fuel storage beyond small containers for household use, and requiring the removal of scrap within seven days of notice. You include photos or diagrams as an attachment. You serve the RTB-56A to confirm the rule change.

Dogs are off-leash in common areas, causing concerns. You write a rule requiring leashes in all common areas, with designated off‑leash hours in a fenced dog run. You define noise control expectations and waste disposal. You set an effective date and notify all tenants using RTB-56A.

You want consistent standards for exterior changes to homes and accessory structures. You draft a rule requiring written approval before installing sheds, fences, skirting, or decks, with clear guidelines for size, materials, setbacks, and utility access. You also set a timeline for responding to approval requests. You give notice through RTB-56A.

Typical users are the landlord, property manager, or legal agent responsible for the park’s operations. Tenants interact with the form as recipients. They read the proposed rules, adjust behavior before the effective date, or decide whether to apply for dispute resolution to challenge the rule as unreasonable or unlawful.

If your park does have a park committee, you would not use RTB-56A. You would follow the process that involves consulting the committee before issuing a rule change.

Legal Characteristics of the RTB-56A – Notice of Manufactured Home Park Rule Change – No Park Committee

When properly completed, served, and timed, a park rule change delivered on RTB-56A becomes a binding term of each affected tenancy on and after the effective date. It is legally binding because the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act allows landlords to make and change park rules, provided those rules meet statutory criteria and tenants receive proper notice. The form itself is the official vehicle for the notice; the rule’s enforceability depends on the content and the process you follow.

What ensures enforceability?

Several elements work together. The rule must be reasonable. It must relate to the health and safety of people, the security or preservation of property, the quiet enjoyment of tenants, the orderly operation and management of the park, or clear standards for the condition and use of sites and common areas. It must not conflict with legislation, human rights protections, or the tenancy agreement. It must be clear enough that a tenant can read it and know what is required or prohibited. You must give written notice to each tenant, and the rule must take effect only after the minimum notice period has elapsed. You must use a valid service method and be able to prove when and how you served the notice.

Rules cannot be used to increase rent, add new fees, or impose penalties that the law does not permit. For example, you cannot create a “fine schedule” for rule breaches that charges tenants money. You cannot use a rule to limit a right the Act grants, or to discriminate. You should build in reasonable accommodations where needed for disability or family status. If a rule conflicts with a term of the tenancy agreement or with the law, it will not be enforceable to that extent.

Tenants have the right to challenge a park rule as unreasonable or contrary to the law through dispute resolution. If a tenant applies, an arbitrator will decide whether the rule meets the legal test and whether you followed the required process. That is why clarity, reasonableness, and proof of service matter. If a park committee exists, you must follow the committee consultation process. If you use RTB-56A while a committee exists, you risk the change being set aside for not following the proper process.

Once a rule change takes effect properly, it is enforceable like a term of the tenancy. You can issue written warnings for non-compliance, require corrective action, and, if necessary, apply for orders or end tenancies where the breach is serious, ongoing, and meets the legal grounds. Always start with clear communication and reasonable steps before escalating.

How to Fill Out an RTB-56A – Notice of Manufactured Home Park Rule Change – No Park Committee

Follow these steps to complete the form correctly and avoid disputes about service or timing.

1) Confirm there is no park committee

• Before you start, verify that no elected park committee exists in your park. Ask tenants or check your records from recent tenant meetings. If a committee exists, stop and use the process that involves the committee. This form is only for parks without a committee.
• Be prepared to state on the form that no park committee exists. The form includes a confirmation to that effect.

2) Identify the park and landlord

• Enter the legal name of the landlord or the landlord’s company. If you are an agent or property manager, include your name and your authority to act.
• Provide the park’s full name and civic address. Include the postal code. If the park has multiple phases or sections, specify them.
• Include a reliable mailing address and contact email/phone for the landlord or agent. This helps tenants ask questions before the effective date.

