It’s become clear in recent years that Iowa law does an injustice to homeowners living in manufactured housing communities – also known as mobile home parks.
This week, members of the Iowa Manufactured Home Residents Network visited the State Capitol to fight for fairness and share their stories with lawmakers. They asked for checks and balances in a one-sided system that is attracting unscrupulous landlords who see an opportunity to profit from vulnerable, disabled and low-income Iowans.
As out-of-state corporations have purchased manufactured home parks in several Iowa communities, we’ve seen a spike in complaints concerning:
· Rent increases of up to 69%.
· Utility fees that exceed the landlords’ costs for service.
· Arbitrary fees and fines.
· Evictions for no reason that have resulted in residents losing homes they’ve bought.
A bipartisan group of legislators want to update Iowa Code Chapter 562B to make our laws fairer to manufactured homeowners and curb predatory practices. SF 2238/HF 2351 would make four changes to Iowa law:
1. Eviction: Require “good cause” for eviction.
2. Rent increases: Mandate 180-days’ notice of rent increases, limit increases to once per year and require an explanation if the increase is more than the rate of inflation.
3. Enforcement: Give the Iowa Attorney General authority to enforce the mobile home park laws under the Consumer Fraud Act.
4. Equity: Provide mobile homeowners the same protections afforded apartment renters.
