This bill proposes the establishment of a new chapter in Title 23 of the North Dakota Century Code to regulate mobile home parks, including provisions for appointing receivers to manage parks with revoked licenses due to serious violations. It details the conditions for appointing a receiver, their responsibilities, and the process for terminating receivership once compliance is achieved. The bill also introduces definitions related to the overseeing department and specifies accounting procedures upon the termination of receivership. Additionally, it amends existing sections of the law to require new owners to obtain a license within thirty days of purchase, impose penalties for operating without a license, and mandate advance notice to tenants regarding changes to park rules.

Moreover, the bill sets limits on late fees, prohibiting monthly late fees from exceeding ten percent of the rent and daily late fees from exceeding five dollars. It establishes civil penalties for violations, with fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or actual damages, plus attorney's fees. The district court is granted the authority to suspend a mobile home park license for violations, ensuring tenants can remain in the park during the suspension and preventing changes to park rules or rental agreements. Importantly, the bill provides tenants with a defense against eviction if they can demonstrate that their landlord violated specific provisions, thereby enhancing tenant protections and ensuring fair treatment in eviction proceedings.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 23-10-03, 23-10-04, 23-10-06, 23-10-06.2, 23-10-12, 47-10-28
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Paulson: 23-10-03, 23-10-04, 23-10-06, 23-10-06.2, 23-10-12, 47-10-28
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 23-10-03, 23-10-04, 23-10-06, 23-10-06.2, 23-10-12, 47-10-28
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Kasper: 23-10-03, 23-10-04, 23-10-06, 23-10-06.2, 23-10-12, 47-10-28
Enrollment: 23-10-03, 23-10-04, 23-10-06, 23-10-06.2, 23-10-12, 47-10-28