Senate Bill 1027 introduces significant changes to the regulations governing mobile and manufactured home communities in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that community owners provide written notice to residents at least 12 months prior to selling or changing the use of the community, granting residents the right to purchase the community under these circumstances. Additionally, the bill requires community owners to negotiate in good faith with residents and allows residents to assign their purchasing rights to qualified entities. It also stipulates that community owners must pay all applicable fees and comply with licensing standards before selling the community, and if the community lacks an emergency shelter, one must be constructed before any sale.

Furthermore, the bill establishes tax incentives for community owners who sell to homeowners associations or nonprofit organizations, provided the sale is approved by a majority of residents. It restricts rent and fee increases, requiring advance notice and limiting increases based on the consumer price index. The bill also mandates annual inspections of manufactured home communities by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and allows residents to file complaints regarding community operations. Notably, the bill repeals the ability for local governments to issue permits for manufactured home communities, centralizing regulatory authority with the DSPS. Violations of the bill can result in fines, and residents are empowered to take civil action against community owners.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 101.935(2)(a), 101.935, 101.935(2)(e), 101.935(2m)(a)(intro.)