General Assembly advances bill limiting lot rent increases for mobile and other manufactured homes
Hutchison, Moen, and McCann Stamato bill would protect residents from excessive rent hikes
NEW JERSEY – Legislation that would limit annual rent increases that landlords can charge mobile home owners and other manufactured home park residents cleared the General Assembly Thursday. Assemblymen Dan Hutchison and William F. Moen, Jr. and Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato sponsored Bill A3361.
“While we are all well aware of the rising cost of living, most mobile and manufactured home owners live on a fixed income and are experiencing significant lot rent increases with no real justification,” said Hutchison (D-Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic). “I am committed to making New Jersey more affordable and I believe this legislation takes a step in that direction for these residents.”
The legislation would prohibit landlords of mobile home parks and manufactured home parks from increasing tenants’ lot rents by more than three percent over the course of a 12-month period. The rent includes lot fees, such as license fees charged by the landlord to the tenant, as well as tax surcharge costs passed on to the tenant, and any other special expenses.
“Placing a three percent annual cap on rent increases would help ensure that mobile and manufactured home owners aren’t burdened with sudden and unexpected rent hikes that could lead them to being priced out of their homes,” said Moen (D-Camden, Gloucester). “Assembly Democrats are focused on preserving and expanding affordable housing in New Jersey and this bill would be crucial in those efforts.”
“Housing affordability is crucial for residents in our state and by capping rent hikes for mobile home lots ensures that residents have stable housing that has feasible pricing,” said Stamato (D-Hudson). “This legislation would ensure mobile homeowners are not priced out of their homes, offering peace of mind to thousands of families across our state.”
Williamstown resident and mobile home owner John Romano was among those testifying during the hearing when it passed the Assembly Housing Committee last year.
“My wife and I are not wealthy, but we are lucky enough to not have to worry about where our next meal is coming from,” said Romano. “I cannot emphasize enough what a positive impact a statewide rent leveling ordinance would make on the lives of countless mobile/manufactured home owners in the state of New Jersey, especially for our seniors.”
Under the bill, landlords would be able to petition the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) for rent increases beyond the three percent cap in situations where the present rental income is insufficient to cover the tax increases or capital improvements to the property. Before filing the petition, landlords would be required to notify tenants. Failure to do so, or comply with the three percent cap, could result in penalties of up to $1,000 per violation per unit.
