The bill S.34, introduced by Senators White, Clarkson, and Major, aims to lower the allowable rate of increase for mobile home lot rents in Vermont. It amends 10 V.S.A. § 6252 to stipulate that a mobile home park owner cannot propose a lot rent increase that exceeds one percentage point above the U.S. Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers, specifically the Housing Component. Additionally, if a majority of affected leaseholders dispute the proposed increase within 15 business days, the Commissioner will facilitate mediation by providing a list of qualified mediators. The park owner and leaseholders' representative must select a mediator within five business days, and the mediation process must occur before the proposed increase's effective date.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the mobile home park owner during mediation, including the requirement to provide relevant documents to support the proposed increase. The mediator will issue a report on the mediation outcome, which will not be admissible in any subsequent legal actions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-6252