The purpose of this bill is to provide protections to residents of mobile home parks, and, in connection with this, to appropriate funds.
This act amends the “Mobile Home Park Act” and the “Mobile Home Park Act Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program” to:
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Residents of the park should be able to request the landlord or the landlord’s representative to attend up to two public meetings each year;
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A landlord is responsible for repairing any damage to a mobile home or lot resulting from the landlord’s failure to maintain the park’s premises;
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Clarify the events that trigger a park owner’s intention to sell the park so that notice can be given to homeowners;
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The period within which a group or association of mobile home owners can make an offer to purchase a park should be changed from 90 to 180 days, and the time period can be tolled in certain circumstances;
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If a public entity accepts an assignment of a group or association of mobile home owners‘ right of first refusal;
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Clarify a landlord’s obligations to inform home owners of the terms and conditions of an offer to purchase a park that the landlord will accept and to negotiate in good faith with them;
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If the land comprising the park is changed in use, the landlord must compensate the mobile home owner who has not given notice to terminate the lease or rental agreement and has been displaced as a result of the change in use by paying a reasonable amount for moving the mobile home to a location within 100 miles of the park, or the fair market value of the mobile home before the change in use, or $7,500 if it is a single-section mobile home, or $10,000 if it is a multi-section mobile home;
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By imposing fines for violations or filing for injunctive relief in district court, the department can enforce statutory provisions concerning the notice of intent to sell or change the use of the land;
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Investigate and enforce statutory provisions protecting mobile home owners;
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If a party fails to respond to a division subpoena, clarify the procedures and penalties;
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Ensure that the division takes immediate action in response to complaints or violations that will harm mobile home owners immediately;
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Ensure that landlords refrain from harassing or coercing mobile home owners in order to obtain their signatures or to influence their decision about a purchase;
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Identify criteria for determining when a mobile home park rule or regulation that limits a home owner’s right to control the use, appearance, and structure of a mobile home is enforceable;
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A landlord cannot interfere with a mobile home owner’s right to sell a mobile home to the buyer of their choice, except in limited circumstances;
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Require the retention of records by landlords; and
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Establish penalties and remedies available in private actions for landlords, homeowners, and residents.
