There
is a flurry of legislation from coast to
coast aimed directly at the manufactured
housing business. It would take page
upon page to explain it all here, so contact
MHI or your state association if you want
to help (and believe me, they can use your
help!). Here are just a few samples
of what’s going on:
• On a national level FHA Title 1 legislation is on hold pending the resolution
of issues raised by the Consumers Union about park closures, home depreciation,
predatory lending and other consumer concerns.
• A possible FHA Title II Leasehold Mortgage Program is in the works and
some progress has been made including the limitation of requiring a permanent
foundation on each home (some see this as an unnecessary addition expense ---
I think it’s a necessity).
• Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE’s) like Fannie Mae and Freddie
Mac are due for major reform on the eve of accounting scandals and concerns of
sufficient affordable housing initiatives. This could bode well for us
and we are their best source of affordable housing loans.
• The unquestionable right of landlords to sub-meter water in your community
may be granted if MHI can draft a legislative fix, given that the courts have
ruled adversely in this regard. The legislative fix means that we would
need to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) is the new head of the House Financial
Services Committee and he is a friend of our industry. His understanding
of our products and how well we serve the housing needs of American’s may
prove to be the key to us getting some much needed relief on Capitol Hill.
• Many states are facing adverse legislation regarding community closures
and rent control, but Illinois, Washington, California and Oregon seem to have
the hardest uphill battle ahead of them. Washington State is getting particularly
hard hit with a variety of bills, including the residents cry for first right
of refusal on any community sale and rent control-style guarantees for residents. If
you own an MH community in Washington State contact Ken Spencer at MHCW immediately
and find out how you can help. 360-753-8730.
• In California a group called Neighborhood Friends has organized and is
proving to be a formidable foe to MH community owners.
• In Illinois a Chicago TV reporter has made it her mission to protect
residents of MH communities who she feels have had their rents increased unjustly,
causing the Illinois legislature to take-up the subject.
• In Oregon, we have the Manufactured Housing Landlord/Tenant Coalition,
which has managed to work together to bring what is being drafted as compromise
legislation to provide financial relief for residents of manufactured home communities
that are being closed. Also state agencies are creating coop models and
other funding mechanisms that will assist residents who want to purchase their
community.