3) Identify who the notice applies to

• List each tenant’s full name as shown on their tenancy agreement. Include the site or pad number for each tenancy.
• If the change applies park‑wide, you can check the box or note “all tenants in the park.” If the form requires listing, attach a schedule with all site numbers and tenant names.
• If the rule applies only to specific sites or sections (for example, “overflow parking near Sites 80–99”), clearly describe the affected area.

4) Describe the rule change clearly

• State whether you are changing an existing rule or creating a new rule. If you are changing a rule, quote the current rule and then write the new rule. Avoid vague statements like “as needed” or “from time to time.”
• Use plain language. Define any technical terms. Make it easy for tenants to understand exactly what to do.
• Include measurable standards where possible. For example: “Yard grass must be maintained under 10 cm” is clearer than “keep yards tidy.”
• If helpful, attach diagrams, maps, or photos that show parking zones, storage areas, or restricted spaces. Label any attachments “Schedule A – Parking Map,” and reference them in the form.
• Explain the purpose in one sentence. You do not have to give reasons, but a short rationale helps demonstrate reasonableness. For example: “This rule supports fire lane access.”

Examples of good rule language:

• Quiet hours: “Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. No amplified sound outdoors during quiet hours.”
• Speed limit: “Maximum vehicle speed in the park is 15 km/h. Post the limit on your vehicle dashboard when using visitor parking.”
• Yard standards: “Keep yards free of debris. Cut the grass to under 10 cm. Store items in closed containers or within sheds. No outdoor storage of tires or fuel containers.”
• Parking: “Do not park in fire lanes or block driveways. Oversized vehicles must use overflow lots marked on the map. Guests may park for up to 48 hours.”
• Pet control: “Pets must be on leash in common areas. Pick up pet waste immediately. Aggressive behavior is not allowed.”

5) Set a lawful, effective date

• Choose an effective date that gives at least the minimum notice period after tenants are deemed to have received the notice. Build in extra time if you are using mail or any method with delivery delay.
• Do not set an immediate effective date. A rule change must not take effect until the minimum notice time has passed.

6) Attach the full set of updated park rules

• Attach a complete, current copy of the park rules that includes the change you are making. Tenants should be able to see the full rulebook in one place.
• Show version control. Include a header such as “Park Rules – Updated [Date]” so tenants can tell which edition applies.
• If you are only changing a single rule, you can still attach the full rule set and highlight the changed clause.

7) Complete the service details

• The form includes a section to record how and when you served the notice. Fill it out for each tenancy. State the service method (for example, personal delivery, leaving it in the tenant’s mailbox or mail slot, registered or regular mail, or electronic service if the tenant has consented to that method).
• Record the date of service. If you use mail, note the mailing date and understand the deemed‑service timeline before setting your effective date.
• Keep copies of everything you served, plus proof of service (photos of posted notices, mail receipts, or signed acknowledgments if obtained). This is critical if a dispute arises about timing.

8) Sign and date the form

• The landlord or authorized agent must sign and date the form. Print your name and title clearly.
• If you are an agent, ensure your management agreement authorizes you to issue rule notices. Keep that agreement on file.

9) Deliver the notice to every affected tenancy

• Serve each tenant using a valid service method. If a tenancy has more than one tenant, serve all of them unless the Act allows service on one to count for all. When in doubt, serve each named tenant.
• Consider a duplicate service where issues are sensitive. For example, both email (if consented) and personal delivery. The most conservative approach eases proof concerns.

10) Post and communicate

• Post the updated rules in a common area if you maintain a bulletin board or online portal for the park. These supplements do not replace individual service.
• Send a brief cover letter or note highlighting the change, the effective date, and who to contact with questions. This reduces confusion and avoids needless disputes.

11) After service: manage questions and challenges

• Be available to answer questions. If a tenant raises a concern, address it promptly. A minor clarification can prevent a dispute.
• If a tenant applies for dispute resolution to challenge the rule, gather your evidence. Be ready to show why the rule is reasonable, how it supports safety or orderly management, and that you served it properly. Bring copies of the notice, proof of service, maps, and any incident logs that prompted the change.

