Providing for resident associations and group meetings; further providing for disclosure of fees; providing for reasonable increases in rent and fees and for justified rent increase to support extraordinary increases in operating expenses; and further providing for damages.
Impact
The legislation recognizes the existing challenges faced by residents of manufactured home communities, where escalating lot rents can make housing unaffordable. By instituting regulations governing rent increases and mandating transparency in fee disclosures, the bill aims to create a more stable environment for low-to-moderate-income families living in manufactured homes. This legislative effort underscores the need to address the significant shortage of affordable housing in Pennsylvania which has been linked to increased homelessness and economic instability.
Summary
House Bill 1250 is aimed at regulating rental practices in manufactured home communities in Pennsylvania. It proposes a structure for reasonable annual increases in lot rents, capped between 2% and 4%, tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Northeast Region, with provisions for extraordinary circumstances. The bill seeks to provide protections for tenants against sudden rent increases and to ensure that landlords can maintain a fair return on investment while also safeguarding residents from exploitation, particularly in the face of rising costs and evictions that have been reported in many communities.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around HB 1250 is supportive among those advocating for tenant rights and affordable housing, who view the bill as a necessary step towards preventing tenant exploitation. However, there may be contention from landlords and property owners who argue that strict regulations could hinder their ability to manage properties effectively and may reduce investments in maintenance and improvements. There is a spectrum of opinions, reflecting broader debates about balancing renter protections with property rights.
Contention
Key points of contention include the limitations imposed on landlords regarding rent increases and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight. Critics may argue that such regulations could lead to reduced incentives for property owners, potentially resulting in decreased maintenance of manufactured home communities. Conversely, supporters emphasize the need for accountability and predictability for residents who face the threat of becoming homeless due to unaffordable rent hikes, thus advocating for a balance that supports both tenant stability and landlord interests.
Further providing for title of act; in purpose, short title and definitions, further providing for definitions and construction; in organization of the board, further providing for appointment and terms of members and quorum; in licenses of milk dealers, further providing for grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation; in moneys and expenses of board, further providing for expenses and for payment; and, in saving provisions, repealing provisions relating to Joint Study Committee.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in subdivision and land development, further providing for grant of power and for contents of subdivision and land development ordinance; and, in zoning, further providing for ordinance provisions, providing for accessory dwelling units and further providing for zoning purposes.
In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in tobacco product manufacturers directory, further providing for directory, for certification, for required information, for agent for service of process and for records and reporting and providing for nonparticipating manufacturer and importer joint and several liability and for surety bond requirements; and imposing duties on the Office of Attorney General.
In tobacco products tax, further providing for definitions, for incidence and rate of tax, for licensing of wholesalers and for licensing of retailers and providing for electronic nicotine delivery system directory.
Providing for electronic waste recycling; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; establishing the Advisory Committee on Electronic Waste Recycling; and imposing penalties.
Providing for electronic waste recycling; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; establishing the Advisory Committee on Electronic Waste Recycling; and imposing penalties.
Providing for electronic waste recycling; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; establishing the Advisory Committee on Electronic Waste Recycling; and imposing penalties.
Providing for industrial resource centers; continuing the Industrial Resource Center Program; providing for powers and duties of the Department of Community and Economic Development; and making a repeal.