Residents of N.S. mobile home park seek refunds for alleged unlawful water charges

Ninety-one residents of Woodbine Mobile Home Park in Beaver Bank, N.S., have filed for hearings to recover what they claim are unlawful water charges. They argue that a recent small claims court ruling supports their case against their landlord, Westphal Court Ltd. The tenants have been required to pay for water and install meters, while others in the park have not. Legal workers say this practice violates regulations that state utilities should be included in rent for land lease communities. The landlord is appealing the small claims court decision that awarded money to two tenants, but the new filings indicate growing support among residents for a collective claim. The outcome of these hearings could affect many tenants in similar situations across the province.