Legislation to help protect owners of manufactured homes from unreasonable and unexpected ground rent fees has passed the House Urban Affairs Committee, Reps. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) and Rick Taylor (D-Montgomery) announced today. 

If enacted, the law would apply to homeowners who reside in communities in which they own their homes but rent the land on which they are located. 

“Most seniors who reside in these communities are living on fixed incomes and certainly cannot afford any ‘surprise’ increases in their monthly expenses, especially during these difficult economic times,” Harper said. “Consumers deserve to be able to make informed choices about where they choose to live; this legislation will ensure they get the information they need.” 

“It cannot be overstated how passionate I am about this issue and providing help to seniors who are living on fixed incomes” Taylor said. “I have met with countless constituents regarding this issue who all agree with me that slapping higher rental fees on tenants with no warning or merit is an egregious business practice and must be stopped”.  

House Bill 2212 requires owners of manufactured home communities to provide potential lessees with  a disclosure that includes information on how and when rent can be increased, a three-year history of the rental rate for the tenant’s lot, and information regarding the facilities, rules and regulations of the park.   

If a rental agreement is executed prior to the community owner providing the ground rent information, the tenant may choose to void the lease within 15 days after receipt of the document.  

The bill now goes to the full House for consideration. 

Rep. Kate Harper
61st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(610) 277-3230
(717) 787-2801
Member Site:  KateHarper.net
Contact: Patricia A. Hippler
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 772-9846
Caucus Site:  PAHouseGOP.com