PennsylvaniaState office would review manufactured home disputes and proposed rent increases
Manufactured home community owners and lot renters could ask a state office to settle disputes through free complaints and decisions that could be appealed.
What it does
In manufactured home communities, lot renters, community owners or operators, and home renters where ground rent is paid could file free complaints. Decisions would bind parties unless overturned on appeal.
Pending rent increases, community rules, and evictions would pause during an investigation, except yearly increases no higher than the federal cost-of-living increase. Rent increases found unreasonable would be blocked.
Either side could appeal the state official’s decision to a hearing board for $100. If the board sides with the original complainant, the person complained about would pay that fee.
Argument forFree complaints and binding decisions could help manufactured home renters resolve disputes without first bringing their own court case.
Argument againstInvestigations could delay owners’ rent income while increases above the yearly cost-of-living threshold are reviewed, even if later allowed.
More detail
The state dispute office would investigate complaints and try to help both sides reach an agreement. A community would mean a site with at least three manufactured homes used or planned for living or sleeping. The office would have 21 days after receiving a complaint to decide it. The act would take effect 60 days after becoming law.
The state dispute official would block proposed yearly rent increases found unreasonable. Yearly increases no higher than the previous calendar year’s federal cost-of-living increase would avoid the pause, but residents could still challenge them. Owners would have to refund or credit rent increases found unreasonable. The pause would run from the start of an investigation through the official’s final decision.
Either side in a complaint could appeal the state official’s decision to a hearing board. Each appeal would require a $100 filing fee. The person complained about would pay that fee if the board rules for the original complainant. A party could appeal the board’s decision to Commonwealth Court within 20 days after a copy is formally delivered.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 26Referred to Urban Affairs & HousingIntroduced
HousingConsumer Protection