SF3166

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to create additional requirements for notice letters related to closures or changes in use of manufactured home parks in Minnesota. It specifically addresses payment responsibilities for the relocation trust fund and provides guidelines for assessments levied on manufactured home park owners.

Main Provisions

• Payment to the Relocation Trust Fund: When a manufactured home park is closed or converted for another use, the park owner must pay a specified amount to the Minnesota manufactured home relocation trust fund. The amount depends on whether the home is single-section or multi-section, and how much the actual moving or purchasing costs are.

• Exemptions from Payment: Park owners are exempt from making payments if they relocate residents at their own expense, if the home is abandoned, if the owner is not current on lot rent, or if the park closure results from eminent domain exercises by government bodies.

• Annual Assessment: If the fund balance is below $2,000,000, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency will assess each park owner $15 per licensed lot. Notifications are to be sent by July 31 to ensure payment by December 15.

• Resident Notification: Park owners must notify residents about the $15 assessment and payment deadlines. Notices must clearly indicate that the fee is mandatory for residents who own and live in manufactured homes.

• Assessment Collection and Usage: Park owners can recoup the $15 assessment fee through a lump sum or monthly payments from residents. The collected fees are deposited into the trust fund, and records of collections and any deductions are maintained.

• Legal Enforcement: The provisions in this bill can be enforced via legal action, with prevailing parties eligible to receive attorney fees and court costs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces specific guidelines for notice letters regarding park closures or changes in use.
• Expands details on the assessment process, including resident notification and recovery of assessment fees by park owners.
• Includes new penalties for non-compliance enforceable through court action.

Relevant Terms

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, manufactured home relocation trust fund, eminent domain, assessment fee, resident notification, legal enforcement, attorney fees.