My 89-year-old mother lives on a fixed income and, like many others in her situation, she chose to reside in a mobile home park because it was an affordable housing option. However, over the past few years, lot rents in mobile home parks have increased significantly without any regulation. These hikes have put an enormous financial strain on residents like my mother, leaving them with fewer options to make ends meet or forcing them to leave their homes behind.

Mobile home parks are one of the last affordable housing options for many seniors, low-income families, and those living on fixed incomes. Yet, without regulatory measures in place, the owners of these parks are able to increase lot rents at an alarming rate, disproportionately affecting those who can least afford it. According to research, lot rents have increased by an average of 5% annually, but in some cases, have been reported to go up by as much as 10% each year. This is simply unsustainable and contributes to housing instability and homelessness among the elderly and vulnerable populations.

We need legislation that caps annual lot rent increases to ensure they are fair and in line with inflation rates and local economic conditions. States like Oregon have already taken action by passing laws that limit annual rent increases for mobile home park lots to no more than the lesser of 7% plus inflation or 10%. It is time for other states to follow suit and implement similar measures.

We urge local and state legislators to create and enforce regulations that protect residents of mobile home parks from exorbitant rent hikes. By ensuring fair and predictable rent increases, we can protect vulnerable populations from unnecessary financial burdens and foster stable, affordable communities.

Please sign this petition to support regulation of lot rent increases in mobile home parks and protect our seniors and low-income families from being priced out of their homes.