**Petition to Support the “Indiana Rent Protection for Low-Income and Fixed-Income Households Act”**

To the Indiana General Assembly,

At Santa Delivers (All Year Round) Inc., we are dedicated to creating lasting change for the families we serve. We are proud to propose the “Indiana Rent Protection for Low-Income and Fixed-Income Households Act” to safeguard our most vulnerable community members from excessive rent hikes that could lead to homelessness.

Purpose: 

The Act aims to protect low-income and fixed-income households from unsustainable rent increases, particularly in manufactured home communities and low-income apartment complexes. It addresses the displacement of families living in motels and hotels, which are often excluded from homelessness statistics, and the impact of corporate acquisitions that lead to drastic rent hikes.

Findings & Data: 

1. Families displaced by rising rents are increasingly living in motels and hotels, which are not included in official homelessness counts. Indiana’s 2023 homelessness report shows a significant rise in such families, though official data underrepresents this issue.

2. Since 2019, Indiana has seen a 15% increase in homelessness, with shelters facing severe capacity issues. Many are turning to motels and campgrounds due to a lack of available shelter space.

3. Corporations acquiring trailer parks and manufactured home communities have significantly increased rents, often by up to 40% within two years. This Act seeks to prevent such predatory practices.

4. Trailer parks and manufactured homes are critical for affordable housing but are vulnerable to exploitation. The Act proposes classifying these as protected low-income housing to control rent increases and prevent displacement.

Who is Impacted and How:

Low-income families residing in mobile homes and low-income apartments, where 50% or more of the residents qualify as low-income, are particularly affected by uncontrolled rent increases. These communities often provide the most affordable housing options, but rising rents driven by corporate acquisitions place them at risk of displacement. In many cases, residents in these areas are forced into precarious living situations, including motels or homelessness, due to unaffordable rent hikes. The Act aims to protect these vulnerable populations by regulating rent increases and preventing exploitation of essential affordable housing. This bill will protect thousands of low-income and fixed-income households across Indiana, including:

- Elderly Residents: Many seniors on fixed incomes are struggling to keep up with rising rents and could face displacement.

- Single-Parent Families: Families already managing tight budgets could be pushed into homelessness by even minor rent increases.

-Disabled Individuals: People with disabilities often have limited income and face significant financial strain from rent hikes.

-Low Income Families: Families that struggle to make above the poverty level and face significant strain when mobile home cooperation companies buy out mobile parks and enforce a 50% rent hike pushing families out of their home and into hotels and shelters. 

What is at Stake:

Without legislative action, many residents in mobile homes and low-income apartments may face severe rent increases, leading to potential displacement and homelessness. The affordability and stability of housing for a significant portion of Indiana's low-income and fixed-income residents are at risk. The loss of these critical housing options will exacerbate existing homelessness issues and undermine community stability. The Act's provisions are crucial to ensuring that these communities remain accessible and affordable for those who need them most.

If this bill does not become law:

- Increased Homelessness: Without rent protections, more families will face eviction and homelessness, further straining our already overwhelmed shelters.

-Economic Hardship:  Rising rents will force families to choose between paying for housing and other essential needs, such as food, power, water and healthcare.

- Community Impact: The ripple effect of increased homelessness and financial instability will impact local economies, schools, retail store, grocery stores and healthcare systems.

Why Now is the Time to Act:

The situation has reached a critical point where immediate action is necessary to protect Indiana’s most vulnerable residents. Rising rents and corporate buyouts are rapidly increasing the risk of displacement for low-income and fixed-income households. With the current homelessness crisis and growing evidence of exploitative practices, it is imperative to enact protective measures now. The Act will provide immediate relief and long-term stability for thousands of Indiana families, ensuring that affordable housing remains available and secure.  Rent prices are increasing rapidly especially outpacing those in mobile homes , or low income apartments outpacing wages and benefits, leaving many families on the brink of losing their homes.

- Overwhelmed Shelters: Indiana’s shelters are at capacity, and emergency services are stretched thin. Immediate legislative action is needed to prevent a worsening crisis.

-Community Support:There is strong community support for this bill, reflecting widespread concern about the impacts of rent hikes on our neighbors. We must act now to leverage this support and drive meaningful change.

Provisions: 

1. Rent increases for protected housing units shall not exceed 1% annually.

2. Corporate entities acquiring properties with 50% or more low-income residents must maintain affordable rents for at least 10 years, with penalties for non-compliance.

3. Tenants in protected housing will have legal recourse and state-funded assistance if displaced by unlawful rent increases.

4. Landlords must report annually to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and face penalties for non-compliance.

Implementation: 

The IHCDA will enforce the Act, handle tenant complaints, and ensure compliance. The Act will become effective one year after passage to allow for necessary preparations. 

We urge the Indiana State Legislature to enact this legislation to protect vulnerable households and ensure that affordable housing remains accessible to those who need it most.

How You Can Help:

Support Our Bill:  We urge Indiana Senators and Representatives to sponsor and support the “Indiana Rent Protection for Low-Income and Fixed-Income Households Act” in the Indiana General Assembly. Please reach out to us at santadeliversnonprofit@gmail.com

Show Community Support: Sign this   petition to demonstrate your support for this vital legislation. Your voice matters and can make a significant impact in influencing legislative support. 

Spread the Word: Share this petition with your networks. Raise awareness about the importance of this bill and rally others to support our cause.

We need the commitment of our legislators and the power of community advocacy to ensure this bill becomes law. Together, we can protect Indiana’s most vulnerable residents and help them maintain safe, stable housing.

**Sign this petition today to show your support for the “Indiana Rent Protection for Low-Income and Fixed-Income Households Act.”**

For more information and to stay updated on our efforts, visit :

https://santadeliversallyearround.wordpress.com/blog-2/

Thank you for your support.

 

Support our efforts in creating an impact by donating! 

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/PUD4VB7PFFT5N

References:

1. Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, "Indiana 2023 Report on Homelessness," 2023.  

2. National Low Income Housing Coalition, "Out of Reach: Indiana's Housing Costs," 2022.  

3. Manufactured Housing Institute, "Corporate Acquisition of Manufactured Home Communities: Trends and Impacts," 2022.  

4. Private Equity Stakeholder Project, "Corporate Ownership of Indiana Trailer Parks: Rent Increases and Tenant Displacement," 2021.