An Act To Amend Title 25 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Maintenance And Time Computation In Manufactured Home Communities.
The bill mandates that landlords in manufactured home communities maintain common areas such as streets and grounds to prevent issues like standing water and ensure the operational integrity of utility services leading to tenant homes. Additionally, it establishes that the maintenance of trees in these communities must align with previously recognized industry standards, specifically the ANSI A300 Tree Care standards. These changes are aimed at improving living conditions in manufactured home communities, potentially leading to enhanced tenant satisfaction and community quality of life.
House Bill 39 aims to amend Title 25 of the Delaware Code, specifically addressing the maintenance responsibilities of landlords in manufactured home communities and clarifying time computation for legal periods. This legislation proposes that for any designated period of time that is 12 days or less, weekends and legal holidays shall not be counted. This is a significant change from the previous law, which only exempted weekends and holidays for periods that were less than 7 days. By extending this exemption to 12 days, the bill seeks to provide residents with more legal time for various actions related to their rental agreements.
The sentiment surrounding HB 39 appears generally positive among proponents who believe it improves tenant protections and environmental management within manufactured home communities. They argue the bill enhances clarity concerning maintenance roles and makes the regulations more accessible and reasonable for both landlords and tenants. However, there may be concerns among landlords regarding increased operational burdens and potential costs associated with expanded maintenance requirements.
A notable point of contention may arise regarding the definition of 'guest or visitor' in the legislation, which explicitly excludes business invitees from the tenant’s definition of a visitor. This may reflect broader issues of tenant rights and the extent of landlord authority over their communities. Debate may also center around whether the increased maintenance obligations could lead to higher rents or reduced availability of manufactured homes, thereby impacting the housing market's affordability.