Mobilehomes: cooling systems.
The bill amends the Civil Code to ensure that management cannot charge fees for installing cooling systems or dictate the type of cooling systems utilized by residents. Moreover, mobilehome parks must provide adequate cooling for designated common areas when external temperatures rise above specified guidelines. This legislative change aims to create safer living conditions for residents, reducing the risks associated with heat illness, especially among vulnerable populations.
Assembly Bill No. 806, introduced by Assembly Member Connolly, seeks to enhance the rights of homeowners and residents in mobilehome parks regarding the installation and use of cooling systems. Specifically, the bill aims to void and render unenforceable any rental agreement or condition that prohibits or restricts residents from installing such systems. This is a significant step in addressing the need for adequate cooling solutions in mobilehomes, particularly in areas where residents may experience excessively high temperatures in the absence of air conditioning units.
AB 806 articulates clear penalties for entities that willfully violate these regulations, including liabilities for actual damages and civil penalties not exceeding $2,000. The enforcement provisions and attorneys' fees for prevailing parties in compliance actions add a layer of accountability to property management, reflecting growing concerns about tenant rights in mobilehome communities. While the bill has garnered support for protecting residents from arbitrary restrictions, it may encounter opposition from property owners concerned about increased operational costs associated with maintaining compliance.