Purpose of the Bill

This bill is designed to create and update standards for rent and payments in manufactured home parks in Minnesota. It aims to protect residents by setting clear guidelines for rent increases, utility charges, sales processes for parks, and by improving safety and transparency in park operations.

Main Provisions

• Uniform Rent Charges: All rents in a manufactured home park must be consistent except for special cases such as lot size or added services.
• Rent Increases: Rent can only be increased once a year, and any increase above 3% must be justified as necessary for health and safety.
• Utility Charges: Park owners must provide itemized utility bills and cannot charge for repairs or services related to interruptions unless compliant with specific rules.
• Digital and Alternative Payments: Residents can choose to pay using digital platforms but must have alternatives such as cash or check without being charged extra fees.

Safety and Maintenance

• Tree Hazards: Park owners must address tree safety hazards quickly, with set timelines for removal or consultations with an arborist.

Sales and Resident Rights

• Notice of Sale: When a manufactured home park is being sold, residents must be notified and given the opportunity to make an offer if represented by an authorized representative or nonprofit.
• Resident Representation: A representative must have support from over 50% of residents to act on their behalf during a sale.

Amendments and Repeals

• Repealed Section: The previous notice requirement for the sale of a park has been updated and integrated into new provisions ensuring wider resident engagement.

Relevant Terms

• Manufactured home park, rent increase, utility charges, digital payment platform, resident representation, sale notice, arborist, safety inspection, itemized billing, nonprofit organization.