S.1194 - Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights Act of 2025 aims to establish minimum consumer protections for residents of manufactured home communities by conditioning federally backed financing on the implementation of these protections in lease agreements. This bill mandates specific tenant rights, including lease terms, notice requirements for rent increases, grace periods for rent payments, and rights related to the sale and subleasing of manufactured homes. It also establishes a commission to propose additional consumer protection standards and requires the development of a standard site-lease agreement.
Expected Effects
The act will likely increase the security and stability of housing for residents of manufactured home communities by providing them with greater legal protections and recourse against unfair practices. It may also lead to increased costs for owners of these communities due to compliance requirements, potentially affecting rents or investment in new communities. Ultimately, this bill seeks to balance the interests of tenants and property owners in the manufactured housing sector.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Tenant Security: Provides tenants with greater protection against arbitrary rent increases and lease terminations.
- Improved Lease Terms: Mandates 1-year renewable lease terms and clear notice requirements for rent increases.
- Increased Housing Stability: Protects tenants' rights to sell their homes in place and sublease their lots.
- Greater Transparency: Requires disclosure of sale or closure plans for manufactured home communities.
- Establishment of Lending Standards: Creates a commission to develop additional consumer protection standards.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Costs for Owners: Compliance with the new regulations may increase operational costs for community owners.
- Potential Rent Increases: Owners may pass on increased costs to tenants through rent increases, offsetting some of the intended benefits.
- Reduced Investment: The new regulations may discourage investment in new or rehabilitated manufactured home communities.
- Complexity of Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with the regulations and resolving disputes may be challenging.
- Potential for Litigation: The new regulations may lead to increased litigation between tenants and community owners.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on consumer protection and housing standards aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution. While the Constitution does not explicitly address tenant rights, the bill aims to promote fairness and stability in housing, which can be seen as contributing to domestic tranquility and the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).