Michigan House Bill HB5157

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/17/23
• Refer: 10/17/23

Caption

Mobile homes: other; mobile home commission act; revise. Amends title & secs. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14 & 16 of 1987 PA 96 (MCL 125.2302 et seq.) & adds secs. 16b & 16c. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5160'23, HB 5159'23, HB 5158'23, HB 5161'23

Impact

If enacted, HB 5157 will significantly change the landscape of mobile home park regulations in Michigan. One key provision allows the commission to approve rent increases for mobile home parks based on documented operating and capital expenditure increases, ensuring that owners have avenues to manage their businesses sustainably. Conversely, it also establishes safeguards against unjustifiable rent increases, which can protect tenants in case of sudden spikes in costs, maintaining a balance between the rights of landlords and tenants.

Summary

House Bill 5157 aims to amend the Mobile Home Commission Act in Michigan, focusing on creating a more robust framework for the licensing, regulation, and management of mobile home parks. This bill establishes the powers and duties of a newly formed Manufactured Housing Commission, which will oversee the development of a comprehensive mobile home code that governs various aspects of mobile home parks including operating standards, construction, and safety measures. The bill also seeks to enhance safety for residents by codifying requirements for inspections of mobile home parks and mandating that local governments follow federal guidelines for setups and installations.

Contention

The bill has faced some criticism regarding its implications for local governments and tenants' rights. Some stakeholders fear that the centralized nature of regulation could hinder local governments' ability to enforce stricter safety standards tailored to their communities' needs. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential for increased rent due to the streamlined processes for landlords to apply for rent hikes, questioning if the protections against unjustifiable increases will be strong enough to safeguard tenants from exploitation.

Provisions

Key provisions also include the requirement for mobile home park owners to notify the state of any sale of their parks or changes in ownership, enhancing transparency and regulatory oversight. The bill seeks to streamline the application process for licenses required to operate mobile home parks, making it more difficult for unlicensed operators to remain in business while simultaneously ensuring that licensed operators meet specific standards to protect residents and their rights.