Lehigh County Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt is proud to support Senate Bill No. 745 which is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee.

Manufactured home lessees in Lehigh County, and throughout Pennsylvania, have seen dramatic fee and rent increases. In response, State Senator Judith Schwank has introduced Senate Bill No. 745, which is co-sponsored by Senator Nick Miller.

The legislation is designed to protect manufactured home residents by capping annual rent increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), while allowing for justified increases to cover operating expenses or repairs.

“When the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission presented the Lehigh Valley Housing Supply and Attainability Strategy for Lehigh County to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, they stressed the lack of affordable housing in the Lehigh Valley. Recent cost increases in lot rentals are threating the viability of manufactured homes, a significant source of affordable housing.”

“I have had the opportunity to speak with several residents navigating these increased costs and the repercussions to their family budget. Through these conversations, I am proud to support the approval of Senate Bill No. 745.”

The proposed bill amends the Manufactured Home Community Rights Act to strengthen the rights of manufactured home residents, particularly in relation to resident associations and the management of rent and fees. Additionally, it establishes guidelines for reasonable rent and fee increases, requiring community owners to provide advance notice and justifications for any increases, particularly those related to extraordinary operating expenses or capital improvements.

The bill further allows lessees to seek legal recourse for any rent increases imposed in violation of the specified sections of the law, thereby enhancing protections for residents against unjustified rent hikes and ensuring their involvement in community management decisions.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Diana Scholl