The proposed bill seeks to strengthen the regulation and oversight of mobile home parks in North Dakota by introducing a new chapter in Title 23 of the North Dakota Century Code. It allows the department of health and human services to appoint a receiver when a mobile home park's license is revoked due to serious violations or health and safety threats. The bill details the conditions and responsibilities associated with receivership, as well as the process for terminating it once compliance is achieved. Additionally, it clarifies the roles of the commissioner and the department in managing mobile home parks and amends existing licensing and operational requirements, including the necessity for new owners to obtain a license within thirty days of purchase.

Moreover, the bill establishes new regulations regarding late fees and eviction defenses, capping monthly late fees at ten percent of the rent and daily late fees at five dollars. It introduces civil penalties for violations, with fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, and allows for the suspension of a mobile home park license by the district court for non-compliance. During any suspension, tenants must be allowed to remain in the park, and the license holder cannot change park rules or tenant agreements. Importantly, the bill provides tenants with a defense against eviction if they can prove that the landlord violated specific provisions, ensuring that courts cannot order an eviction if they find in favor of the tenant. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance tenant protections and promote fair treatment in mobile home park management.

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