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 must then agree on a mediator and provide relevant documents to support the proposed increase.

The bill also outlines the mediation process, requiring the mediator to conduct sessions before the proposed increase's effective date and to issue a report on the mediation's outcome. Notably, the report will not be admissible in any subsequent legal actions regarding the lot rent increase. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-6252