12) Enforce the rule after the effective date

• Start with education. Issue a friendly reminder when you see a first breach after the rule takes effect.
• For repeated breaches, document your communications. If non‑compliance continues, seek direction consistent with the Act, which may include enforcement through dispute resolution.

Practical drafting tips to avoid problems:

• Keep rules consistent with the Act and human rights obligations. Build in exceptions or accommodations processes where needed.
• Do not use rules to impose new charges or penalties. If the Act does not authorize a fee, you cannot add one by rule.
• Avoid vague terms like “as determined by management.” If discretion is needed, tie it to objective criteria and timelines.
• Think about how you will measure compliance. If you cannot measure it, rewrite it.
• Align rules with municipal bylaws and fire code. You can reference those standards directly in the rule.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Setting an effective date too soon because you forgot the time required after service. Give yourself a buffer.
• Serving only one tenant on a joint tenancy when the other is the main contact on file. Serve all named tenants.
• Changing a rule that conflicts with a signed clause in the tenancy agreement. If there is a conflict, the rule will not prevail.
• Creating rules that are punitive or discriminatory. These will not be enforceable.
• Failing to attach the full updated rules. Tenants should not have to assemble the rulebook from multiple notices.

Example: Completing key fields on RTB-56A

• Landlord/Park: “ABC Park Ltd., 123 Maple Road, Town, BC V0V 0V0. Contact: Park Manager, 555‑123‑4567, manager@abcpark.ca.”
• Tenants/Sites: “All tenants, Sites 1–110” or list tenants and sites on Schedule A.
• Rule change: “Current rule 4.2 (Parking): ‘Residents may park in designated areas.’ New rule 4.2 (Parking): ‘Do not park in fire lanes or block driveways. Oversized vehicles (over 6 m) must use the overflow lot shown on Map A. Guests may park up to 48 hours. Vehicles without valid plates will be towed after two written warnings.’ Rationale: ‘Ensures emergency access and orderly parking.’”
• Effective date: “April 30, 20XX.”
• Attachments: “Schedule A – Tenant/Site List; Schedule B – Updated Park Rules dated March 30, 20XX; Schedule C – Parking Map A.”
• Service: “Personal delivery to Sites 1–60 on March 30, 20XX; mailed to Sites 61–110 on March 30, 20XX.”

How tenants should read and respond:

• Read the rule carefully and check the effective date. If you have a concern about reasonableness or need an accommodation, raise it promptly.
• If you plan to challenge the rule, act quickly. Do not wait until after the effective date.
• Keep your copy of the notice. It becomes part of your tenancy record.

By using RTB-56A correctly, you put a lawful, clear rule change in place with the required notice. You protect safety and order in the park while respecting tenants’ rights. The key is clarity, proper timing, and fair application.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Landlord. This is the person or company that operates the manufactured home park. On the RTB-56A, the landlord is the one issuing the Notice of Manufactured Home Park Rule Change – No Park Committee and is responsible for completing, signing, and serving it.
• Tenant. This is the person who rents the manufactured home site (often called the pad). The tenant receives the RTB-56A and must follow valid park rules after the effective date. If you manage the park, the “tenant” is each household you must serve.
• Manufactured home site (pad). This is the specific plot of land a tenant rents for their home. Rule changes can affect the use of the pad, such as parking or yard maintenance. On the RTB-56A, you identify the park and apply the rule changes to all affected sites.
• Park rules. These are written rules that govern day-to-day use of the park and common areas. Examples include parking, noise, pets, landscaping, and use of amenities. The RTB-56A is the official notice used to communicate changes to these rules when there is no park committee.
• Rule change. A rule change adds, removes, or modifies a park rule. The RTB-56A sets out the exact text of a new or amended rule so tenants can see what will change. Avoid vague language; write the full, final wording on the form.
• Effective date. This is the date when the new or changed rule starts to apply. You must enter a clear, effective date on the RTB-56A. This date must respect the notice period required by the governing tenancy law, so choose it carefully.
• Service (delivery) of notice. Service means how you give the completed RTB-56A to tenants. Acceptable delivery methods are defined by the governing tenancy rules. Record how and when you served the notice, and keep proof.
• Park committee. Some parks have a tenant park committee that must be consulted on rule changes. When there is no park committee, you use RTB-56A to issue the notice directly to tenants. The form’s title makes this clear.
• Common areas. These are shared spaces, such as roads, recreation rooms, and green spaces. Many rule changes relate to common areas. On the RTB-56A, describe any common area impacts so tenants understand what will change in those spaces.
• Compliance. Compliance means following valid park rules after the effective date. The RTB-56A alerts tenants to the new or changed rules. After you serve it and the effective date passes, you may enforce the rules, following applicable procedures.
• Dispute resolution. Tenants may challenge a rule change through the dispute process available under the governing tenancy framework. The RTB-56A does not start a dispute itself, but it becomes key evidence if a challenge arises.
• Recordkeeping. This is the practice of keeping copies and proof of service. Retain the RTB-56A, your delivery records, and any supporting materials. Accurate records help you demonstrate proper notice and timelines.

