As a resident of Montana who deeply cares about the welfare of my community, I am gravely concerned about MCA 7-1-111 connected to MT Senate Bill 105, which has a direct and devastating impact on mobile homeowners and tenants like me. This bill ignores the unique challenges faced by mobile homeowners because they rent the land under their homes. Moving, if possible, requires permits and is extremely expensive. There are few places left to move to that are not being purchased by investors.

MCA 7-1-111 (26) prevents local governments with self-government powers from controlling the amount of rent charged for private residential property.  Municipalities are better aware of what guidelines are needed to control rent rates and prevent unreasonable rent increases. They get impacted by the displacement of the needy. Communities facing steep lot rent increases should have the ability to have fair, locally tailored protections.

We call on Montana lawmakers to:

   1.  Repeal MCA 7-1-111(26)

   2. Remove other state-law barriers that would prevent cities and counties from adopting lawful manufactured home lot rent protections

  3. Establish statewide minimum protections, including clear advance notices of increases and a fair process for residents to review proposed increases. 

Statistics show that across states like Montana, mobile home communities are being purchased by investors with no concern for residents who rely on this affordable housing option. However, with some communities experiencing rent increases of up to 40% in a single year, many families face the grim prospect of being priced out of their homes. For seniors on fixed incomes and families striving to make ends meet, this is not just an inconvenience, it's an existential threat to their way of life.

Manufactured home communities are an important source of housing in Montana. It is crucial to recognize that mobile home residents contribute significantly to our local economies, by paying taxes and as customers of local businesses.  They are our neighbors, workers, retirees. Their well-being directly affects the health of our broader communities. Implementing fair rent control policies would not only provide relief and security to these residents but also helps to let mobile homeowners keep their homes and not depend on public housing, which is already over-crowded and have wait lists that exceed two years.  Owning a home should offer stability, even when the land beneath is rented.

The solution is clear: the state must give the power to implement fair, consistent guidelines to control rate increases. We urge our lawmakers to listen to their constituents, the very people they have sworn to serve, and take immediate action to oppose this bill.

Sign this petition asking the Montana Legislators to repeal MCA 7-1-111 (26) and protect manufactured homeowners and residents. By signing this petition, you are advocating for a fairer, more compassionate approach to housing that takes into account the unique circumstances of mobile home residents. Stand with us to protect affordable housing for all. Let’s show our representatives that we care deeply about housing justice and community stability. Please sign and share this petition today.

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