The proposed bill amends the Mobile Home Park Act to enhance protections for residents and establish fair rent practices. Key changes include a new definition of "landlord" to clarify responsibilities, the inclusion of "manufactured home" in the definition of "mobile home," and the establishment of a "mobile home parks work group" tasked with developing recommendations for regulatory frameworks and rent increases. The bill stipulates that after July 1, 2025, landlords can only increase rent once a year, with specific limits on the percentage of increase based on prior rent amounts. Additionally, landlords are required to maintain utility lines and provide residents access to utility records, while residents must notify landlords of any utility interruptions.

The bill also introduces civil penalties for landlords who violate provisions of the Mobile Home Park Act, with increased penalties for specific violations related to utility services. It allows residents to withhold rent under certain conditions if utility issues persist. The work group created by the bill will consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from state entities, landlords, and residents, and will report its findings and recommendations to legislative committees by specified deadlines. The effective date for these provisions is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 47-10-2, 47-10-23
JC substitute: 47-10-2, 47-10-20, 47-10-23