FAQs

Do you need a park committee to change the rules?

No. If your park has no park committee, you use the RTB-56A to give tenants written notice of the rule changes. The form stands in place of the committee consultation process. Make sure the form lists the exact rule text and a clear effective date, and that you serve it properly.

Do you have to provide the entire rulebook or just the changes?

Provide the full text of each new or changed rule on the RTB-56A. Avoid “track changes” or partial excerpts that require cross-referencing. If a rule is being replaced, write the complete new rule. You can attach an updated rule set for clarity, but the form should still display the exact language of the changes.

Do you need tenant signatures to make the changes effective?

You do not need each tenant’s signature for the notice to take effect. The form becomes effective once it is properly completed, served, and the notice period has passed. If tenants sign to acknowledge receipt, keep those acknowledgments. They are useful proof of service but not a legal requirement for validity.

Do you need to apply the rule change to all tenants?

Most park rules apply to all tenants for consistency and fairness. If a rule targets a specific area, amenity, or limited group (for example, a particular parking area), state that scope. Be cautious about rules that appear selective. If the rule does not apply to all, explain the objective criteria that define who is affected.

Do you need to reissue the form if you find a typo?

It depends on the typo. If the typo creates ambiguity or could mislead tenants (for example, the wrong effective date or incorrect rule number that changes meaning), reissue a corrected RTB-56A and reset the timeline. If the typo is minor and does not affect meaning, keep a note of the correction and notify tenants in writing, but consider reissuing if there is any risk of confusion.

Do you need to translate the notice?

Translation is not required, but it helps tenants understand the change. If you know some tenants have language barriers, consider providing a translated summary alongside the official English notice. Make clear that the RTB-56A in English is the official version. Keep a copy of any translations you provide.

Do you need to file the form with any authority?

The RTB-56A functions as notice to tenants. You typically keep it in your files and serve tenants. You may need to produce it later if a dispute arises. Confirm whether any additional filing or posting is required for your park, and follow those steps if they apply.

Do you need to give reasons for the rule change?

You do not need to include reasons on the form. But providing a brief rationale builds understanding and reduces disputes. You can add a one-paragraph cover note explaining why the rule is changing and how it benefits safety, maintenance, or community standards. Keep the form itself factual and precise.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the RTB-56A – Notice of Manufactured Home Park Rule Change – No Park Committee

Before you sign and serve

• Gather your current, full park rules. Confirm what you are changing.
• Draft the exact text of each new or amended rule. Use plain language.
• Decide the effective date. Ensure it respects the required notice period.
• Identify who is affected. All tenants or specific areas? Define the scope.
• Prepare attachments if needed. Include maps, schedules, or amenity rules.
• Verify park names and addresses. Match lease and park signage exactly.
• Confirm all tenant households and delivery addresses. Update your list.
• Plan your service method and timing. Build in enough time for delivery.
• Create a distribution log template. Include tenant name, site number, delivery method, date, and initials.
• Prepare a brief cover note. Explain the purpose and summarize changes.

