HF2965

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to revise existing laws regarding manufactured housing in Minnesota. It focuses on amending current statutes to introduce new requirements for notice letters sent to manufactured home park residents and to modify the process for making payments to the Minnesota manufactured home relocation trust fund.

Main Provisions

• Trust Fund Payments: The bill clarifies and adjusts the requirements for payments made by manufactured home park owners to the Minnesota manufactured home relocation trust fund when homes must be moved due to a park’s closure or conversion.
• Payment Exceptions: Outlines circumstances where park owners are exempt from making these payments, such as when a homeowner voluntarily vacates, is evicted, or in cases of abandonment.
• Annual Assessment: If the trust fund balance falls below $2,000,000, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency will assess a $15 fee per licensed lot on manufactured home park owners, to be paid annually.
• Resident Notice Requirements: Mandates that notices to park residents must be clear, including specific deadlines for payment and potential cost recovery by park owners from residents.
• Additional Information: Letters distributed by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency should include information about tax credits and sales notice requirements, along with resources available to park residents and owners.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• New Notice Requirements: Adds the requirement for specific language, font size, and content in letters to residents to ensure they are informed of their financial obligations.
• Fee Collection Adjustments: Allows park owners to recoup the $15 assessment fee from residents either as a lump sum or through monthly installments.
• Legal Enforcement: The bill specifies that certain provisions can be enforced in court, with the possibility of awarding attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing party.

Relevant Terms

• Manufactured housing
• Relocation trust fund
• Park closure
• Conversion
• Housing finance agency
• Resident notice
• Annual assessment
• Tax credit
• Legal enforcement