Bill > LD1723

This bill amends Maine's laws governing manufactured housing communities by introducing new requirements for rent and fee increases. The legislation mandates that owners of manufactured housing communities must provide tenants with a detailed 90-day notice before implementing any rent or fee increases. The notice must include specific information such as the owner's contact details, the proposed increase amount, the average lot rent and fees for comparable communities in the area, and the allowed increase based on the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast Region. If the proposed increase exceeds the allowed increase, tenants can request mediation if at least 51% of households in the community sign a written request within 90 days of receiving the notice. The mediation process requires the community owner to pay for an independent mediator and must occur within 30 days of the mediation request. If the community owner acts in bad faith during the mediation process, the proposed rent or fee increase cannot take effect for at least six months. The bill aims to provide manufactured home owners with more transparency and a mechanism to challenge what they perceive as excessive rent or fee increases.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1723&snum=132