During completion and signing

• Enter the landlord’s full legal name and contact details. Check accuracy.
• List the manufactured home park name and civic address. Avoid abbreviations.
• Write the full text of the rule change. No cross-references required to understand it.
• State the effective date clearly in YYYY-MM-DD format. Avoid confusion.
• Identify any limited scope. Note which areas or tenants are affected, if not universal.
• Initial any attachments. Label them (for example, “Schedule A – Parking Rules”).
• Sign the form. Include printed name and title. Date your signature.
• Number pages and attachments. Use page X of Y so nothing gets lost.

After signing and serving

• Serve each tenant using an approved delivery method. Note the method and date.
• Complete your distribution log for every household. Include signatures if obtained.
• Post a notice in a common area if appropriate. Do not replace individual service.
• File a complete package. Keep the signed RTB-56A, attachments, and proof of service.
• Update your park rulebook. Replace outdated rules with the new versions.
• Update internal procedures. Train staff on the new rule and enforcement steps.
• Set reminders. Track the effective date and any grace periods you offer.
• Prepare a Q&A handout. Help tenants understand how to comply.

Common Mistakes to Avoid RTB-56A – Notice of Manufactured Home Park Rule Change – No Park Committee

• Using vague or incomplete rule wording. If tenants cannot tell what is required, they cannot comply. Vague rules invite disputes and inconsistent enforcement. Don’t forget to write the full, final text of each rule on the form, not just a summary.
• Setting an effective date that ignores the required notice period. An invalid timeline can void the change or delay enforcement. Don’t forget to build in the full notice period and add time for delivery, weekends, and holidays.
• Serving only one adult per household without tracking delivery. If you cannot prove service to each tenancy, you risk unenforceable rules. Don’t forget to log service for every site and keep receipts or acknowledgments.
• Burying key limits in attachments without reference on the form. Tenants may miss critical details if they do not know an attachment exists. Don’t forget to reference each attachment on the RTB-56A and label it clearly.
• Changing rules that conflict with tenancy agreements or governing law. Conflicts can trigger challenges and damages. Don’t forget to review your existing agreements and ensure the new rule fits within the allowed scope.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form RTB-56A – Notice of Manufactured Home Park Rule Change – No Park Committee

1. Serve tenants promptly and document delivery. Use a delivery method that meets the service rules. Update your distribution log as you go, and collect acknowledgments when available. Keep originals and copies together.
2. Communicate the change in plain language. Provide a short cover note or Q&A that explains what is changing, why, and by when. Point tenants to any attachments, maps, or schedules. Invite questions and provide a contact person.
3. Post supportive notices in common areas. Reinforce the change with signage when relevant, such as new parking layouts or amenity hours. Signage supports compliance but does not replace individual service of the RTB-56A.
4. Update internal operations. Train staff, contractors, and security on the new rules. Adjust patrols, maintenance schedules, or access controls to match the change. Align any third-party service agreements with the updated rules.
5. Monitor the transition period. Track questions and issues. Offer reasonable guidance and, where appropriate, a short grace period to help tenants adjust. Document any exceptions you grant, including dates and reasons.
6. Prepare for disputes. Keep a complete file: the signed RTB-56A, attachments, proof of service, cover notes, and any tenant communications. If a tenant challenges the rule, you will need clear records showing what changed, when, and how notice was given.
7. Handle amendments or corrections. If you need to adjust the rule before the effective date, issue an amended RTB-56A. State that it replaces the prior notice. Serve it again and reset timelines. If a minor clarification is needed after the effective date, notify tenants in writing and update your rulebook.
8. Maintain ongoing compliance. After the effective date, enforce the rule consistently. Apply the same standards to all tenants who are subject to it. Record incidents, warnings, and resolutions. Consistency reduces disputes and supports fairness.
9. Archive records securely. Store the RTB-56A, distribution logs, and related materials for your standard retention period. Use a system that allows quick retrieval by tenant name, site number, and date. Back up digital records.
10. Review outcomes. After a few months, evaluate whether the rule achieved its purpose. Note any unintended impacts and consider refinements. If a change is needed, plan the next RTB-56A with better wording or implementation steps.