Understanding HR2461: Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights Act of 2025

The Manufactured Housing Tenant’s Bill of Rights Act of 2025 introduces several key protections for tenants living in manufactured home communities. One of the main changes is that it requires community owners to offer one-year leases that can be renewed for another year unless there is a good reason not to renew. This means tenants can have more stability and less worry about being suddenly evicted. The bill also addresses rent increases and new charges. Community owners would need to give tenants a 60-day written notice before introducing new charges or increasing rent. If the rent increase is more than 5% of the previous rent, a 90-day notice is required. This gives tenants more time to plan and adjust their budgets. For tenants who own their manufactured homes, the bill allows them to sell their homes without having to move them. They can also post "For Sale" signs and have 45 days to sell their home after an eviction. This provision helps tenants avoid the high costs of relocating their homes. Additionally, the bill sets limits on when a tenant can be evicted. Evictions would only be allowed for specific reasons like breaking the lease terms or community rules. This aims to prevent unfair evictions and provide tenants with clear reasons if they are asked to leave.

This bill could have a significant impact on the lives of millions of Americans living in manufactured home communities. These communities are home to about 22 million people, many of whom are seniors or low-income families. By providing more stability and protection against sudden rent hikes and evictions, the bill aims to make housing more secure and affordable for these residents. For everyday Americans, this means less fear of losing their homes due to arbitrary decisions by community owners. It also empowers tenants to have more control over their living situations, such as being able to sell their homes without the added burden of moving them. In a broader sense, the bill seeks to address the affordable housing crisis by making manufactured home communities a more viable and stable option for housing.

- Prevents Arbitrary Evictions: Provides stability with renewable leases and good cause requirements for non-renewal. - Curbs Unjustified Rent Hikes: Requires advance notice and justification for rent increases, protecting against sudden financial burdens. - Eases Late Payment Penalties: Offers grace periods for rent payments, helping those on fixed incomes avoid eviction. - Protects Home Sales: Allows in-place sales, reducing the financial burden of relocating homes. - Empowers Tenants: Gives tenants a say in community sales, potentially preventing displacement by new owners.

- Increases Compliance Costs: Community owners may face higher administrative expenses, potentially leading to higher rents. - Limits Business Flexibility: Restrictions on evictions and sales could deter investment in manufactured home communities. - Risks Reduced Financing: Tying federal loans to compliance might reduce available financing, affecting community development. - Potential Rent Inflation: Owners might find ways to justify rent increases, undermining the bill's intent. - Federal Overreach: Critics argue it imposes federal mandates on private property, conflicting with state laws.